I Saw Her Standing There

"Vacation" in Ashburn

Paul's P.O.V.

I woke up the next morning to the smell of eggs cooking. I glanced over at Makayla, who was still asleep in my arm. I didn't want to wake her so I stayed there until she decided to wake up. She looked peaceful. It was adorable.

She slept for another thirty or forty minutes and when she started moving I acted like I was still asleep so she wouldn't think I was a creep.

"Good morning," I smiled at her.

She stretched a little before saying, "Morning."

We got up and I grabbed some clothes out of my suitcase and walked over to the bathroom to change. I had on a pair of tan pants and a blue button up shirt. I walked back into the room and Makayla wasn't there. I walked into the kitchen where she had start to make pancakes.

"Anything I can help with?" I asked her.

"Could you get the juice and syrup out of the refrigerator?"

I walked over and opened it. I set the juice and syrup on the table.

"Where are the cups, plates and silverware?" I asked.

"The cabinet on the left of the refrigerator has the cups on one side and the plates on the other, this drawer to my right has the silverware."

"Is your father eating?"

"No, he's already eaten."

I set up the table and handed her a plate to put the finished pancakes on. She finished them and I took the plate to the table. We sat in silence as we ate. When we finished I took the dirty dishes to the sink and washed them.

"I could have done that." She told me.

"You cooked. It's the least I could do." I smiled at her.

She sat herself on the counter and asked me, "What would you like to do today?"

"Shouldn't you ask your father?"

"He has to go to work in an hour but he gets off at two. We can all do something then but you and I should go do something." She smiled.

"Okay, let's go to a mall." I laughed.

When I finished the dishes she told her father where we were going. I went to the room and got my wallet. We got in her car and I drove us to the mall. We walked around and I bought her a pair of earrings and a top. She didn't ask me to buy them. She liked them so I snuck away and bought them. I got myself a new black button up shirt and a white tie I decided I would wear if we went to dinner again.

It was one thirty and we headed back to her house to meet her father when he arrived. I decided I would take a shower while she cleaned some stuff up. I was out in ten minutes and she already had the house spotless. Her dad came home and went straight to the sofa to relax. I sat on the love seat diagonal from him.

"So Harry," I started, "what do you do for work?"

"I work at a sawmill." He looked worn out.

"I keep telling him to retire or find a job better for his age." Makayla said walking in to sit next to me.

"But I like my job. I've been there for over forty years." He pointed a finger in a matter-of-fact way.

"Whatever you say dad." She rolled her eyes at him. "Would you like a drink?"

"Water." He told her.

"Paul?"

"I'm okay for now thank you though."

"Paul," her dad started, "don't you agree if you love something you should do it for as long as possible?"

I pondered the question, "Well sir, it depends on if it supports you and family."

"You're a smart man, but you better keep doing music at least until I die." He chuckled.

"Yes sir." I smiled.

"Daddy don't talk like that." Makayla looked a little worried.

"I'm sorry hun. I won't bring it up." He looked at me and whispered, "death is a touchy subject for her."

Makayla came back with a water for her father and had two extras, "You need to hydrate." She scolded.

"Yes ma'am." I teased.

We sat there talking about different things for a while. Around five Makayla and I walked into the kitchen. "Want to help me make dinner?" She asked.

"Sure." We looked through the cabinets at what her father had that we could make. I found a head of lettuce and stuff to prepare a salad. She decided we could grill some chicken for them and they'd have that as an entrée. I went to the store to pick up some sauce for their chicken and I bought a can of tomato soup for my entrée.

We I got back she already had the chicken seasoned and on the grill.

"I'll take over if you like." I offered.

"Okay, I'm going to fix the salad. What are you having for the main course?"

"Soup."

"I'll fix that for you." She walked towards the kitchen.

I finished their chicken and took it inside. Makayla was setting up the table as Harry got out drinks.

"Would you like a beer?" He offered.

"I'm not a big drinker, thank you though." I pulled out Makayla's seat and scooted her in before taking a seat myself.

We ate our dinner and it was nearing eight. Makayla's father was working again the next day so he went to bed. I helped Makayla clean the dining area and the kitchen. After that we changed into our night clothing and went to bed.

"Paul?"

"Yes love?" I answered.

She rolled over to so she was facing me. "What made you ask me on that date?"

"I didn't want John to get to a lovely girl like yourself." I smiled. "He did want to go after you, but he would have only hurt you. You're to wonderful to be hurt. That's why I'd never do such a thing to you."

She had a small tear in her eye. "Paul," was all she could say.

I pulled her into my chest and told her, "I'm lucky I got to you first. John would know what he missed."

We laid there like that for a while. My arms around her while she drifted to sleep. I leaned up a little and kissed her cheek, "Goodnight love."

"Goodnight Paul." She rolled back over still in my arms. I didn't want anything to change. It was all so perfect. As I laid there thinking how great everything was I started to feel sleep take control of my body and I quickly gave in.