We Can See STARS

Future Chapter 28: DD & Dhani

"Did they tell you where they were going?" Ana asked me as she crossed in front of the tv and took a seat on the couch next to Dhani.

"Yeah, but I already forgot to be honest. Some lake about 3 hours away."

Dhani then piped up: "Daddy and Asher went to Buck Hanna Lake."

"Where?" I asked her again just after she stuffed her face with popcorn.

"Ba! Haba! Bluk!" We giggled at her as she tried to finish her popcorn and try again.

"Oh! Buchanan Lake!" Ana exclaimed. "Yes! That's right. It's somewhere near Austin."

Just as Dhani snuggled up next to me getting herself comfortable suddenly, Ana's phone rings and lights up as a phone call comes in. "Oh crap, it's work."

"No, no! Don't answer!" I plead. She stares at me with a mom glare for a second before putting the phone to her ear. I turn towards her, hands in pleading position mouthing "pleeeeeeeeease?" with the fervor of a catholic nun. Lightly, I elbow Dhani trying to get her in on it. She looks at me, puts her hands together and with a chocolate stained mouth says, "mommy, peeeeeeeeeeeas?"

Ana rolls her eyes at me causing me to silently cackle while she gets up and takes the call. For the next minute, all we hear is a string of "Yep, really? okay, sure, now?, okay"

When I hear her get off the phone I twist myself on the couch repeating my pleas to get her to stay with us, this time, Dhani joining in on her own. "Pweeeeeeeeeeeeease???"

"Sorry, girls' day is delayed." Ana sighed heavily, clearly not wanting for this time to end.

"Why??? Can't they figure it out without you today?"

"No, it's kind of a big deal. One of the drives went down and James is going completely insane. That doesn't bode well for my afternoon."

"Ugh...that guy is a dick."

"Language, D! There are tiny ears here."

Dhani looked between us, enjoying the chance to be part of a conversation between adults. I looked down at Dhani, "Dhani, that's an inside-the-house word, okay? It's only acceptable when you're at home watching sports okay?" I looked back at Ana, "or if someone is being a dick."

She rolled her eyes at me. Whatever, she knows I'm right.

"But DD, what does that word mean?"

"Tell you what Dhani girl, if you promise to never, ever, ever use it. I'll tell you." And then I whispered, "but not in front of mommy."

"D, you are incorrigible. I've really got to get going. You don't mind-?" She flitted her finger between us.

"What? No? Of course not! I don't think I've had some bonding time with the great Dhani!"

"Yay!" Dhani finally said.

Ana sighed again looking between us and sighed heavily, "I really have a feeling I'm gonna regret this."

We smiled wide back at her, ready for shenanigans. Ana worked out her outfit while Dhani and I looked thick as thieves downing popcorn, opening more chocolates and watching Yellow Submarine.

When she emerged 20 minutes later in a simple T-shirt, jean, sneaker combo, the Beatles were just being gathered together to help the town of Pepperland. "This reminds me of my days with Jojo. I miss that kid sometimes."

"Ugh...Jojo..." Dhani snorted. I had to laugh. He was strong-willed, sure, but Dhani brought new competition to that title from the time she could talk. They loved each other, of course, but would never admit it.