~ Planora ~
" Here you go." Jenna said as she handed a glass of wine to Morticia.
They had decided to freshen up and eat after Jenna returned with the bottle of wine. It was actually Jenna's idea. Morticia made ramen for the two of them, after winning the long contested bid of who was to do it.
They had of course tried out all the outfits at the mall, so there was no need for that.
" Thank you" Morticia said as she received it from Jenna.
After Jenna sat, she raised the glass
" Cheers to the future!" Jenna said with a smile.
" Cheers to the future?'' Morticia asked with a giggle.
" Yep! Cheers to the future! Cause I know they're some not-so-pleasant memories of the past, but I believe that It's all for the best." Jenna said while Morticia hummed in agreement.
" So, are you ready?" Jenna asked.
" I guess so." Morticia replied as she sighed.
They both took a sip, simultaneously, causing them to giggle.
" So, you lost your dad right?" Jenna asked a few seconds later while Morticia nodded.
" So what happened to him? Was he sick?" Jenna asked.
" No. He wasn't." Morticia said as she glanced into an empty space, as if she was in a daze.
" He just went out that faithful day and never came back." Morticia added as she relaxed her back on the sofa.
Jenna took the glass from Morticia and kept it on the table.
With her elbow rested on the top of the sofa, Jenna fixed her gaze on Morticia who sat some distance away from her, but still on the same sofa.
Fixing her gaze on the bottle of wine on the table, Morticia began narrating most of all she remembered...
[PS: Flashback is narrated from Author's POV]
~ Flashback ~
* * * 9 Years Ago, San Huego * * *
" Dad?" 15 year old Morticia called out.
" Yes my Princess. " Joseph Miles, her dad answered with a loving gaze directed at her.
" You've been acting different lately. Is everything okay? You barely eat these days you know." Morticia said as she examined her father who was relaxing under the patio by the pool, with her. Then, Morticia was very jovial and loquacious.
He wasn't there to actually 'relax' with her. He basically wanted to give her an inkling, if anything should happened to him, but he didn't want it to seem so obvious. Since he was so close to fixing the puzzle, he knew anything might happen to him, but the last thing he needed was for his beautiful angel to fret.
But his rapid physical changes did not go unnoticed by his princess. He dropped by a few pounds, looked way older than he actually was, barely payed attention whenever they were having their usual chit chat, he also barely touched his food and didn't pay attention to Melinda's everyday drama, which he and Morticia would gossip about every evening.
" I'm sorry princess. It's just that work has been really strenuous these days. It's taking a toll on me." Joseph replied.
'' Hmmmmm are you sure?" Morticia asked using her thumb and index finger to hold her chin like she was thinking about something.
Chuckling, Joseph replied;
" Yes ma'am, I am. And besides, I've been working out lately so I can regain my long lost abs. You know a princess like you needs a hot and fit-for-battle Knight." Joseph said with a grin, while Morticia giggled girlishly.
" Well, that's not a bad idea, the only thing is that this princess right here prefers her pot bellied Knight. So he should eat more and think less, that way he would be strong enough to protect me." Morticia said with a smile.
'' Noted your highness." Joseph said as he brought his hands together.
" Morticia." Joseph called after a while.
" Yes Dad." She answered.
" I want you to know that I love you so much. You're my life my pretty baby. You'll always come first to me. And let this be a daddy's reminder, that you should always stay focused and never loose sight of the future, no matter what happens. Okay princess?" Joseph said with sadness in his eyes.
" I promise to try my best dad. I'm so grateful to have you by my side. I love you too dad. And as my Knight, I wish to follow whatever path you lead daddy.'' Morticia said looking at Joseph who was trying to avoid looking at her bright eyes, so she doesn't see the sadness in his.
" No baby. Don't trail whatever path I lead, because, I'm not saying it's gonna happen soon, but, we know it's inevitable that one day I will no longer be there to lead you and you will have to find your way back. Listen princess, whatever path you choose, I will be here to guide you through it, hopefully. Just always remember who you are and never forget to do what's right." Joseph said as he held her hand in his.
" But dad w..." A call came in, interrupting Morticia before she could speak further.
" Hold on princess." Joseph said as he stood up and excused himself.
Moments later, he returned, with a bright look on his face.
" I have to go princess. It's really really urgent." Joseph said as he tucked his phone inside the front pocket of his trouser.
But observing that he wasn't wearing a frown, Morticia was relaxed.
" Is hope everything is okay?" Morticia asked as she took a sip from a glass of orange juice.
" Yes baby. It's an emergency at work." Joseph lied.
" Okay Dad. Goodbye."
" Goodbye princess. I love you." Joseph said for the last time. Leaning in, he kissed Morticia on her forehead while she smiled briefly.
When he got to the door that led to the patio, he turned back once more and smiled at her, while she smiled back brightly and waved at him.
With the sun reflecting on both their faces, it made the scene a beautiful one. The type she would have loved to capture, if she knew she was bidding her father goodbye for life!