✔ SLAPSHOT ✖ irwin au

forty-five.

k a r r i s

✖

I was blessed beyond measure; touched with bliss because my life was graced with people who constantly protected and cared for me. I would never take that for granted because I knew there were others who didn't have the same touch of wonder as I. At the end of a storm comes a rainbow, and this, this was my rainbow.

"Happy birthday, anak ko!" Dad wrapped his arms around my shoulders, greeting me with a warm hug. His signature scent wavered into my nostrils, and it embraced me like a warm home.

(translation: my child, my dear)

"I'm happy you're here," I grinned. "I'm glad Berkley called you! Or was it mom? Did she forgive you?"

My dad shook his head, but the smile never disappeared from his face, "no, your mom has not forgiven me. She has only allowed me to be here for your party. But I'm trying to win your mom back."

"It's okay; you're trying," I nodded, giving my dad another hug. "I'm just glad you're here."

"And it wasn't Berkley who called me,"

"Who was it? Mom? Ate Sophie?"

(translation: older sister)

"It was Ashton,"

My eyes grew to the size of pancakes, I was sure, while my jaw dropped from the initial shock. My own heartbeat plummeted into erratic pulses as my brain processed my dad's disclosure.

"He's a good friend to this family," Dad told me, pride glinting in his deep, dark eyes. "Ashton was your brother's friend, and he has become a good friend of yours."

"He's a good guy," I smiled. A rush of memories invaded my mind like wildfire with all the moments that made Ashton one remarkable boy.

"When Ashton called to invite me to your birthday party, I told him about his father owning shares in my company. He put two and two together," Dad hinted.

"That the money given to Ashton each month from Mr. Irwin was from the investment into FoodieBabble," I pointed out, and my dad nodded.

"I've decided to give Ashton his own shares into my company," Dad announced. "Not that I condone him not speaking to his father, but at least this way, he's guaranteed some sort of income till he can generate his own."

"Thanks," I smiled. "That's really awesome."

My dad was a great man— despite the mistake he made as a husband, he never failed me as a father. Even though I swore I hated him when I was 5-years-old because he wouldn't buy me this specific Barbie play set, not once has my dad ever betrayed me. He was, and would continue to always be there for me no matter what.

"Hey Papa-V!" Berkley stuck her head out of the glass door, motioning for my dad. "Everyone is requesting that you sing karaoke with us!"

"Okay, I'll be right there!" My dad agreed, before looking at me again. "Come inside, and join us."

I nodded my head eagerly, "yes, I'll be there in a few minutes. I wanna greet some friends out here."

"Alright," dad leaned down to kiss the top of my head. "I love you, anak."

"Love you too, dad," I watched him wiggle his body in a quirky fashion as he danced his way into the living room. A muffled cacophony of howls bursted from inside of my home, and when I peered through the window, I could see my friends cheer him on. I laughed— my dad clearly loved the attention.