In Our Eyes

Chapter 3: Sad Girl

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CHAPTER 3: SAD GIRL 

It had been an entire year and a half since Wynter had last heard her mother's voice. It had been an entire year and a half since Prince had last phoned her. Lana Marie, as one would say 'Lana Del Rey' was far too busy to 'entertain' their antics. The lifestyle she led seemed to be more important than her own child. This didn't hurt little Wynter, although she was saddened that her mother wouldn't attend her fifth birthday party. Wynter was satisfied with her father's affection. He was good enough for her. Wynter had finished her year in Pre-Kindergarten.  He was extremely emotional during her 'graduation'. When they called her name for her 'diploma', he couldn't help but sob. Afterward, Prince and Wynter celebrated at Wynter's favorite restaurant, Rainforest Cafe. 

Wynter was obsessed with the wild life. Prince even thought that Wynter might become a vet. Each birthday she would beg for a kitten. This birthday for Wynter was going to be perfect this year. This year she was going to be six years old. He just couldn't wait to throw her the party of her dreams. He hoped that during THIS birthday party, Marie would finally attend. Prince knew how crazy Wynter was for her mommy. Prince bought Wynter her mommy's album for her birthday last year. Sometimes Prince would become overwhelmed with the stress of raising a child all alone. He was a single father and he was a lonely one. Vanity left him once Marie jumped her with the force of a lion. Marie ran Vanity out of state. She now resides in Chicago. She is a go-go dancer and she absolutely loves it. 

Prince often dreamed of someday finding the woman of his dreams. He thought the woman of his dreams was Marie; however, He was wrong.  Wynter is an introverted child who doesn't seem to adapt to human situations. Although, she was introverted. She was also high-energy. Prince's play-dates with her were the least bit boring. The months were flying at a rapid pace and within the next two months, Wynter would officially be six. Prince held his breath as he dialed Lana Del Rey's number. 

The sound was a muffled dial tone until the infamous woman answered. 

Marie: Hello.

Prince: Um, hello, Marie. 

Marie: Oh, if it isn't the father of the year. How is my daughter? 

Prince: She is doing amazing. 

Marie: Okay, so what are you calling me for then?

Prince: I, Wynter and I wanted to invite you to the sixth birthday party. 

Marie: Sixth birthday party? I thought she was four? 

Prince: Um, she was four almost two years ago.

Marie: Wow, she is getting so big. 

Prince: Yeah, she is. She talks about you a lot. 

Marie: Really?

Prince: Yeah, I really want you to come to her birthday party. I, I mean she misses you. 

Marie: i don't know. I am really busy now. My album, Ultraviolence is getting popular. I have promises that I have to keep. Can Wynter wait until she is seven?

Prince: This party is going to be one of the biggest ones she has ever had. I want you to celebrate with her. 

Marie: Okay, okay. Since I hadn't seen the little monster in almost two years, I will try to purchase a flight from Los Angeles to Minnesota. 

Prince: Thank you, Marie. 

Marie: Yeah, whatever. I am not doing this for you. I am doing this for my child. Do you think you can put her on the phone?

Prince handed the phone to Wynter as she squealed excitedly in to the speaker.

Wynter: Hello!

Marie: Winnie!  How are you?

Wynter: I am good, mommy! How are you?

Marie: I am doing well. My album has sold 182,000 copies and counting. Mama is a rich bitch as you may know. 

Wynter: That's great, mommy! Daddy and I bought your last album. I hadn't gotten your new album yet.

Marie: I think this newer album is finally going to put me on the map. I mean, I am already on the map but I want to be the next Marilyn Monroe!

Wynter: I believe in you, mama. Mama, I have a question. 

Marie: What is it, Winnie? 

Wynter: Why haven't you come to my last birthday parties?

Marie: I have been busy, Winnie. I know you know you want your mother to succeed, right? 

Wynter: Yes, but I never see you anymore!

Marie: Winnie, please stop whining. There is more to life than just aesthetic. 

Wynter: Mama, can you please come to my birthday party this year?

Marie: Winnie, we have been through this. I am a busy woman. I can't just drop my work schedule to hang out with you. 

Wynter But -

Marie: Someday when you are bigger you will understand. 

Marie concluded the conversation as though she were talking to one of her producers. Wynter sat on the opposite end weeping softly to herself.

Prince sauntered to the room to find Wynter on her knees embracing the phone. Prince's eyes began to water as he saw his beloved daughter in so much pain. He didn't even feel the need to ask. He swallowed his daughter in his affection as she wept into his warm chest. 

Prince could feel his heart breaking all over again.