The Ark

9.

I jerked awake and recoiled at the combination of bright sunlight and notification overlays that assaulted my eyes. I blinked my Lens off, squinting out the window into the dazzling daylight cast by a high sun. What time was it?

Humming carried from the kitchen—Dad butchering some classic pop song. I slid out of bed and took a moment to get my balance and my bearings before heading out toward the off-key tune.

"You're awake!" Dad slung an arm around me as I drifted into kitchen. "I thought I was going to have to leave without saying goodbye."

"You're leaving?" I stifled a yawn into my fist and blinked at him. "But I thought this was our weekend?"

He let out a long exhale through his nose. "I know kiddo, I'm sorry. There's one urgent thing I need to tie up at work today. But I've booked the whole day off with you tomorrow. I have an early birthday present planned for you."

I bit the inside of my cheek and nodded, turning away to the beverage dispenser before he could see my fallen expression. "Sounds great."

"I didn't know that outfit doubled as pyjamas." Dad shot a dorky pair of finger guns in my direction, trying to lighten the mood.

I looked down at my crumpled and slept-in variation of last night's gala clothes and shrugged. I had been too exhausted and sick to change when we'd gotten home last night.

"Hey." Dad turned me toward him and studied my face, his brow wrinkling. "We'll have a great day tomorrow, I promise. Plus, there are some things I want to talk to you about when we have time."

I assumed he meant the whole Fabia thing. Last night I found out they had been dating for six months and hadn't thought to mention it to me until I'd seen them together.

"I know Dad. It's fine, really. I think Celeste wants to meet up later anyway."

He brightened, setting his attention to gathering up a messy pile of work gear from the counter. "That's great honey. I'll be riding in one of the work cars today, so if you want to take mine, it's all yours." He kissed me on the forehead and smiled. "You and Celeste have fun and look after each other. I'll see you later tonight."

"Bye." I waited for the door to swing shut behind him before letting out a disappointed huff. Now there was definitely no getting out of Celeste's double date.