2 kids

The right place.

Ashley.

"Paris?"

My dad looks at me with clear disbelief in his eyes.

Here it is, the look of disappointment in the parent's eyes. One thing children don't want to see. My whole life I tried to do everything the way I wanted, while never disappointing my father. But he never shared his hopes and plans for me, so I assumed he had none. Perhaps I was wrong, and he had plenty.

"Why Paris?"

I just nod, though I know it passes as no valid answer to his question.

"Why Paris?" He repeats his question. "Out of all cities, why Paris?"

I can't seem to detect any anger or disappointment in his voice, just general curiosity. Even his eyes aren't coated with annoyance or any negative emotion. They're the usual soft sky blue colour. Maybe I'm the only one who's looking negatively on this.

Why Paris? It's a question I've asked myself plenty of times. The city of love, the city of elegance and beauty. Growing up and finding the passion for my dancing, I realised there was something drawing me to that city. As if it was calling my name this whole time.

Yet when we moved to New York, that voice grew quieter. It hasn't been as loud ever since I've made this my home. I'm still deciding whether I want to move across the world and start a new life, somewhere completely new and alone. Or I want to start a new life at a place I already know, surrounded and supported by my friends and dad.

I carefully choose my words. "I'm still now sure, I haven't decided. But... I want to continue dancing, I want to study it, dad."

He doesn't say anything, just smiles at me. A knowing smile of a father.

So I continue, "I don't know if I want to stay here in New York or not. See, Paris was my childhood dream, but now... it's still a city I dream of, but I've fallen in love with New York too. And –" Words fail me.

He takes my dad, squeezing it. "You don't need to know yet. Whatever you decide, I'll be supporting you."

"Thank you."

His smile widens, and I get the feeling it's not just because of me. He's thought of something, or someone. His smile leaves me confused, wondering if I really haven't said something wrong.

I tilt my head to the side, furrowing my eyebrows, confused. "Why are you smiling?"

"You're a grown woman, Ashley. You're working for your dreams and it's impressive. I'm proud of you." I'm about to say something, when he continues, completely ignoring me. "I'm glad you've found the friends you have. It did you good. I know you do not want to hear it, but dating Alex and hanging out with these artistic friends of yours has made you see who you truly are."

I roll my eyes.

He's right, I really don't want to hear it. He doesn't have to throw his love for Alex and the others to my face, nor remind me of the heartbreaking reality I'm living in. I'm doing that daily.

"How come you always know the name of my boyfriend but not my friends?"

"I need to know who's ass I'm supposed to kick."

"You never kicked anyone's ass."

"You never let me."

So now it's my fault? "Would you have kicked their asses?"

"Of course I would. You're my only daughter and whoever breaks your heart deserves a beating."

I lay my head on his shoulder and look at the night sky above us.