Rekindled Love

Disneyland

I tried to hard to find the perfect place to take Ruby on for a date, one that I know will slowly get her to trust me and give me another chance. I racked my brain, remembering everything she had ever told me about wanting to visit. Paris, France, is completely out of the question.

Ever since I took Athena there first, Ruby has made it very clear that she didn't want to step foot there, ever.

Another thing I ruined for her.

That was until I remembered a place she said she has never been to but had heard great things about. A place where anyone can have a good time. So, I went online and purchased four tickets to Disneyland.

I got them for Evangeline and Albert, too. They should have fun, too. They're also the only two who know where were going beside me. Ruby doesn't know a thing.

"Where are we going, Nicolas? Why did the children skip school?" She says, narrowing her eyes at the freeway road.

"I told you already," I try to contain my enthusiasm. "It's a surprise and the children skipped school because they can, I let them. They both have good grades and will catch up easily. It's only one day."

"Fine, Nicolas. Fine, it's fine that they skipped school but where the hell are we going?" She continues. I remain silent as Evangeline and Albert give me knowing looks through the rearview mirror. "Alright, don't tell me but can I at least know if we're almost there? I have to use the ladies room."

"We'll be there in five minutes, can you hold it or do you want me to find a near gas station?" Ruby knows very well that I know she hates to use the restrooms in gas stations. She says they smell really bad and look as if they could use some deep cleaning.

"I'll hold it." She mumbles.

Evangeline releases a soft chuckle, "Just enjoy it, Mom. It'll be fun. Surprises are fun, remember?"

"Some," Ruby answers, sighing before she repeats herself a little more quieter. "Some."

Nobody said another word after that. We were nearly arriving at Disneyland and I couldn't wait until I saw Ruby's reaction. As we approached the parking lots, her eyes grew wide. "Nico.." She pauses, "Are we at..Disneyland!?" I chuckle.

"Surprise," I smile. "I remember you saying you've never been to Disney before so I brought you and the children." I continue to enter the lots and park the car. After that we enter the park and before we head anywhere, I stop.

"Alright, the kids are going their own way and we'll all meet up in CarsLand to pick a place to eat. Understood?" Everyone nods. I make sure to make it very clear to Albert to take care of himself and of Evangeline before they head to the other direction.

Ruby looks around, eyes shining. "I can't believe I'm actually here." I smile, admiring her enthusiasm. "Thank you, Nicolas." She says, eyes on me now.

I pull her in for a hug, "Where should we start?" She shrugs, I look around and decide on a ride. "Splash Mountain?"

The amount of joy she has on her face makes my heart swell with joy. She looks like a child who's visiting for the very first time rather than an adult who's never been here throughout her childhood.

It's also the first time Albert has been here, too. His mother has always bugged me about taking them here but I never did. I always found a reason to not bring them but the truth is, I wanted to bring Ruby with me the next time I came and now, I did.

If it wasn't for Eddie fucking up with Ruby, I wouldn't have her living under the same roof as me and I wouldn't be here with her and her daughter.