But most of all, damnmyselffor not getting out sooner.
Age 14
I don’t think I’ve ever seen Dad so nervous before. It’s honestly kind of cute.
He’s really trying to make an impression. We even went shopping at Trader Joes, and hehatesthat place. Says it’s too overpriced, which, both Alysa and I agree. Though, they have the best chips: Chili & Lime Flavored Rolled Corn Tortilla Chips.
My twin giggles in the doorway as I’m coming down the stairs. She spots me and puts a finger to mouth to shush me.
“Yeah, it’s the blue one halfway down the street. If you hit thecul-de-sac, you’ve gone too far.”
He’s been swooning over Leilani, his girlfriend, for over a year now. For as old as he is, I’m surprised he wanted to take things as slow as he did. I have to appreciate it, though—he wanted to make sure he wasn’t bringing someone into our lives only to leave, just like our biological mother.
It’s one of the many things I love about him. I can only imagine what it’s like to be a single father, and not with one kid, but two?
Pfft. Donotsign me up.
I shuffle as quietly as possible to the hallway where I stand right beside my sister. She puts her arm onto my shoulder and leans against me.
“He’s been bouncing up and down. Where have you been?”
Chuckling, I put my arm around her neck. “Had to get cleaned up. Cheer makes me sweaty.”
“Yeah, you stink when you come home.”
“Hey, that’s so rude! I don’t talk about your chemical smells.”
That has her giggling.
“Ayden? Alysa?” our dad calls to us as if we are upstairs. As we come around the corner, he releases a sigh of relief. “You two are quiet.”
We really weren’t, but I understand he’s nervous. I’m sure fireworks could go off in the backyard and he’d think it was a fart.
A knock at the door makes me suddenly anxious. I suppose it was bound to happen. She’s important to him, but so are Alysa and I. Worlds colliding. I’m sure she wants to make as much of an impression on us as we want to make on her, for our dad’s sake.
“He said she has a son?” My twin whispers the question into my ear. “Did he say how old?”
I shake my head.
Our dad’s shoulders raise as he takes a deep breath, and opens the door, blocking it completely with his frame.
The gentle voice that comes through makes me relax. “Hey, Grant.” She sounds so sweet.
He bends down and gives her a hug, and her black hair comes into view. I’m honestly glad not to see long, manicured nails pressing into his back—just natural, with an off-white color thatcomplements her warm, light-brown skin. I’ve never thought of what a ‘type’ would be for my dad, but I’m glad it’s not some flashy blonde, out for his money.
“Leilani, you didn’t need to get dressed up,” Dad says, placing a kiss on her cheek before he allows her past.
She lets out a softpfft, waving her hand playfully. The moment she sees us standing here in the hallway, her smile grows.
“You must be the twins.” Her bright brown eyes shift between Alysa and I, before she moves slowly toward us. “Hugs or handshakes? I’m good with either of them.”
“You must be—” Dad is cut off by my sister’s voice right in my ear.
“I love hugs.” Alysa meets Leilani halfway and does just that. “It’s lovely to meet you finally. Dad talks alotabout you.”
Her cheeks darken as she pulls away and looks over to me. “Oh, well, hopefully all good things, and I live up to them.” I don’t hesitate to move to offer a hug as well.
I have to bend just a bit, but not much. She can’t be more than five feet, if not just under.
