Red Side of the Moon

XIV

Life was going good for a while. Phil kept getting better offers for better productions, while I started getting better internships for my nursing program. Several hospitals were fighting over me, since I was the front runner in my entire program.

Time seemed to be flying by us. Luna was growing every single day, and I just wanted her to stop. I don't want my baby to grow up and have to face the horrible world. Phil says I'm too much of a helicopter dad... in some way, I guess he's right.

One day, after work, I picked Luna up from daycare and headed home. I held her on my left hip as I struggled to get everything through the front door. Once the hunk of wood swung open, I dropped my bags and carefully set Luna down.

"We're home!" I called.
"I'm in the kitchen," Phil replied.
"Go see daddy," I said to Luna.
"Daddy!" Luna cheered.
"Hey, pumpkin!" Phil chuckled. He opened up his arms and scooped her up. He playfully lugged her around his shoulder before giving me a quick kiss. "How was work?" he asked.
"It was work," I shrugged. "How was rehearsal?"
"It was rehearsal," he smirked. "Luna, what do you want for dinner?"
"Pasgetti!"
"Spaghetti?" I chuckled.
"Yeah!"
"Okay, I'll get a pot boiling," Phil said as he set the giggling toddler down on the sofa. "Luna, honey, do you want shells, bow ties, or tubes?"
"Bow ties!"
"Bow ties it is, my love."
"Dad," she whined.
"Yes, dear?" I replied.
"Can I watch tv?"
"Of course."

I flipped to a random kids channel so she could watch whatever was on. I placed a kiss on her mop top of a head before walking to the kitchen. I gave Phil a slightly longer kiss followed by a smile.

"Someone's giddy today," Phil observed.
"Just happy..."

I wrapped my arms around his neck and started swaying. I pulled him in for yet another kiss, but he quickly pulled away.

"Mm, baby, guess what happened at work today," he said.
"I'm not good at guessing. Just tell me."
"I got a job offer in New York to work on Broadway!" he cheered.
"That's amazing, honey! You're not going, but congrats!"
"Wait, what do you mean I'm not going?"
"Are you actually shitting me? We can't up and move our lives to New York..."
"Yes we can."
"Phil, I have a career here... Luna is going to be start school soon. Aren't you happy with what we have here?"
"I am, but it's broadway! Do you know how huge that is?"
"Yes, I'm aware. That still doesn't make it okay..."
"That's too bad, 'cause I already said yes."

I took my arms off him and took a few steps back.

"You what?" I scoffed.
"You heard me..."
"I can't fucking believe you."
"Dan–"
"No, Phil, this is a family decision! You can't just go and make life changing choices without consulting me!"
"I didn't know you controlled everything I did? I'll be sure to run it by you next time!"
"It's not about me, you fucking asshole!" I took a breath to try and collect myself. "It's about our daughter..."
"And she'll be happy in New York."
"You think you're going to take my daughter to another country without me?"
"Then come with me!"
"You just don't get it, Phil, do you?" I cried.
"Dan–"
"I don't fucking want to see you in this apartment when I get home tomorrow," I whispered. I stormed off into the living room and quickly grabbed Luna.
"What are you saying, Dan?"

I ignored him as I grabbed my car keys, wallet, and backpack. I headed for the front door before I heard Phil scream at me.

"Daniel!"

Tears prickled down my face as I tried covering Luna's ears the best I could.

"I'm saying: have a nice life in New York, Lester..."