《Meeting By The Pond》


 Introduction

    Hazy, the longer Penn focused on the horizon line the more she found her vision distorting. She could feel the haze dancing with the stupid summer heat. Her back was practically sticking to the cheap car seat, and the sweat that didn''t stick rolled straight down her back agonizingly slowly. However, she still found a reason to smile even now. Beside her, driving, sat the man of her dreams swearing about the heat treading dangerously close to waking her bundle of joy. Her baby girl in the back seat. The baby stirred here and there but found comfort in sleeping off the heat. Hair sprawled around her like a blanket, and even if she wasn''t in a seat belt anymore her stick arms held her in place. Rocking and swaying with the old rattle box of a car.


    "And more than that I can''t see how you''re so happy, Penn '''' Her husband, David asked, still at his wits end with it all. They''d picked up and moved at the drop of a hat, his hat. He''d gotten the chance of a lifetime and decided his ratty old would get them to middle America. Where and how was beyond Penn but she never minded going along for the ride with him. Of course, she wished the ride came with air conditioning but she couldn''t complain too much.


    "I''m happy because everything''s working out for you¡­ I know you''ve hated relying on my father for help but-" David quickly interrupts, practically vomiting the words "I never needed his aid, Dear" ever word more sharp than the last. Penn sighs, head falling into the cheap chair, it''s hot. "I''m just happy for you. I don''t understand it much but¡­ just hearing you talk about your science¡­ you light up so much. I''m just glad you seem¡­" Penn stops, the word dies on her tongue. It''s obvious and that''s what makes it hurt worse.


    He does seem happier now and she had no part in making it happen.


    She stops smiling and blames it on the heat getting to her. David, upon hearing this, goes back to being upset at the heat. Ranting and raving. "Dad" a small voice croaked. "Hm? Evening, Doll" David replied, the gruff tone wavering.


    "It''s hot" "I know" he sighed quickly.


    "It''s really hot, Dad" she lamented, sticking her arm only to stick it back. Finding the moist sound is almost as amusing as the feeling of her skin stretching like slime. "Stop that" he mumbles, and the child doesn''t hear him. The sound continues. "We''re almost there¡­ The house should be pre furnished, working, electric and water going, and a fresh stocked fridge." The child nodded, head luling to the side before it crashed back into the seat. "I''m still hot-" "Working with air¡­ air conditioning. Lily, it''ll be better soon. Everything is getting better now" and David meant it.


    David meant every word, looked forward to every second. "I''m glad you seem happier, David," Penn mumbled, smiling at the fact that at least she could still say it and mean it. Even if she understood what it meant. "Of course, you always are."


    Once the sun dipped behind the horizon, once the road seemed to narrow and twist into the trees, before they knew it they''d arrived.


    A house, not bold enough to overshadow the trees beside it but big enough to house them comfortably. Old enough to be called classic but new enough to catch David''s eyes. The man practically foamed at the mouth screaming the house''s praises. He rushed in not sparing a second to check on his wife as she leaned on the car. The heat, it didn''t take it easy on her in the slightest. Thankfully the water in the house was on. She''d need it¡­ if she could get there. She could feel herself swaying without even taking a step forward. "Are you okay?" Lily asked, concern evident.


    "I''m fine, bud" she mumbled, kneeling to hide kisses in her hair. The bun came undone in her sleep and swirled atop her head like a mop. The comb would have fun tonight. "I''ll carry you. I''ll carry you, come here?" The child didn''t wait for an answer as she went for the ankles. It was honestly bold of her to naturally assume she could lift her by her ankles assuming she could lift her. "No, Lily. I''m too heavy-" "But Dad used to pick you up. He said you aren''t heavy" Lily whined, still trying to lift the woman. The girl''s heels nearly slipped from under her as she tried to root them in the dirt.


    The girl quickly found herself uprooted and in her mother''s arm though despite the protests. "I''m still a big girl¡­ I just need water so~" Penn hums, giving the girl a small bounce before braving the path to the house.


    "Have you seen the fridge, chairs, and even the paintings are just-" "Expensive" Penn laughed, the type of laugh that was practiced and tiresome but it still sounded as fresh.


    "No, I was-well yes-but more than that more than money. Well, I''ll be making a lot of it soon. I just meant only the best for my family." David stumbled but somehow found something to say. "The chair doesn''t look squishy" Lily grumbled, squirming out her mother''s arms. "Try sitting on it then." "No, Mom needs water first" The child rebutted. David nodded quickly moving on to the basement.


