I'm New York City

eighteen

"Daddy, why did Mommy and Sage get to have a day out together?" Ivy asked, as she looked at me from across the kitchen table.

How was I going to explain to her that it was most likely because Sage didn't feel loved by her own father. Ivy's older sister, felt unloved. 

"They haven't had time for themselves recently, so they wanted to do something before your mom leaves for her trips," I tried to explain. 

Ivy sighed, nodding her head as she continued to play on her iPad, swinging her legs. I remember when Sage was Ivy's age, so in love with her little sister. When Ivy was a baby, Sage had a hard time getting a long with her, but once Ivy started walking and able to play with Sage, the two were inseparable. 

"I want to spend time with Mommy too. I haven't had time to her either," she frowned, tapping away on the screen. 

I felt bad, at this point I felt like I was failing both of them. Seeing my oldest so hurt, broke my heart and hearing my youngest wanting to spend time with her mom made it harder for me to work this out. 

Ever since Taylor informed me about Sage, I had planned on having a talk with her. I was planning on surprising her with the pair of shoes she wanted a while ago, but didn't get it for her right then and there because they were out of her size at the time and Sage wanted me to look at other sites while I was working. I was happy to get an email a week later, telling me they were back in stock and I immediately bought them for my girl. 

"We'll make sure you and Mommy can plan a day out, together," I smiled at her, only to receive a slight nod. 

I really wondered if Sage had been watching me closely all this time. She never used to be afraid to get my attention and if she wanted it, she knew how to get it. That's how she's always been with me, I made sure my baby girl had everything she wanted.

I made a mental note that Taylor and I needed to have a talk about both of the girls and our bonding time with each of them. I didn't want Ivy to start feeling the way Sage felt towards me to Taylor; it'd break her heart. I still needed to fix things with Sage. To be honest, I've been feeling a little left behind and jealous of Taylor and Sage's relationship. Those two are so close, closer than anyone else. I don't blame them though, Taylor's forever traumatized to lose Sage in any way and Sage didn't want to go through the feeling of her mom leaving.

"Ivy? You love your big sister, right?" I asked in a funny tone. I watched as Ivy's head popped up, looking at me like I was crazy.

"Of course I love her! Dad, I think you need help. I love Sage more than you and Mommy," she smirked, making me chuckle.

That was one thing I knew would never break, the bond between those two. I know that even if Sage doesn't show it, she'll drop anything and do anything for Ivy. As for Ivy, all she wants to do is be like her big sister and to constantly be around her, which leaves Sage annoyed. 

"I'm just kidding with you, boo," I said, getting up from my chair. 

I looked at the time and the girls have been gone for a couple hours now. It was getting close to dinner time and Taylor had texted me that they'd be back in time for dinner, so I needed to start preparing. 

"Can I help, Dad?" Ivy asked, putting her iPad down. I nodded my head as I waved her over to the kitchen. She skipped in, watching me as I got the ingredients out, to make shrimp alfredo, one of Taylor's favorites.

"Okay, can you fill that pot with water, boo?" I asked as I started unwrapping the cheeses I was going to use. 

I loved cooking with Ivy, it reminded me of Sage. We used to cook in the kitchen together, until she started showing less and less interest and then Ivy came along, filling in that hole. Oh, how I wish I could get both of the girls in the kitchen one day.

As we were finishing up, I heard the door open, revealing Taylor who carried in many bags. Sage strolled in behind her with a small smile, waving at me. I gasped, looking at all the bags that Taylor placed onto the floor, making Ivy run over to them instantly.

"Did you guys buy out all the stores?!" Ivy yelled, holding her arms up. Sage chuckled, shaking her head as she looked over at Taylor whole laughed along. 

Taylor walked over to me as I looked to see Ivy sitting on the floor, demanding her older sister to show her everything she got. 

I pulled Taylor in for a kiss, "Did you two have a good time together? Did she have fun?" I asked.

Taylor nodded her head, leaning back against me as we stared at the girls. "Sage insisted on buying some things for Ivy as well. Sage also saw the shoes she wanted a while ago in the store in a different color, but I did my best to tell her she didn't need that pair if it wasn't the exact color she wanted. Ya know, knowing that you got it for her," she smirked. 

"How was Ivy? What did you guys do?" Taylor asked, looking at the food in the pot, waiting to be plated. 

"That, we need to talk about later. But Ivy and I had a fun time, cooking dinner," I whispered into her ear, making sure the girls didn't hear. Taylor looked at me confused, but I shook my head, grabbing the plates. 

"Girls! Dinner! Go wash your hands, please!" Taylor yelled, grabbing the silverware as we heard them running towards the sink. 

When we finished setting the table, Taylor made sure the girls had their food first, giving Ivy a kiss on the head before she headed to her seat. I looked over at Sage who took a quick look at me, but then quickly looked away. 

"This is soooo good!" Taylor exclaimed, closing her eyes as she chewed, making the girls stare at her and laugh. 

Throughout dinner, it was pretty silent, other than Ivy talking about what Sage picked out for her. Sage continued to look at Ivy in a funny way since Ivy basically had alfredo sauce all over her lips. When we started to clean up, Sage helped with putting the dishes into the sink as Ivy cleaned the table, putting the place mates away. 

I told the girls to go start a movie in the living room as I pulled Taylor into the office. Taylor sighed, I knew she didn't want to have this conversation with me, she was already disappointed as is. 

"What happened with Ivy?" she asked, closing the door behind her. 

"First tell me exactly what happened to Sage, that night." I replied, wanting to know why they were sobbing in Sage's bathroom. I know that half of the reason was because of me, but I wanted to know all of the details, I was still her father.