Florecer

Trying

        Kim was thrilled when her daughters showed up for her birthday. She was even thrilled that a complete stranger came along with a child that wasn't Danny.

     "Mom," Tracy started, mischief on her features. She motioned to June and said, "This is Lily's-"

     "Tracy's," Lily was quick to amend.

     Tracy wasn't put off. "This is-"

     "A good friend," June finished before Tracy could say something stupid. She held out a hand and shook when Kim grabbed on. "I'm a good friend. My name's June. It's so nice to meet you. I'm sorry that I came unannounced."

     Kim smiled brightly. "Oh, no, that's no problem. I'm Kim. And who is this?"

     June didn't need to nudge Christina forward. "This is my daughter, Christina. Say hi, honey. This is Tracy and Lily's mom."

     Christina gave an adorable, close-lipped smile. "Hello," she chirped. She was holding hands with Danny, and he grinned familiarly at Kim. Kim chuckled.

     "So are you ready to go?" Lily asked. "We're taking you to lunch."

     Kim nodded. "Where are we going?"

     "Somewhere new," Tracy answered. "We're taking my car."

     When Kim bobbed her head and grabbed a sweater, just in case, everyone went back out to Tracy's car. Tracy drove, of course, Kim sat in the front passenger seat, Danny and Christina sat next to one another in the third row, and June and Lily took the seats in the second row. There was space enough in the second row for Danny and Christina to squeeze in but they were just fine in the way back, talking animatedly about nonsense.

     "I'm so happy to see you both," Kim said when they were well on the road. "I've missed you. And it's nice to have a newcomer, June. I wish I was more in my daughters lives, so it's great to meet one of their friends."

     June was bright as Kim turned to look at her. "Believe me, it's great to meet you, too."

     "How long have you known my girls?"

     "Uh, I've known Tracy about a year, I believe?" Tracy nodded and hummed in agreement, so June went on, "I only recently met Lily. But we all get along well."

     Kim rotated her head slightly to smile at Lily, but when she spoke next, she was addressing June, "That's rare. Lily doesn't get along well with anyone."

     Lily rolled her eyes. "Thanks, mom."

     June chuckled behind her hand. "You raised a wonderful family."

     Kim beamed. "Thank you." She turned to face forward in her seat. "And you raised a wonderful family, too." She raised her chin, looking through the rear view mirror at Christina and Danny. "She's precious. Her father couldn't make it?"

     "Oh, uh." June chuckled anxiously. "No, he's not- he's not involved. It's just me."

     "Hard being a single mother, isn't it?"

     "Definitely."

     "Don't worry. You'll be fine. I can say from experience."

     June stayed quiet but smiled gratefully. Lily leaned over slightly and raised her eyebrows in concern, but June shook her head that she was just fine. Lily grunted and resumed her position. The rest of the drive was peaceful and they made it to the restaurant in decent time. It wasn't packed but there was a good flow of customers, so it took Tracy a minute to find a parking space. When they were set, Lily helped Danny out of his seat while June helped Christina. Lily grabbed Kim's birthday gifts as well. Then everyone filed into the restaurant.