    If Penn hadn''t seen him reach for the hatch in the floor she wouldn''t have know it was there. It blended in with the hardwood flooring. "Penn?" David hummed, waiting for her to speak or keep going on with her day. "I''m glad we got here within the night. I''ll start getting Lily ready for bed." David nodded racing back up to pepper her with kisses.


    Penn realized talking about it wasn''t worth the time. The kisses were enough to tell her this. "See, we fit together perfectly. Wait up for me?" Penn blinked confused. "Will¡­ checking the basement take that long?" Instead of an answer she was met with his lips, chapped but eager. "Gross, stop. Mom needs water¡­ seriously" Lily huffed kicking at her father''s ankles. "Right, sorry ladies let me get back to work then. I''ll be back up soon" and with a small wave he retreated into the floor.


    "Drink it" Lily quickly huffed, on her tippy toes trying trying shove the cup as close to her face as she could. "Of course, go get ready for a bath first" and with a kiss they parted ways.


    The tap tastes stale somehow. Lily couldn''t reach ice but Penn couldn''t bear the walk to get any. She found herself torn between following her husband or ignoring him. Of course, she knew what she''d end up doing. Knew what needed to be done but still¡­ even still, her foot tip tapped on the hardwood aa she mulled over the obvious. David''s little flaws were always so damn obvious. Blinding even, and even if everyone could see them why did she have to see them as well.


    While she pondered the man holding her heart slithered about downstairs. What should''ve been a basement resembled a lab. An open space with every wall lined with equipment. Some common tools and the others complicated machines. In the middle of it all stood another man. He''d been standing as if he''d been waiting for him, and it was so obviously planned David laughed a bit. He''d decided to ignore him until he finishes surveying the rest of the room. If this annoyed the mystery man he sure didn''t show it standing as patiently as ever. "Hours? Days?" David sneered, quick to pick at him. The other laughed a bit.


    "Minutes¡­ heard you roll up. We''ll need to get you a better car you might not make it to work like that. This small office is just¡­ a bonus. Apparently you requested it which is something new¡­ anything to say about that?" David simply laughed. The other nodded quickly. "I''ll find out eventually-" "Son-" the other snickered at that. "Assitant, Head of Resources and Information, and more are my titles, sir" he paused to smile, it was too sweet for a moment like this. Too gentle to be used on a man like this, and David shriveled at the sight of it. "However, if you want to be chummy my full name is Edward Clark. Or Eddy, Davey" Edward finished even more amused than before.The author''s content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    He watched David struggle to regain some sort of composure. He opened his mouth for a moment but quickly shut it to rub his chin. "David, that''s fine" he said, trying his best to stick out his hand. Edward ignored it. "Sure, Davey. Shouldn''t you be used to pet names aren''t you married-hm, well it''s none of my business. Affection comes in different shapes." David again tried to say something but find nothing to say. "It''s late, I''ll head out since you don''t have questions but you might just be tired," as Edward heads to the door he stops for a moment, "I''ll be back in the morning though. Ask me things then, alright? Either way goodnight, sir."


    Strange, that''s the only word that came to David''s mind as he lingered on Edward''s unfortunately entry into his life. Tiring also took root in his mind the longer he lingered on how childishly sharp he was, or could be at least. It was hard to tell the man''s limits. Pet names couldn''t be more repulsive to the man, husband, and father. God he felt his stomach turn and fold at the idea of his own wife doting, and to have a man do it. His voice disgustingly factual.


    "David?" Torn from his frustrations David quickly sighed rushing up the stairs. Taking a small comfort in the fact that while his wife was observant she couldn''t figure out how to find the hatch. She couldn''t find the handle, not yet. "A second¡­ wait in bed for me?" He smiled against the hatch. Waiting for her feet to shuffle away. "Right. See Lily before you lay down" Penn adds before leaving. Her voice either tired or solemn, maybe both.


    When he emerged the lights were all off, and he realized just how hard it was to navigate without a light. Hands out he wandered about like a lost child somehow finding the child''s room. "Lily?" Silence. "Doll?" He said a bit louder. "Dad" the child croaked back. If it was a bit brighter he''d see her peering about a bit tense. He''d realize standing at the door like this wasn''t helping her. However, he never like coming into her room unless he needed her and tonight was no different. So he stood at the door giving her a small "goodnight" before moving to bathe.


    She stayed like he found her head on the bed as her jaw stayed stiff. She couldn''t say anything to him and expected a slight fuss over it but nothing came. If she''d spoken up she might have even gotten some reassurance that the room, the dark, the house, the woods were just that and nothing more. Sadly, the child found her voice trapped in her throat. "Mom," she whispered, trying to compete with the showers steady sound. Her mother gave no answer.


