Page 94 of Damien
“But your parents live like six hours away…” I say in disbelief.
“I’m sure that won’t stop ‘em. They’ve driven further for less important things for us as kids. She’s made quite an impression.”
I’d say. Jules, Trent, and Daisy danced song after song at the reception together, much like I can picture my parents doing if they’d been here. She has everyone wrapped around her finger. I just hope they realize she’s not always smiles and sunshine. Sometimes she’s a torrential terror, too. Thankfully, those moments are few and far between, because when her head starts to spin, no one’s having a good day.
As we walk past a shop, Jules shouts as she points, “Look,” at a giant unicorn that’s likely bigger than her standing on its own in the window.
“Whoa, that’s the biggest one I’ve ever seen!” Damien exclaims. “I don’t even think that would fit in my truck.”
“You’re silly, Dame. You have atruck. Isn’t that what the back is for?”
“I meant the cab. That would be precious cargo—it would need to ride up front, wouldn’t it?” he hedges.
Before either of them gets any crazy ideas, I quickly interject, “There’s no way we’re packing anything like that around when we’ve got an aquarium to explore.”
Damien shrugs in disappointment. “She’s right, squirt. I’m already carrying you—and I’ll want my hands free for the hands-on exhibits. Last time I was here, I pet the coolest sea anemone and octopus.”
“Really?” Jules gasps in excitement. “Momma said we might see a giant dogfish that’s a shark and looks nothing like a dog. Do you think we’ll see that, too?”
“We won’t know until we get there,” I remind her.
“Well, what are we waiting for? Can’t your long legs move faster?” Julia encourages.
“Hold your horses, sassy pants,” I admonish. “We’ve got all day.”
Thankfully, the aquarium is only a few blocks away, and it’s our first stop for the day.
Having purchased our tickets online, we skip the line for admission. Julia’s excitement to explore the hands-on exhibits is almost comical as she hop-skips to each station. Oh,
to be young and full of energy.
Damien grabs my hand as we trail behind her and whispers in my ear, “Don’t ya wish we could see the world through her eyes? So much excitement and wonder. I was just like her at that age.”
“True,” I admit. “Though, there’s no way I would’ve willingly touched an octopus at that age. Something about their tentacles creeped me out.”
“I can see that.” Then he admits, “I was shy at first but couldn’t let Dani outdo me. Then once I did, I got over it, ya know?”
“Oh, I totally get sibling rivalry. Trust me.”
Damien leans in and kisses me quickly. “Damn, you’re adorable, Van.”
His lips on mine make me momentarily lose my train of thought.
Then he whispers, “I absolutely love that look on your face, too,” he whispers then pulls me in the direction of Jules.
Shaking my head at his absurdity, I get about two steps, and my stomach plummets. I swear my heart rate slows, and I feel each pulse flow through my ears.
God, I must be seeing things.
Of course, Damien notices and quickly asks, “What’s wrong, Van?”
As if my tongue is glued to the roof of my mouth, I can’t find the words.
This can’t be happening… I must be seeing things.
Damien’s face fills with concern. “Van, you’re pale. Talk to me.”
“I… uh…” I start, but my eyes dart to Julia instead. There she is completely unaware and carefree. “I swear I just saw Julia’s biological father,” I whisper so Jules doesn’t hear.
