Everything Has Changed //Ryan Blaney//

2.9 - Easier

Ryan

Tuesday had passed in a blur, bringing Wednesday upon us quicker than I wanted. With work consuming most of my daytime, I had unintentionally left Sienna to figure out the Eleanor trip. The time that I remembered was when I was just getting ready to start the second Penske game of the day. By the time I called Sienna, she had made up her mind: she was going to let her go, even with the nerves, but knowing that was normal. "As long as you're okay with it?" She had asked me.

I didn't have any qualms about it, knowing that she was in safe hands while with her grandparents. So it had been settled that after school, Sienna would stop by to let Eleanor see me before she left, since they were leaving way before I was going to be home. To say I was bummed was a complete understatement. 

I knew I wouldn't have that much time with her, but I was going to make the most of it. The first game had been a fun indoor RC race, and in the second one, we were outside doing an inflatable obstacle course.

It was a bit cool outside this morning, but it should warm up a little here soon. I was hoping so too because I didn't want El out in the cold for long. With us having so much to do, I knew her being sick wouldn't be a good thing.

"Ryan, you'll be on this team." Sharon pointed me toward the group with Juan, Scott, Simon, Austin, Ricky, and Joey. I nodded my head, liking the guys on my team. I could only imagine Helio being a bit wild at the game.

"Glad she put you over there with Juan, Blaney. Our team will have a chance to win then." Brad joked to me as I walked by the team he was on. I secretly gave him the finger, knowing that I'd probably get myself in trouble for that one. He saw it, laughing as he looked to see if anyone else had.

About that time, Sharon had come by again and explained what they were for, passing out numbers to everyone. I had gotten number seven, which meant I would go last, and I was excited about it.

When the time came, we all got lined up by the little orange cones and waited. It was then that they pointed out that we would be wearing goggles that would impair our vision. Yeah, this should be a complete laughing stock. 

And I was completely right about that. Between Juan not doing the course right, Simon falling flat on his face, and my weird tongue thing, it was a complete and utter laugh fest.

It wasn't until after I dove into the grass to cross the finish line that I realized that Eleanor and Sienna had been standing off to the side. I could hear that sweet laugh from Eleanor a mile away. Celebrating the win with my team for a minute, they announced that they were done for now. Meaning it was lunch time and I'd get to have my girl time.

"Daddy!" Eleanor raced towards me, a big smile on her face. Some of the guys around me looked up and grinned. Obviously, getting the first-hand at seeing Daddy Ryan in action.

"HI, sweetheart. How was school today?" I asked as soon as she was set on my hip. Sienna came closer after talking with Joey for a second. It sounded like she asked him how Hudson and Brittany were doing. I grinned at her, knowing that she was becoming good friends with her and Paige.

"It was a good daddy. We made stuff for Christmas." She said before showing me the paint that hadn't been completely washed off her hands. "Oh yeah, what did you make me?" I asked her, knowing she had been working hard on it.

She shook her head, causing some curls to fall out of her ponytail. "It's a surprise, Daddy."