    "Mom" she called again, a bit louder. Only loud enough to feel like she tried. Any louder and she felt she''d get whisked away in the darkness and dragged off by¡­ something. Maybe by the darkness itself, she realized sinking further into her covers. The warmth would''ve been enough for her back at home. Home where everyone loved one room apart. Home where her grandparents always checked up on her to see if she''d dozed off by now. Home where she''d be gently cooed and coddled until she realized nothing would happen to her, to anyone. Who could make sure nothing would happen now? Only her grandfather said things like that so in her mind only he could defend them all. Her father certainly couldn''t, she realized grimly, he''d be too busy. Of course, her mother came to mind but she''d get hurt going too far for her. That left Lily to take her grandfather''s place. With deep breath she stood up, hoped out of bed, and surveyed the room arms outstretched.


    Her grandfather always said ''a monster wouldn''t pass up a chance at my arms, as if they could get a bite I''m too fast'' so she confidently waved her arms. If someone as old as himself could be as quick as anyone then she really did have the advantage. Everytime her arms cut through the darkness she gained more confidence. Soon she added little kicks and bounces. Weilding wavering arms wandering wordlessly working for peace. Once her arms tired, once peace of mind was achieved, she stood still satisfied.


    "I''m heading back now with a job well done, Lily. Until tomorrow night stay strong" she mimicked, striking the same small pose and wave her grandfather always did from the door. Yup, the night was complete. She quickly dove back under the covers shifting and wiggling until she found the spot again. The one spot that sunk around her just enough to comfort her. The perfect place that seemed to absorb her warmth and radiate it back equally. Perfection and more defined by a little divot in matress. The walls may have been bare and she may have ended up leaving all her stuffies behind but tonight, at least, she''d sleep like she never left home.


    "Are you really sleeping, dear?" David sighed against his wife''s neck after a moment. Her eyes opened but she decided against stirring. Laying still as she could while still trying to appear relaxed and in a deep sleep. He gently rubbed her shoulder in a nearly rough manner. If she didn''t feel rude assuming she''d think he was trying to wake her up. He was, of course, but she just bit her lip and shut her eyes once again. A sigh left him again as a small "goodnight then" escaped his lips. Lips that hardly parted to kiss her before he turned over.


    The bed never felt so chilly and the small air gap didn''t help. She tried to keep herself from shivering, and realized he''d usually cozy up to her by now. His arms would coil around her waist and he''d gently rub her stomach. A habit he picked up while she was pregnant. When David kicked the habit she experienced her first sleepless night. Of course, it didn''t hurt anymore so she let her eyes gently shut, finding comfort in the new things she''d been given today. Her little budding girl could have a nicely sized room, they didn''t have to share a bathroom with her parents, and could live surrounded by fresh air. She''d have to make a habit of using the backyard tomorrow.


    Morning, it used to be so busy Lily had no choice but to wake up and get ready. But today curiosity was the only thing drawing her out of bed. Someone had to be in the kitchen with all the little clicks, drags, and sizzles. Lily moved to go see but stopped when she remembered her grandmother. ''Get dressed, get ready. By then breakfast''s ready'' she''d always said. Usually she''d help her get dressed but luckily for Lily she didn''t need help with that anymore.


    The drawers were packed as if they''d always been living here. Confused, she started tearing the drawers apart. Dresses, shirts, and skirts filled them along with undergarments and things. Everything was some pastel cutesy style. She''d never seen so many bows and ruffles¡­ Well, no dolls usually wore cute things like this. It looked too fancy to eat and play in but since it was all she had Lily decided she''d have to try some clothes on.


    The only dress she was sure she could manage was a simpler one that closed in the front. She could reach the bow and latch it closed easily. The bottom of the dress puffed up spilling with ruffles. Socks and shoes weren''t needed...not yet. For now, she''d check the kitchen and get a better look at the house.


    "Morning," Edward hummed from the stove. "Morning, sir" Lily replied. Stopping in her tracks when the stranger turned to her. "Edward, and you are?" Edward asked, making his voice lose all that stiffness. When she didn''t immediately answer Edward simply patted one of the high stool chairs. Lily nodded gently making her way to the stool. Every step was purposely slow, testingly, as her eyes never left the older man. "I''m not gonna eat you. I''m here for your father. Does he always sleep so late?" "Yes" she answered swiftly. She hoped once, twice, and allowed the man to give her a small tug of the hand so she could finally take her seat.


