Where's Daddy?

Needing Ben

When we sat in the car I pulled out my cell phone. I dialed Ben's number and pulled it up to my ear. "Why can't I listen to it?"

"Because I don't need Dalilah to hear it. Or you." It had three rings, but he finally answered, a routine for him. "Hello?"

"Hey, Ben. It's Ashlyn."

"I know, Dumbo. What do you want?"

"Are you guys at the office today?"

"Ugh. Don't remind me. I closed all my windows 'cause I hate the snow. Worst weather for me."

"I know. Well, Dalilah and I need to come in to see you."

"Okay. Just you and Dalilah?"

"Um. No. I have a guest."

"Ashlyn. It's not some guy you picked up last night, correct?"

"I cannot believe you! And no. Did you hear from Dad?"

"Who hasn't! He put it in the news."

"What! He's gonna pay. How dare he."

"And he kind of spiced it up."

"I hate him. Okay, well, I just turned on South Rock. So I'll see you in a few minutes."

"Alright, bye." I hung up and looked in the rearview mirror. Of course, she was already asleep.

I parked in the first parking spot and climbed in the back seat. I didn't feel like changing, so I just grabbed my Uggs. "You're wearing that?"

"Shut up and go." I got out the car and opened Dalilah's door. But she wasn't there. "Where is- oh" I looked up to see him cuddling Dalilah.

"Let's go?" I crossed my arms and shrugged.

"If I get Dalilah." He handed her to me and I carried her up the steps.

I got in the elevator and he followed after me. I was uncomfortable having this... man in an elevator with me. I had seen enough horror movies to know that when he gets you in the elevator, he either kills you or hurts you. "Are you okay?"

"Just stay away from me. Got it?"

"What is your problem?"

"What is your problem?"

"You know what Ashlyn. It's not my fault. I didn't choose this."

"Just shut up already! I can't believe you!" The elevator dinged and I raced out the door. I walked all the way down the hall to Ben's office and banged on the door. I turned around to see him right behind me. "Gosh! How do you walk so fast?"

"You're 5"2'. It's not that hard."

"Whatever." Ben opened the door but turned back around. He walked back to his desk and sat down. "I'm sorry. What were you saying?" Figures. He's always on the phone. He only takes a break to lsten to me when it's urgent. I walked in and sat down in his blue chair. Dalilah was half awake and sat up in my lap. Ben reached over his desk and tapped her foot. He mouthed "Where's her shoes?" I mouthed back "I'll explain later." He nodded his head and continued talking. I could feel him walk next to me and sit down in the blue chair. I felt the chill as he sat down. Ben finally hung up his phone and looked up. He had a confused look on his face and pointed towards him. "Who is he?"

"Ben" I stood up still holding Dalilah,"This is Dalilah's father."

"Excuse me?" He stood up and looked Ben in the eye.

"Ben. I am Dalilah's father. My name is Nixon Stevens."