The Aftermath

Celebration

Lena POV
I slept in, since I didn't have to go to school, but I could hear Dylan downstairs in the kitchen. I assumed he was cooking breakfast, since Josh replied; in the chat, that he wasn't going to stop for breakfast because no one wants to eat cold food. I decided to get up to go help, but as soon as, I walked into the kitchen, he handed me a piece of paper with his writing on it, that reads:

No, don't even think about it. Happy birthday, but we both know I cook better than you plus today is not just any other day. I know it might be a little harder, than most, but it's still going to be a good day, and I just want to say thank you! Now I suggest; you go shower, breakfast will be ready by the time you get back, and Josh should be back around then too.

So, off I went and did as I was told; I took a shower, put on a turquoise low crop top sweater with a leather like skirt that stops just above my knees and left my natural hair out, and I did very little make up. I went downstairs to the kitchen and saw Dylan making the plates, "Why four plates?" He responded to me, by pointing towards the door, so I look out the window and standing by the door is Josh, but I notice he's standing beside a man. I can't see his face very well, so I go outside to get a better look at him. As soon as I see his face, it felt like the breath got knocked out of me because I know exactly who it is... My biological father.

A tear fills my eyes, this is unbelievable, it's him, "Wow."

"Lena this is Lucas; Lucas this is Lena," Josh introduces us.

"Wow is right," he says back. I see tears in his eyes, and I knew in that moment this man would complete my family; Dylan, Josh, and Lucas are all that I need.

We all walked inside and had a seat at the table to eat breakfast. It was nice talking and getting to know each other a little bit better; I found out that he played pro ball, overseas, for almost ten years. When he retired, he became very successful; in investments, but now he mainly supports uprising businesses. Josh filled him in on his own life, and Lucas even asked about Dylan, which was nice. I really appreciated it, because he seemed to genuinely want to know about everyone. Josh told us we would be going to Roosevelt's Row, for the day. They went to get ready since Phoenix is an hour drive. I'm so excited so I went to grab my camera from Josh's room. I had it sitting on the shelf in his closet; my parents got it for me for my last birthday, and I haven't used it much. I'll need it, because there will be different galleries and business, and there will be live performances of people dancing, singing, and spoken word. And I hear the murals there are stunning. I'm looking forward to the live performances, the most, they have always taken me to a place of true bliss. There's nothing like watching self-expression in art form; that's something I want to pursue; rather, it's singing or dance, but not a full time career though, it's definitely something I could see myself doing, at least has a hobby.

Just as I was about to walk out of the room; Josh walks out of the bathroom, at the same time. I nearly jump out of my skin, when I see him. He was wrapped in a towel, that was only covering his lower body, and lord have mercy, this birthday just keeps getting better and better. The way that my body was currently feeling, I know what this is; I just have never actually experienced it before, so what do I decide to do, I run the hell out of there; like my life depended on it. It was a little childish, I know; but I didn't trust myself, I have never wanted to partake in sexual things, until now. I wanted nothing more than to see him in all his glory, and let him have his way with me, but I couldn't right now.

After, about 20 minutes, everyone was finally ready; we hopped in the car. Before we left, Dylan went to the trunk to put inside something he had covered up, I could tell it was large and square shaped; but I decided not to question it. We were off to take the hour drive to Phoenix; the ride was filled with laughter and there wasn't one bit of awkwardness. The best part was that I was able to hear Josh and Lucas share stories about Sophia and not even a hint a sadness was shown.

Roosevelt Row Josh POV

We have been here for three hours and we're all enjoying ourselves, but Lena was enjoying herself the most; we have stopped for every live performance and went into all of the shops to look around. She hasn't asked for anything, but Lucas bought her something from each shop we went to.

It's almost four, and Dylan and I have a surprise for her. When I told him I wanted to come here for her birthday, he told me she would love that. He wanted to give her a painting, so I reserved a spot for them to perform, at a restaurant. Dylan would finish his painting, while she sung a song or spoken word. Dylan was really excited about that, but he didn't say it of course, but his face said it all. I really do love that kid...

"Hey, Dylan, why don't you take the bags to the car with Lucas and meet us at Quiescences," he nodded his head; with a smile on his face. Lena looked confused and I just wanted to kiss her, but I stopped myself because of Lucas. He is her father, after all, and what father would be okay with his daughter dating a man that's closer to his age than hers. definitely NOT Lucas, and now was not the time for him to find out about us. We made it to quiescence and got a table; Lena thought we were just coming here to have dinner. Dylan and Lucas joined us at the table, and everything was going perfect; we order our drinks, and I tell the waiter we need a few more moments to figure out what we want. Shortly, after a woman made her way to the stage, and began speaking, "Our next performance; are first timers, so please show your appreciation, and welcome to the stage; Dylan a painter who will be joined by Lena Renae." Just as the woman said her name, Lena's eyes went wide.

"I knew you guys were up to something," she spoke as she got up to follow Dylan to the stage. Lena stood there for a moment and looked at the crowd, then me, I smiled and mouthed You got this! She returned the smile, turned to the band and began singing.