    "You look a bit¡­ proper. Do you like the clothes?" Edward asked turning back to the stove tops. "I want to go into the woods. Is there anything back there?" The man hums in an obnoxiously loud way clearly not sparing it a thought. "Trees, obviously" Edward laughed. "No, yes, but is there anything else¡­ just trees?" Lily asks, clearly annoyed. "Probably more¡­ if you ever want to explore it make sure to bring this much" Edward declared putting a little pocket knife on the table. She snatched it up like candy hiding it in what could barely be called a pocket. "For bears and things?" Lily gasps now standing in the chair. "I''d be more wary of people. If anyone tried anything aim for the legs, make it harder for them to run and get you. You know?" Edward doesn''t wait for Lily to answer moving further away to grab plates, silverware, and drinks.


    Everything was here like they loved here forever, Lily really hated that fact. "Can you help me explore?" Edward simply shrugs and both decided it was best to leave it there for now.


    "Lily¡­ are you awake?" Her mother croaked from the hall. "Yes, eating" Lily quickly called back. Penn laughed albeit nervously making her way to the living room kitchen. "Oh? I didn''t know we''d have a guest¡­ you''ll have to wake him yourself." Edward raised a small brow but decided to hold his tongue smiling instead. "The food smells nice, thank you. I''ll be sure to beat you to the kitchen next time" Penn sits down, her hand naturally intertwining with Lily''s hair. "Morning, bud" she sighs, smile contagious.


    "Bud?" Edward echoed thoughtlessly. "My little budding blossom, Lily. I can''t wait to see her grow." Edward nods again deciding once more to bite his tongue. Something about watching the two interact is enough to keep him content. "You haven''t been waiting long, have you?" "No, Mrs.Grey" Edward sputters taking a seat. It''s here first time he''s relaxed in this house. "Grey, no. I-we-" Penn corrects gesturing to her child. "We kept my last name. Penn Wright" she laughs, sticking out a hand. Edward takes it firmly and gives it a shake. "Edward Clark, but my friends call me whatever they want" his hand retreats to grab a fork. "Oh, are we suddenly friends?" She bites in the playful type of way that makes Edward grin. "Aren''t we? I''ve practically befriended your little angle" He adds, gesturing to the child. Lily doesn''t agree or disagree but that does speak volumes.


    Lily didn''t find much friendship and often denied it if it was wrongfully assumed. Her silence spoke for her. "I guess you have¡­ don''t get her into trouble or you''ll have to hear from me" Penn mumbles absent-mindedly. Edward nods and hesitated before replying, "I wouldn''t mind hearing from you again, Penn" with a bit to much sincerity. He back tracks quickly as he noticed even Lily stares realizing he''s said quite a lot. "Of course, we be seeing much more of each other because of your husband. Nothing else" and Penn nods. Silence return slowly but it doesn''t feel uncomfortable for a moment. Penn finds her eyes are torn between staring at her plate and staring at the man before her.


    She tells herself it''s mainly because he''ll be around the house often, clearly. She needs to know what type of man will be around her child. Of course, her child''s safety doesn''t have anything to do with her staring at his lips. "You didn''t wake me up?" David yawns from the doorframe. "Oh. You, why are you here?" All the tiredness drains from his voice at once. Lily takes it as an invitation to gather her things and place them in the sink. Of course, she''s a bit too short so Edward''s aids her clearly ignoring the man. "Is there some for me?" "Ah, about that. We need to get you in the office asap today something big happened. One of your tests decided to up and leave." David grumbled, turns to get dressed, and turns back when he realizes he''s already gotten ready. "Let''s just go then" "Yup. Your new car is parked outside, Davey" Edward muses tossing the keys before the man can even complain. Both are out the door before Penn finishes her plate, but only Edward spares a moment to say goodbyes.

 1: Breadcrumbs

    Workbooks, every subject found itself laid out on the table. Lily sat before them torn between picking one up or ignoring them all together. "Are you going to start?" Penn hummed, gently moving the child''s hair behind her ears. "Okay" Lily mumbles. Her mother lingers for a moment before she sighs again. The child finds herself scooped up off the ground quickly. "Well no, you must be stressed and worried. Or maybe it''s just me. Either way we should get used to everything first, right?" Lily smiles, letting her head hide in the crook of her mother''s neck. "We can''t drive anywhere¡­ but we have a whole forest back here. I''m sure you''ve wanted to get a peek, right?" Lily nods quickly. "Alright, get some shoes," Penn laughs. She barely has time to put the child closer to the floor before she''s hoping out of her arms. In all honesty this trip was mainly for Penn''s sanity. She was sure she packed small things before being dragged off on this little journey like her phone and laptop but they weren''t here. She was assured before getting out of bed everything was here.


    Penn only agreed to come on such short notice because she could just explain it later. She could just call her parents and talk it over. She had nothing now¡­. Nothing but a child.


