Walking on His path

5

The sound of what Ann was sure was her Mom's car made her pause the playing movie.

"I think my Mom's here." Ann said, she left the comfort of her soft sheets to peek out the window. "Yep she is and she's with your Dad." Ann confirmed as she hurried over to wear a pair of gray sweatpants with a yellow hoodie before Ronnie ran out the door.

"Dad!!!" Ronnie exclaimed, she got down the stairs in time to see her Father walking into the house. His brown eyes softened looking at Ronnie.

"My pride and joy."

"Mr. Tari Blue." Ronnie said with a big smile. She tackled her Father into a bear hug, both grinning. They pulled apart to start a short play fight before hugging again.

"You two need help." Mirai stated bluntly. "Where's Ann?"

"I'm here." Ann said coming down the stairs. Mirai stared at her with a raised brow. "I'm here." Ann repeated in Japanese.

"Sheesh, she's so scary." Mr. Tari whispered loudly to Ronnie.

"You said it, Dad." Ronnie whispered with the same frequency.

"Good evening, Pops." Ann said with a fond smile.

"Hey, Ann." Mr. Tari smiled. "Please don't grow up like your Mom." The three shared a laugh while the unamused woman stared blankly at them.

"I'll give you two some space to talk." Mirai said after shooting them a look. "Let's go, Nana."

"Mom!" Ann exclaimed in disgust. "Not that nickname again."

"It's a cute nickname."

"No it isn't!" That was the last thing they said before walking out the room.

"So, what brings you here from your busy schedule?" Ronnie asked with a teasing smile.

"Well, I had to see my best girl."

"Aww, can you repeat that?" Ronnie asked pulling out her phone from her shorts pocket. "I need to record this."

"Never!!" Mr. Tari exclaimed followed by his booming laughter.

"You want to laugh me to scorn?" Ronnie asked after watching her Father for what seemed like hours.

"Is it working?" Mr. Tari asked with an accomplished smile.

"Tch, I have thick skin."

"Sure you do."

"Are you doubting me?"

"Nah, continue. Soon you'll say you have an elastic heart." Ronnie stared at her Father wide eyed. "I listen to music too, Ron."

"Probably via radio."

Mr. Tari opened his mouth to speak but he couldn't deny that. "How's school?"

"What brings you here, I ask again."

"Avoiding my question, eh." Mr. Tari said walking towards the staircase. "Aren't you going to sit?" He asked settling on a step.

"Sure sure." Ronnie responded following his lead.

"Do you have a boyfriend now?"

"What?!!"

"Just answer, truthfully." He added as an afterthought.

"No, I don't."

"Phew, I don't owe Tamar any money."

"Is that your hobby now?" Ronnie asked slightly amused. "You and Uncle Tamar are gambling over my love life?"