***IMPORTANT NOTE AT THE BOTTOM***
DOMINICK'S POV
As expected, settling into the new normal is not without it's challenges. There are the expected challenges, such as trying to establish a routine on an unsteady foundations while also navigating through a storm of emotions. Then, there are the challenges that I hadn't considered, such as no longer always having a second person to depend on to help with Mollie. I knew I would be on my own, but I failed to realize all that being alone entails. There is no one else but me to ensure the fridge and pantry are stocked. There is no one else to entertain Mollie and take care of her, it's all me.
Now, I find myself with even more limited time for me to study, handle housework, and take care of my own self. In the limited amount of time between getting out of my summer classes for the day and picking up Mollie, is when I squeeze in any and all errands. I am able to cram in a small study session while Mollie enjoys some screen-time; but it is only after Mollie is asleep, that I cram in taking care of myself with actually studying.
Currently, Tyde, due to her temporary living situation at her mother's house, is unable to take Mollie on in significant capacity. Therefore, her visits consider of her she coming over a couple times a week for a few hours in the evenings until Mollie's bedtime. Typically, during her visits, Tyde will feed Mollie dinner, entertain Mollie, and then handle putting Mollie to bed.
Above all else, the most challenging part has been Mollie's reaction.Mollie's temper, since Tyde moved out, has become unpredictable as she struggles to comprehend and adjust to to all the changes taking place around her.
Hopefully, her upcoming road trip with her Aunt Aria will raise her spirits. Aria and Seth are going on a nearly two-week long road trip, starting the week of Fourth of July. They are planning to spend a couple days in Florida and visit amusement parks with Mollie. Although, having to be separated from Mollie for nearly two weeks is nothing I am keen about, I am glad she has an opportunity to temporarily get away from everything happening right now.
"Daddy." Mollie squeaks out shyly as she pushes the bedroom door open.
"Hmm? What, Buggie?" I say coming out of my thoughts.
"Are we- are we- we going to see, Mommy Nikki?" she asks.
Suddenly I am reminded of what day it is. Sh*t! I slam the textbook shut, accidentally a bit too loud. "Sorry Buggie." I say when I notice her flinch. "Yes, yep. We are going to go see, Mommy Nikki, right now. You are so good for reminding me." I get up and off the bed, trying to formulate what to do next. I should text- no call, Aria to let her know we're running late. No, I should get us ready first and then call. No, wait, call now.. I look back at Mollie who is still dressed in her pajamas and her hair is a nest of bedhead-tangles waiting to be brushed out. Get ready first. I decide.
I gently take Mollie's hand and together we walk to the bathroom. I pull up her little purple stool to the bathroom sink in front of the mirror. Next, I get the hair-detangler spray and Mollie's Patrol Pup hairbrush from the bathroom counter drawer. I squirt a couple sprits onto Mollie's hair and hand her to the brush for her to begin while I search the drawer for a single hair-tie. "I don't get it, I bought a whole new thing of those ties. Where do they disappear to?" I ask. "Is there a secret portal in this drawer or-"
"Daddy, brush stuck." Mollie says with a frustrated whine. I look back at her to find the hairbrush has become entangled in a large tangle of hair.
"It's okay, Daddy's got this." I spray a couple sprits on the tangled clump of hair. I brace one hand gently at the top of Mollie's scalp near her roots, then I pull the brush downward through the tangle. Mollie lets out a yelp of pain, her hands flying up to the top of her head. "I know, Daddy's sorry. Daddy's so sorry." I say. I lean over and give her a kiss on the top of her head. "A couple more brush pulls and then we're done."
YOU ARE READING
No Shame (Book 2 - No Regrets)
Teen FictionThere are events that you hear about but never want to experience. The seams of my old life seemed to finally find their place in the tapestry of my new one. Yet, one horrible day, all the seams were yanked out. Forced to rebuild my life, I find mys...
