Pieces || c.t.h.

Four || (How Did You) End Up Here?

Previously on Pieces

"Careful, Brooklyn," Dad said as we watched them exit the building. "Guys from boybands make awful boyfriends. And potentially horrible husbands."

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Four || (How Did You) End Up Here?

The next day found me running around Dad's hotel room, helping him pack up his stuff. How he managed to accumulate so much stuff over the short weekend amazes me. I'm the one who went exploring around the city, while he stayed cooped up in the hotel's conference room. We had to call down to the concierge to get him another bag. I'm almost afraid of how my things would fit in my own backpack when I head home tomorrow.

Speaking of tomorrow, we were able to change my flight to Tuesday morning instead of Monday. And the hotel management was more than happy to extend my stay for another 24 hours. I guess I'm watching the kick-off show then. I still can't believe the sheer stroke of luck running into Feldy last night, not to mention he's been friends with dad all this time.

"Will you be alright on your own?" Dad asked me for probably the hundredth time that morning. Okay, I'm exaggerating. It's only somewhere along the twenty seventh.

"I'm 22, Dad. I've traveled alone before. I'll be fine," I huffed. "Is this the last file?"

"I think so," he stood, scratching his head. "Do you have enough cash until tomorrow?"

"Dad-"

"Where did I put my wallet? I think I have a couple hundred Euros you can use just in case."

"Dad!" I practically had to shout just to get his attention. "Dad, I'm going to be okay. I have enough cash in both Pounds and Euros. And it's not like I'm going to spend that much anyway. The room's been paid for, so is my flight home. I only have to worry about food. I told you, I'll be fine."

He looked at me pensively for a while before sighing. He walked over to where I was standing and wrapped me in a tight hug.

"I'm sorry if I seem a bit overbearing, love. It's just that I haven't been around much while you were growing up. Sometimes, I still see you as the curious little girl who comes 'round to visit me in the summer. My brain can't seem to cope with the fact that you're an independent adult woman now."

"Aww, Dad," I hugged him as tight as I could. "Yes, I'm an adult now but I'll always be your little girl. You're still my superhero and my first love."

"Alright. Enough mushy stuff. Let's get this down to the lobby so I can take my leave. I know you're dying to watch Feldy's band."

"One, they're not John Feldy's band. Two, the show isn't til tonight. I have a few hours to kill."

He called ahead to reception to let them know we were on our way down and have them bring the shuttle car 'round front. I grabbed my bag for the day, knowing I wouldn't be coming back to the hotel until after the show. The concierge was waiting for us when we stepped into the lobby. He handed me the envelope Feldy left for me last night that contained my ticket and access pass to the show later on.

I went along with Dad to the airport and waited with him until his flight was called. With one last kiss on the cheek, he was gone. I was alone in Portugal. It was a bit too early to head to the arena so I busied myself with wandering around the town more. I decided I'd go to the venue sometime after lunch. I didn't want to appear over eager, but I didn't want to be late and miss anything either.