Page 12 of Fourteen Years

“She’s ready.” Monica’s voice came from behind us and I stood again. My ex-wife was adorable. Wearing pajama pants and a sweatshirt two times her size, hair thrown in her usual style, she grinned at me.

“Thank you so much for doing this, Trev. She’s so excited.”

“Always.” I told her.

“Come on down, Lex.” Monica yelled up the stairs.

Lexi walked down slowly, a faint blush to her cheeks. It made me choke up a little bit, realizing how big she was getting too.

Her blue dress was princess-like and glittery, everything a new teenager could want. Monica had curled her hair and put it in an elegant updo. Makeup was minimal and glittery. I noticed the small diamond necklace she was wearing was one I’d given Monica when we’d been dating in high school.

Stepping to the bottom of the stairs to meet her, I took her tiny hand and bowed slightly.

“Lexi, you look stunning.” I said.

Blushing and giggling she twirled in her sparkly, silver, ballet flats as her mom sniffled and snapped pictures on her phone.

“I had this made special for you, kiddo,” I said softly, handing her the corsage container.

Lexi looked at it confused, as Monica giggled.

“You put it on your wrist, dork.” Lacey said, peering over the back of the couch, watching.

“Lacey.” Monica and I scolded at the same time.

“What? Jeez. Sorry. You look pretty, Lex.”

Lexi preened under her older sister’s praise, Monica stepping over to help her open the container.

I knew the moment that mother and daughter saw the charms I’d added to it. Lexi’s tiny fingertips brushed over them gently, the glittery polish on them reflecting the light.

“Trev…” Monica’s voice was soft and tear-filled.

“I just wanted to do something special. He’s here with us.” I said, stepping forward and sliding the piece onto her little wrist. “Figured you all could dry it out and save it. Or I can buy a chain to put the charms on for a bracelet.” I was rambling, nervously.

“It's perfect, Uncle Trevor,” whispered Lexi, “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome, Squirt.” I replied.

“You two better get or you’ll be late for the ball.” joked Monica, still sniffling.

After posing for a couple more pictures and joking about curfews, Lexi and I headed out to her first dance, promising her mother again that I’d take all the pictures.

Riding to the school in my big truck, Lexi squirmed excitedly beside me.

“Nervous at all?” I asked, while some pop princess the teenage girls were obsessed with crooned on the radio.

“No!” she exclaimed, smiling over at me. “I’m so excited. Thank you for taking me, Trevor.”

“You girls have to stop thanking me for this.” I laughed, pulling into the school parking lot. “I’d do anything for all of you.”

Helping her down from the passenger side, she gripped my big hand as we stepped into the gym. It looked like they’d changed things since prom. It looked like some sort of Hollywood level production.

I felt fucking old.

“LEXI!” Nat’s voice screeched as her tiny body barreled into her friend, Lucas walking up shaking his head behind her.

“Hey, man,” he nodded at me. “Nice suit.”

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