The Everlasting Effect 💖

Chapter TwentyOne: Denara

Arawn and I fall into familiar territory and easy to fall into sequence with each other in the weeks that follow. The times spent between us and getting Rhys acquainted with more loving with Arawn had been going well. Arawn and I have particular moments where we would lash out at each other but subtlety, so Rhys doesn't get affected. To top it off Danny has moved back to town and the tension can be overwhelming.

Trying has been hard, and that's an understatement. Danny and Arawn appear friendly, and mostly they get along in front of Rhys. Just wait for the door to shut or for her to be out of the room and world war three starts. They're a pair of bickering children and don't even get me started on impressing Rhys' competition.

Arguments were common occurrence in the past and years later, it still hasn't changed. Constantly, being in a space with Arawn has been testing my feelings, and considering it never disappeared. It's a hell of a lot harder, especially when your ex is sometimes in the room. It's conflicting and mentally draining to remind myself to act a certain. way.

Three weeks ago, we had a picnic at Pamperin park and told Rhys that she might actually get to meet her father soon.

I know Danny knew and we've had this talk so many times in the past and he encouraged me to take, but sometimes I can see the hurt in his eyes. Sometimes I know there's a chance for Arawn and I but ignore it. The latest argument lasted a week without talking until eventually he pulled in for a hug when I wasn't expecting it and I came back from work. Scared me at first, but I caved in laughed like old times.

Arawn had the key for my apartment now, with often he was over and that was almost every day. It gives Jamie more free time on her hands, but I have a sneaky inkling that she and Chase have heart eyes for each other. She denies every time I ask, but they sneak glances at each other when no one is looking. Arawn still works odd jobs and mostly at the bar downtown, refusing to take back his job and I can't keep handing him one either.

After weeks of family time and curiosity of finding out Rhys' interests. We're lodged on my lounge floor and watching my little artist draw or attempt to draw one of her favorite K-pop Idols. Showing an interest or a lot of interest in BTS. Playing Arawn a few of their songs and having mini-concerts for us. On occasion she would gather all of us and show us some chorography of the songs and dance to it.

So when Arawn said he had a surprise for us on Saturday, I won't lie. I become curious. Rhys has been bouncing off the walls and has been so excited for this day since he told us. This weekend is the fall festival.

It's a chilly Saturday afternoon. We're walking through the beautiful fall colors. The trees are filled with red and yellow leaves and the sight is mesmerizing, with the leaves covering almost every surface. I look over at Rhys, fidgeting with her scarf. The excitement is visible as we pass various vendors and she stares in awe. Arawn says to make sure to watch the concert later and that he will see us then. Danny is with Rhys and I . The festival is filled with vendors and actives on every nock and cranny of the park.

"Rhys, why don't we get your face painted?" I ask bending to her level and pointing out into the distance.

"I want a tiger."

Her eyes light up and a grin makes its way to her lips, and she pulls us along.

"Sure, but can you roar like one?" Danny teases her, and she clears her throat and attempts to roar loudly. I see some people in the distance turn to look our way, some disapproving and others chuckling. I pay no attention to it and ask the face painter lady to do Rhys.

"What?! Woah!" I exclaim in fake amazement.

To everyone around us, we must look like a couple taking out their daughter. Danny pulls me aside but at a comfortable distance where we can still hear and see her. His eye serious but he smiles and waves for Rhys.