The Waiting Game

THE WAITING GAME - 31

FEBRUARY 2021

NEW YORK, USA

The next day, Ariana woke up with a smile on her face. Although she slept late last night, she feels well-rested. She would usually be cranky if she did not get enough rest, but that's no longer the case. That was all in the past. The present Ariana is now forward-looking. Someone who's always excited for what's in store for the day.

Or who...

As she slowly opened her eyes, a single stem red rose placed on top of her bedside table immediately caught her attention.

Her smile widened.

After quickly doing her morning routine, Ariana rushed downstairs and looked expectantly around her mother's house for the presence of the person who gave her the rose that immediately made her day.

It was when she reached near the glass sliding door that leads to the backyard that she heard familiar voices and a chorus of laughter.

"I thought you were smart!" Frankie loudly said while laughing.

Traver chuckled. "I never said that!" He replied with a smile before adjusting his hold on the axe. "In my defense, it was mad confusing! I bet you lot would doubt as well." He added before chopping a piece of wood in half.

Ariana's father was doing the same while Frankie was picking up the chopped woods and piling them up in one corner. "Honestly, kid... It was pretty obvious. She literally told you that it's 'start' with a capital 's' then the numbers one to nine."

"No, sir. She said, 'start with a capital S, then type 123456789,' So, I did type S123456789." He defended.

"She meant Start123456789, dumbass!" Frankie yelled, still laughing.

"I know that now!" Traver yelled back as he laughed with him.

"Who even sets up their Wi-Fi password like that?" Edward chuckled.

"Right? Like it was bloody easy to guess!" Traver agreed as he braced himself to chop another wood.

Frankie laughed again. "Yet you couldn't get it right after she literally told you about it." He teased.

Traver paused what he's doing to give Frankie a blank face, but it didn't last long as he laughed himself. "I'm never hearing the end of this, am I?"

Frankie shook his head. "No, you won't..."

"Until you tell us something new, I doubt it, son." Edward smirked.

Ariana's heart swarmed in joy upon watching their interaction. She then decided to make her presence known to the most important males in her life. "Hi, guys! Good morning!" She greeted as she walked towards them. "Hello, dad." She greeted as she reached her father and tiptoed to place a kiss on his cheek. "Frankie..." She said and playfully bumped his frame as she walked towards Traver who was smiling at her. "And hello, my baby!" She excitedly said as she pulled the axe from his grasp and let it rest on the ground before placing his hands on her waist herself and putting her hands on his nape. "Good morning..." She said, beaming.

"Actually, Ari, it's already noon. You slept like a log! Traver has already helped mom shop for groceries, check dad's car, and now chop some wood for the fireplace." Frankie rolled his eyes.

Ariana glared at her brother for a second before turning her gaze back to Traver. She flashed a sweet smile again.

"Hello, Ari... Did you sleep well?"