Struggles of a Single Father (Book 1 of the Struggle Puff Series)

Chapter 41

Written – 4/01/2020

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It took nearly an hour for us to discreetly leave the party and then another thirty minutes to reconvene at the café.

I decided to let Jake take Tilisia and Cadence while I stopped to get a few blankets from my apartment, so I was the last to arrive.

Once everything was laid out, we all took a seat on the couches and wrapped ourselves in blankets.

"It's hard to believe this is the last time we'll do anything like this." Jake said with a sad smile.

We all nodded in solidarity.

"Who knows. Maybe we'll do it again when Amy comes to visit." I pointed out, although a part of me knew this was probably the last time.

"Thank you, guys." Amy said after a while, "Being able to do this again really means a lot. It's even better than the first time." She sent Cadence a pointed look.

The aforementioned turned away in embarrassment, "Pfft. No need to make me feel good. I'm just happy to be here." She muttered.

"It's true though." Tilisia put her arm around Cadence's shoulder, "You basically complete us. Five is a weird number, to be honest."

Ain nodded along and moved in to put his arm around her too but stopped and raised an eyebrow at Tilisia as if asking for permission. She stared for a moment before giving a small nod. Hesitantly, he slipped arm around Cadence as well and smiled.

I knew Tilisia was upset with him, but I guess she was willing to put it off so they wouldn't fight during our last night as a group.

We talked about everything we possibly could.

Memories, plans, thoughts, and so much more.

We solidified a proper plan as to how to keep their parents from finding out she was gone, and the adults awkwardly looked to Ain and groaned inwardly at his predicament.

That aside, it was an amazing final night.

We laughed, ate, talked, listened, and even got misty-eyed at some point or another.

The bitter sweetness settled over us as we all stood up to leave.

After begging, Jake agreed to let Cadence and Tilisia have a sleepover at his house that night, so they went ahead and hugged Amy goodbye and promised to see her off at the airport the following Tuesday.

Once they were gone and Ain was sitting in the car, I turned to Amy with a smile.

"I'm guessing you'll be busy tomorrow, so I'll see you on Tuesday, huh?"

"Actually, I was hoping you'd come over tomorrow night and hang out." She bit her lip nervously as she stared at me in anticipation.

I smiled softly, "Of course. Can I be there at seven?"

"Yeah. That should be fine." She gave me a quick hug and then pulled away, "I'll see you then. And bring Tilisia!"

Once I nodded, she went out to her car and drove away, leaving me in the café alone with my thoughts.

I pulled out my phone and sent a text to Rosie.

You home?

It wasn't long before the screen lit up with a reply.

Yeah. What's up?

I bit the inside of my cheek nervously before sending my next text.

Care to have a late-night visitor?