We walked silently to Tess's house.
I was overcome with both fear, and excitement. If he remembers me, he'll know what I did to his family. Or, he might remember the other times we share together. The good times.
"June?" Day-- Daniel asks "I'm pretty sure her house is this way."
What? I must've been too distracted with my thoughts to see where I was going. "Oh right. Sorry" I gave a sheepish grin
Two young boys ran up to Daniel to greet him.
"Mr. Wing! Is that you?" One boy asks, I notice he's more on the skinny/lanky side. Must be from the slums. The Day I used to know would have noticed this too.
"Yes. Might I ask why?" He responded kindly. Ugh, that voice; Smooth and comforting. I swear, he could drive a knife through my back, and I would love every moment of it.
"Adam! Shut up. He has places to go." the other boy says elbowing the other in his (far too visible) ribs.
"No, no. It's alright." Daniel responds
"Oh. I think I hear someone calling for us," the boy rushes "Got to go, bye!" And with that they were off. I knew they were lying, and I certainly didn't hear anyone calling them.
"What was that?" Daniel asks
"Seems like you're still a celebrity." Oh my god. I can't believe I just said that. If I had a bat, I would certainly hit my head with it ten times over. I made a mental note to never, never make that mistake again.
"What?" He says, confusion filling his voice
"Oh nothing," I desperately try to change the subject "hey! Look, it's Tess's house." Relief, the only thing I felt as we climbed the steps to her home.
Day--Daniel makes three firm knocks on the door. And there it was, in all it's glory, the paperclip ring. Even the second time seeing it was enough to send shivers down my back.
It opened approximately 3.5 seconds later. As if she had been standing at the door waiting for us to arrive.
"June!" Tess greets me "Happy Birthday!"
Daniel turns to me, his face manifested with confusion, "It's your birthday?" He asks
"Uh, yeah." Should I have mentioned that earlier?
"Well happy birthday!" He laughs "Sorry."
I laugh "Oh, no worries."
"Hey, Eden! How are you?" Says Tess. Eden! I forgot he was still there.
"I'm doing great, thanks." He responds
"Here come in, come in." She motions us to enter.
I can't remember the last time I was at her house. I knew it was newly renovated about 6 months ago. Tess invited me over to see it, but work got in the way. I guess I never had the chance to stop by and see.
"Tess... it's gorgeous!" I said in awe.
"Thanks, June. The entrance way, living room, kitchen, and bathrooms were all renovated." She smiled "I'm glad you like it."
"Wow." Daniel muttered
"So, how about we get things started." Tess said
I walk into the living room and take a seat next to Pascao. Day and Eden follow. He greets them as they sit across from us.
"How's the birthday girl, eh?" Pascao laughed
"I'm doing good," I respond "and you?"
"Peachy. Say, how's being the queen of California?"
"Queen of California?" Daniel asked
"It's his nickname for me." I simply state
"Oh, okay." Oh, Daniel. You should hide your expressions better. I think. he was very confused.
"Dinner's ready!" Tess calls from the kitchen. The smell of turkey filling my nose.
"Well Tess, you've done it again," grins Pascao "prepare for another whirlwind love story."
"A whirlwind love story?" I smile
"Between me, and this turkey." he laughs
I don't think I've ever been this happy. I have Daniel back again. And that's all that matters.
