Love poems (Leah Clearwater story)

Chapter 23 ~ Day with the old man

Vivienne hadn't realised how much she missed spending time with her dad until the morning they decided to take a day for themselves. It was rare that she gotta have him all to herself these days, with everything happening around the move, Leah, and the pack. So, when Simon suggested they take a day out, just the two of them, Vivienne was quick to agree.

They decided on something simple, just a drive through the beautiful La Push landscape, followed by lunch at one of the small coastal diners they had passed on their way into town weeks ago. Vivienne loved these drives. The air smelled fresher, and the sound of the ocean always made her feel at peace.

As they hopped into Simon's car, Vivienne noticed the old playlist he had thrown on. It was a mix of everything from their time back in London—songs they'd sung along to on the way to school, the ones they'd shared quiet moments to during their long drives. She smiled to herself as a familiar tune started playing.

"You remember this one?" Simon asked, his eyes twinkling as he glanced over at her.

"How could I forget?" Vivienne laughed. "You played it so much I swear it's burned into my brain."

Simon chuckled, the sound warming Vivienne's heart. "Good times."

They drove with the windows down, letting the cool breeze fill the car. The landscape of La Push flew by in a blur of green forests and rocky coastlines, and they didn't talk much for the first leg of the trip. It was a comfortable silence, though, the kind where you didn't need to fill every second with words. Sometimes just being together was enough.

As they pulled up to a scenic overlook, Simon parked the car, and they got out to stretch their legs. The view was breathtaking—cliffs overlooking the vast Pacific, the sun breaking through the clouds just enough to light up the water. Vivienne leaned against the railing, staring out at the horizon. Her father stood beside her, taking it all in.

"You've settled in well here," Simon said after a few moments, breaking the silence.

Vivienne nodded. "Yeah, I think I have. It's been... different, but in a good way."

"Leah seems nice," Simon added carefully, his tone gentle.

Vivienne's cheeks warmed at the mention of Leah. "She is," she admitted. "She's... something special."

Simon smiled softly, his eyes full of understanding. "It's good to see you happy, Vivie."

She glanced over at him, a wave of affection washing over her. She hadn't always been great at expressing it, but her dad had always been her rock. After her mom left, it had just been the two of them, and they'd been closer than ever. Even with the ups and downs of their lives, Simon had always been there.

"Thanks, Dad," she said softly. "For everything."

Simon's expression softened, and he reached over to squeeze her hand. "You never have to thank me, Vivienne. You're my girl. Always will be."

They stood there for a while, watching the waves crash against the cliffs below, the sea breeze tugging at their clothes. It was peaceful, the kind of moment she wanted to bottle up and keep forever.

Eventually, Simon suggested they grab lunch, so they hopped back in the car and headed toward the small diner he'd pointed out. It was a cozy little place, tucked along the coastline, with big windows overlooking the ocean. They found a booth and ordered burgers and fries, the kind of classic diner food that always tasted better after a long drive.

"So, what's the plan now that school's out?" Simon asked after their food arrived, taking a bite of his burger. "You got anything exciting in mind?"

Vivienne paused, thinking for a moment. "Honestly? I'm not really sure yet. There's a lot to figure out—college, work. Leah asked me to move in with her, though."