My head was in the clouds, and my feet hovered just above ground as I returned home. I really, really, really hate how we got to this place. I really do. But I’m glad we made it. I was in a drunken-like stupor until I reached my address. Even though I said I would deal with the consequences of the kids’ feelings about us being together, I was still nervous about them finding out. Well…Luca finding out. Alessia seems to be on a mission to find out what exactly I do in my spare time, heh.
I opened the front door carefully, expecting them to be in the living room, and prepared for an attack. But they weren’t there. I breathed the biggest sigh of relief and ran upstairs to change my clothes before they spotted me.
Luca was in the kitchen doing homework, so I assumed Alessia was in her room doing hers. Is this new, older Alessia going to cut the cord? She’s usually right up under him. Maybe she liked her room a lot. After dinner last night, I let them decide which bedrooms they wanted. Luca offered Alessia the bigger room with the bathroom since her old room was so tiny. But she chose the smaller room without a bathroom. She said she felt safer in there—whatever that meant. Sometimes, I worry about her. I’m not quite sure what it is, but she seems to be…paranoid about things sometimes. I’m probably just seeing things.
Luca asked where I had been. I told him I was checking out the community center because I would start working from there. Hopefully, my answer satisfied him. I didn’t need two sleuths on my trail.
I asked how he liked the house.
He looked around and nodded approvingly. “It’s nice. I like it. Feels really big, but it’s not.”
“Good. I’m glad you like it. I can’t wait until it warms up so we can get in the pool.”
“Me too,” he said.
Willow Creek spoiled me with its warm springs and falls. I would have broken out my shorts and flip flops by now.
I finished my dinner and went to Alessia’s room to check on her. She sounded a bit bummed when I asked how she fared. I thought it was something related to her friend, but she said she didn’t like school. That sentiment sounded painfully familiar. I guess I didn’t have to worry about putting either of them through university, though I would have gladly done it if they were interested.
“How do you like the house?” I asked.
“I like it.”
“Are you comfortable in here?”
“Yup.”
Oh boy. I guess she’s in a mood. Just as I was getting up to leave, Tofu crawled from under the bed, looking and smelling like she’d been rolling in puddles again. Even though I know Alessia hasn’t accepted her yet, I won’t give up on our original plan. I want to connect with my daughter, and if taking care of a dog together was what she wanted, that’s what we’ll do. I haven’t forced Tofu on her, but I think little nudges may help.
“Tofu needs a bath,” I said. “Want me to show you how to do it?”
“I don’t want that plumming dog in my room!”
“Alessia!! Watch your mouth!”
I scooped up Tofu and held her close. “It’s okay, sweetie. She’s just having a bad day. I’m sure she loves you deep down.”
I took her to the bathtub, hoping one day Alessia would come around. I know she’s upset about us not picking out a dog together, but this grudge she held against Tofu had gone on long enough. Did she intend to despise her forever?
“Even if she doesn’t like you,” I said to Tofu, “it’ll be okay because when they leave, it’ll be just you and me.”
