The Existence of Reconcilable Differences

Chapter Nineteen

Dani struggled to pull herself out of bed. Emotions were high but the sleep assisted in slightly cooling them down. Her immediate reaction was to start packing her bags and putting the pieces back together. Her morning breath could wait.

A slight knock at the door caused her to feel apprehension.

She opened the door to find it was Mary.

"You haven't slept?" Dani asked as Mary came into the room, dragging her feet.

"Nope. I couldn't sleep. I know it's incredibly early but I need to talk to you."

"... I'm all ears." Dani could tell Mary was still intoxicated but she didn't mind.

Mary paused and scanned the room with her eyes. "... Are you going somewhere?"

"Uh, yeah... Mr. Levesque gave me a job at one of his dance studios in California."

"Oh... that's great honey! I'm happy for you!" Mary jumped up and took Dani into her arms.

"You're not upset?"

"Why would I be? I'm so proud of you honey." The scent of alcohol drifted off of her words and it made Dani smirk.

"Thank you. It's just I'm moving so far and... I don't want you to think I don't care about you."

"I don't think that. I'll never think that. Now... I wanted to talk to you about something. It's about... about your dad. I have something for you. From him." She pulled out an envelope from her dress pocket.

No words were uttered; she ripped into the envelope with starvation.

"To My Little Dani,

I've left this information in trusting hands. Your godmother and I have been working together to ensure your care is stable. By the time you get this letter, I'm almost positive that Mary gave it to you at the correct time in your life – a time where you're shifting into your own. Behind this letter, are two documents stating that you are, in fact, the owner of a property I have purchased in Colorado. Twenty-two acres of virgin land, and plenty of space for crops. There is a house but that can be arranged. The second document is the information for your bank account information. I made a separate account solely for you – I did not want your mother to have anything to do with it.

I'm hoping that you remember the home we spoke about building together. Build our home exactly how you'd like it. Give me a home to live in with you for the rest of time. Give me grandkids to look at while they make messes around the house. And I'll give you my strength, my courage, protection, and my love.

My Daughter, I am proud of you. I know it hasn't been easy but it'lltimeetter. You'll see. When you get the chance go to the property with Mary to check it out.

We will always be together. You are my existence.

With Eternal Love,

Your Father

Dani's face was practically drenched. She looked over at Mary whose face was red as a blood stain.

"... I'm sorry for waiting so long to give you this letter. Your father – I'd visit him at the hospital throughout the months... Dani..." As her voice trailed off, Mary's heart raced and Dani felt bad to see Mary's hand shaking with worry in each finger.

"Your father and I, we were in love. We had an affair for several years..."

It seemed as though Dani had forgotten how to breathe.