Change of Destiny (Sequel to Twist of Fate)

One

December, 2003

        Two Harbors, California

It'd been a mere week since the Birth of his highly-unexpected son, but thirty-four-Year-old Richie Kotzen was more or less settled in his new home with his family. Just outside the small Town of Two Harbors on Santa Catalina Island, it was the perfect placeta raise not just his newborn son, but his daughter from a previous marriage. The spot overlooking what was known as Strawberry Cove was Calm, Serene, and idyllic–the very opposite of what his Life usually was a recording and touring artist.

        At the moment, he was more or less sprawled out on the couch that sat parallel to the fireplace in the octagonal living room of his new, painstakingly-designed home. Said son–who'd been named Triton Robert as much for his birthplace as the man who'd helped deliver him–was sprawled out on his chest. Both were dead to the World since it was naptime, their mouths wide open as they slept peacefully, so they were unaware of anyone knocking on the door. That wasn't true for daughter August, who'd just woken up from her own nap and padded the couple steps from the stairsta the door curiously.

        Seeing a man she well recognized and his kids through the glass of it and the sidelights, she grinned as she reached up. Managing to unlock the door was easy enough since she was now six Years old, whether she was short for her age or not. Within moments, said door was swinging open, allowing her to admit the group she'd recognized into the house.

        "Unca Bobby!" the lil girl giggled, grabbing his leg for a hug.

        "Hey there, runt," none other than Bobby Dall chuckled as he Returned the hug. "Where're your parents? You're not supposed to answer the door without them knowing someone's here."

        "Silleh Unca Bobby," she giggled as he picked her up, snuggling her against the other side of his chest from where he'd his own daughter–Zoe–snuggled. "Mama Lyrica and Daddy both said I can answer the door, as long as I rec–recog–"

        "Recognize the person?" the bassist supplied with a chuckle as he gently kicked the door shut behind him.

        "Yeah, that's it!" August nodded emphatically.

        "Well, in that case, who am I to argue?" he queried. "You're not breaking their rules, so there's no need for punishment."

        The lil girl beamed proudly before hugging his neck.

        "So, again I ask–where're your parents, girlie?" Bobby chuckled.

        "Seepin'," she giggled, letting go so she could point toward the living room. "Bubba's noisy, and they're tired a lot."

        "Well, that's just how having a new baby goes," the bassist told her, heading off in the Direction she pointed. "Zak and Zoe were no different as new babies fresh outta their mama's belly."

        "Really, Dad?" This was asked by his now-thirteen-Year-old son.

        "Felt like I was still on tour, even when I was home," he chuckled. "If I wasn't sleeping much for one reason, it was another, so I well know Richie's pain and crankiness there."

        "Yeah, Daddy's cranky a lot now," August sighed as he made his way past the dining table. "Bubba keeps him and Mama Lyrica awake a lot."

        "'Cuz new babies can't do anything for themselves, so your parents've to do everything for him right now," Bobby said, squatting down long enough to set both girls on their feet. "That'll Change as Triton gets older, though, just like it did with you and my own boogers."