Fooled

Chapter 5

The smell of pancakes, bacon, and eggs woke Kathryn up to a cheerful morning. Although her cheeks were still stained from the night before, she felt so relaxed and energetic that when she stretched awake, she found herself smiling. Humming ringed in her ears and she could have sworn the birds were chirping outside but that could have jsut been her typical imagination. Turning her head towards the clock, the large red numbers flashed, 8:45. Thankfully, it was a Saturday otherwise she would've been late for school. She gracefully fell out of bed and made her way to the kitchen. "Mmm," She smiled at the sight of a homecooked breakfast, "Smells great Dad. Good morning." She kissed the side of his face before sitting down at the Dining table.

"Morning, sweetheart," He grabbed the pan and flipped a pancake onto a plate with eggs and bacon already on it. Taking the plate and setting it out right in front of her, his face was completely downcasted.

"What wrong, Dad," Kat tiled her head concerned, "You look like someone just stole your puppy."

He started cooking his own pancake as Kathryn waited patiently for him to sit down. With the spatchula in hand, he began, "I'm sorry about yesterday, sweetie. I'm really sorry about yesterday."

"Dad," She attempted to stop him, "It's okay."

"No, it's not," He responded quickly, "It was your birthday and I was stuck at work. I didn't even pick up the phone to wish you a happy birthday and that's not what a father should be doing."

"Dad," she repeated, "It's okay. I know there has been a lot of stress put on you these past few weeks at work. How could I expect you to remember something as simple as my birthday. Really, it's nothing."

"Not nothing," He shook his head as he flipped one side of the pancake over, "I've never been good at remembering dates. Your mother was always on that." He chuckled causing Kathryn to smile. "I never had to worry about birthdays or anniversaries because she understood my forgetfullness and her memory made up for all of it."

"I know," the words barely escaped her mouth in a whisper.

"But that is still no excuse," He then flipped the pancake on his plate and strode over to the dining table, "So I'm going to make up to you! After breakfast, we'll go down to that art museum that Trent and you always went on about."

Kat smiled, "Sure, I'd love that."

The entire day was filled with memories of her mother, trent, and just being a family. After everything that went on the past year, a Daddy Daughter day was exactly what she needed. She was relaxed and she had forgotten about everything that was going on in her life. She showed her dad around at all her favorite painting and then she went down to see the new exhibit that displayed Historical European Art. Mr. Baxter didn't understand her love for art but he did remember that his late wife had loved it just as much so he didn't complain.

"And Dad, you have to see this photographer up on third floor," She gasped completely enthusiastic, "Oh my gosh, he is my favorite." He chuckled, completey in awe of how grown up and how much like her mother she turned out to be. She looked just like her. Her brunette hair might have been cut differently but the color was just like his wife's hair. Her vibrant blue eyes must have been stolen from her mother's. Her enthusiasm about everything even the smallest thing came from her mother.

When they reached the third floor, her enthusiasm settled to her father's dismay. Her eyes landed on the ever present, Damien Hart. Suddenly quiet, Kathryn stepped out of the elevator following her Dad. "On second thought, we've already spent hours here. I bet your tired," she coaxed him back towards the elevator, "Let's just go back home."

"Nonsense," He shook his head, "You're excited to see this exhibit obviously. Let's just look around and if you still want to go home then we will."