After homework, Miranda pulled out an empty spray bottle, a water bottle, fruity scents, and dried flowers.
"Okay, Layla. I was thinking we could make monster repellent."
"What's that?"
"Your homemade potion to keep the monster away. I want you to draw his face."
Layla nodded and grabbed her crayons. She drew a triangle-headed monster with 3 eyes.
"Ohhh he's a scary thing,"
"So he probably doesn't like beautiful smells. So what smell do you think he would hate? Strawberry, blueberry, or Peach?"
"I think blueberry,"
"Ohhh I love blueberry smells, he probably will hate that, what about the flowers?"
"The purple, pink, red, and yellow."
"I couldn't agree more," Miranda replied dropping the flowers inside the bottle.
"Hey," Ben greeted.
"Hey, Daddy,"
"Hey," Miranda voiced looking over at him.
"What are you two ladies doing ?"
"Monster Spray," Layla responded.
"Monster repellent," Miranda giggled as Ben took a seat.
"Ohhhh is this your monster?"
"Yes, He hates the smell of blueberries and he's allergic to flowers,"
"Oh, he's never going to come with this stuff." Ben played along indulging his child.
"Here let's cut his picture out and glue it to the bottle," Miranda suggested.
"I ordered takeout for dinner tonight," Ben said looking at Miranda.
"If you were going to show me that then I already got that covered. I can order food just fine."
Ben laughed and shook his head, helping Layla with the glue. They stuck his face onto the bottle and Miranda then shook it up.
"Let's go get you bathed and ready for bed. So you can come back and eat dinner," Ben said grabbing her hand.
Miranda collected the Chinese food and she sat it on the counter. She took out three plates and utensils and brought them into the dining room.
Ben came back into the room and he watched as Layla ran past him and took a seat at the table.
"So tell us about your son,"
"He is just the sweetest. He's very energetic and smart. I cried dropping him off at school this year because he just let go of my hand and went inside the classroom, no hug, kiss, or goodbye. It really hurt my feelings. I was sad and angry the entire day until one of my best friends explained to me that it was okay. He let go of my hand but not my heart and he is still there." Miranda explained eating a piece of broccoli.
"Kids....the smallest things that take over your whole heart "
"They surely do,"
Ben and Miranda talked back and forth as everyone ate. They continued getting to know each other. It was so strange that they were so comfortable as if they were really married.
"Alrighty let's get your teeth brushed and then get rid of this monster. Does he have a name?"
"Grossbug,"
Ben's face contorted and he put his head down. His daughter really did have a wild imagination.
"Grossbug? Well, that's a unique name. Either way, he will not want to come back after tonight,"
