Sitting on a cold steel chair at the airport's waiting lounge, my sister comes up to me and hands me her plushie. "Hana, Mr. Kirby is dirty," Nathalie shows me the stain on Mr. Kirby. "Oh no! Let's get Mr. Kirby clean when we're home, but you have to take a seat first because we have to wait for dad to pick us up." She nodded and took Mr. Kirby, her favorite plushie, back from me and embraced it tightly. She sat next to me and leaned on my shoulder.
"Hana, at what time will dad pick us up? I can't wait to see him again." Nathalie looked up at me, looking a little tired from our flight. We took a four hour flight from Nevada to Miami, not to mention the busy airport that made us wait for a few hours to board, and now our dad is making us wait to pick us up as well. "He'll be here any minute now, don't worry," she let out a yawn and said, "I miss Daddy." It's been a year since we last saw him; I miss our dad too.
The past two years have been tough; after my mom and dad's divorce, Nathalie and I have been flying yearly just to see our dad. My mom would always come with us when visiting dad, but this summer, it's just me and my sister because my mom has work and could not take a break from it yet, but she promises to come and see us here as soon as possible. I never really understood why my mom and dad needed to separate and be on their own paths because they had an amazing relationship. They still do after the divorce, but my mom said that there are things in life that will make her feel fulfilled that she can't do here in Miami, and that my dad has his own things that are not easily changed. She also mentioned that she cares for and loves my dad genuinely, which is why she needs to let go too. I wish that they could've just found their common ground and made things possible for the both of them and us, but maybe I will never really understand how it all ended up in a divorce.
"Daddy!!!" Nathalie shouted with excitement as she stood up and ran. I looked up and saw my dad opening his arms for a hug. He picked up Nathalie and gave her a hug, saying, "I missed you so much, my pumpkin!" and kissed Nathalie many times on her face while she giggled, "I missed you, daddy!" Nathalie gave him a kiss on his cheek too. "Okay, I miss you too, dad, but please, no kissing like you did with Nathalie." I got up and gave him a hug. "I would, but if that's what my teenagers wish, even though it saddens me, then alright, no kisses for you, but let me give you a big hug too!" My dad gave me a hug and somehow lifted me from the ground, saying, "Oh, how I miss my daughters." He released from the hug but still had Nathalie on his shoulders.
"Daddy, I'm tired. Can you carry me all the way to the car?" Nathalie did the fake-tired face to get my dad to carry her all the way. Although she really is tired, she was just high on adrenaline after seeing our dad for a long time. "Oh, you already are? Seems like we won't be eating at Becky's for tonight because someone here needs a rest," my dad teasingly pinched my sister's nose. "Noooo! I am tired and hungry, but I am only 60% hungry," Nathalie pouted. "Oh, is that so? Alright then, it seems like I won't be carrying your luggage because this one here is heavy enough," he looked at me, "Can you handle the luggage, honey?" I nodded at him, so we can go on our way already. We didn't bring a lot of things anyway because we already have our clothes and other necessities at my dad's because we technically lived there and left most of our stuff there, and my dad takes us shopping every time anyway. I pulled the two luggages and carried my backpack. "Hey, can you at least carry this?" I tossed my sister's small backpack to my dad, which I assume is where she's carrying her necessities, and by that, I meant toys.
As we were on our way to Becky's, I couldn't help but reminisce about the path we were taking and how familiar it was to me. I know it's our second summer visiting Miami, but every time, I miss it. From being our home to becoming a vacation spot for us.
"So, how's your mom doing?" My dad asked, "She's great, dad, she loves her job. Don't worry too much about her," I said while looking outside. "She couldn't come because she needs to stay for work a little longer," I added as I finally saw Becky's sign in the distance. "So I've heard. I miss your mom, I think about her every day," my dad said sadly as he was taking a turn to Becky's parking lot. "I'm sure she does too. I just don't understand why you have to split if you really love and care for each other that much." I said as I let out these words outside my mouth.
I don't pry into what is going on with their marriage, but it is evident that they do love each other. I just don't understand why they need to end it and have me and my sister suffer from a broken home. "I'm sorry, honey, but as you grow older, you will understand that there are things in life that we can't force, and loving each other alone will not be enough." I looked at him confused, rolled my eyes, and looked away. Whatever the case, it is their marriage anyway.
"Wake up Nath, we're here!" I shifted my focus on Nathalie, who was asleep in the back seat. As much as I could, I do not want to think of the divorce they had because it only upsets me. I know how much they love and care for each other, and to only let that thing go is such a waste.