    "I''m done¡­ the shoes are stiff" Lily grumbles. Penn smiles out of conditioning as she kneels down. Dress shoes, the black things obviously fresh out the box and polished. "We''ll have to make do for now. I''ll carry you most of the way." Lily takes this moment to look over her mother''s clothing. She''d never seen her mother in a low cut dress but more shocking was the heels she adorned. "It''s fine," Penn mumbles quickly. Her voice was lost in the child''s hair. "Don''t high shoes hurt? Grandma never liked them" Lily asks, voice so painfully unsure. Penn can feel a part of her cringe at her own child''s concern. It was just shoes she could take that much. "You worry too much. When did that start?" Penn laughs gently. Lily doesn''t say anything; she simply stands waiting.


    Penn doesn''t say anything else, she just holds out hand. Lily immediately finds it, greedily grabbing hold, and with a small smile the Mother wanders into the forest.


    "It smells so fresh and moist here" Penn comments. Her heels get stuck a few times, teaching her to step lightly. Lily found it easier to ignore her discomfort. The way the dress fluttered made up for the fact that her shoes nipped at her heels. Besides, green was the only thing invading her senses. The trees stretched higher than she ever could, mockingly dancing with the wind letting their leaves flutter freely. The grass stained her heels and his mud that threatened to yank off her shoes. Even still Lily ran ahead drinking up every ounce of this world. If she didn''t drink now she''d drown. So with wide eyes she took note of everything. "Lily, slow down" Penn called out trying to keep pace. However, she''d never even navigated anything more than a city park. The child could see the paths winding further in but her mother blindly stood trying to tell her apart from the green.


    Lily heard her calls when the green already swallowed her. She turned back only to be mocked by the fact that she is a child. One that went too far. When was the last time she was truly lost? She couldn''t remember but the sinking feeling that left twisting into her chest, taking root, felt familiar. "Mom" Lily gasps, the sound barely leaving her. She stumbles back a bit and realizes why the paths seem to wind down when they seem to want to go straight. Her footing slips and the green bushes move aside as she falls. In a twisted way it feels nearly welcoming especially when she realizes the fall isn''t dangerous she''s just bounced about before she''s laid out on her face. The pastels on her dress are now muddied. She can feel the grime cling to her skin and a part of her wonders if she should wipe it off. It doesn''t hurt but it''s dirt all the same.


    She leaves her shoes in the mud instead. Path or not she''s made one herself and she''s determined to follow it until she decides otherwise. It''s just like those stories she''d read every now and then about destiny and fate. The moment where the main character can feel themselves being pulled in one direction. Off the beaten path, she was wandering with little sticks in her hair. Searching for whatever was pulling her.


    "Lily! Lily, please!" Penn called her voice echoing. Even if Lily wanted to she couldn''t turn back and find her so she kept going.


    "Wow" the word left her before she could truly take in the environment before her. The trees moved practically bowing before her to reveal a haven. A clearing where the sun must''ve gently raised up the ground here, while it scorched everything else. The grass was so rich and bright Lily hesitated to walk over to it. She could see it. Rainbows catching in her eyesight as the rays bathed the ground. Yes, it was exactly like a story. What did that make her, she quickly thought. At the center of the masterpiece was a pond with water as clear as the sky. She could see straight to the bottom and the small creatures inside stared back at her.


    It all felt so unreal it blinded her as she drank up every moment. But the center piece had to be the ruby droplets scattered around the pond. She touched them, rubbed the substance in between her fingers, and quickly wiped it away on her dress. Oh, she recoiled at the grime once more.


    "Lily!" Penn screamed, her voice clawing its way out of her throat. Sounding like a wounded animal. It''s enough to drag the child away from her little impulsive curiosity.


    She leapt up, fear clouding her mind, as she searched for a way back. A part of her tried to keep from getting dirtier as if that mattered. Clawing through some bush that clawed back, ripping the dress''s hem. Ruined, Lily thinks, I''ve ruined everything. Tears escape her before she even catches sight of her Mother again. "Lily! Oh, I was beyond worried. I-you-never again¡­ don''t do that again you don''t know what could be back here" Penn pauses in her checking and noting for injuries. "I''m sorry" Lily sighs, eyes still moist. "God¡­ you look like a little mud child. At least the bath isn''t far, right?" "Right" Lily echoes, smiling. They begin the walk back quickly. Penn is still obviously shaken by everything. Although Lily can''t understand why at all. There was nothing in the woods, she recalled Edward saying. Was he wrong? Did he lie?


    "Are you sure you didn''t cut yourself?" Penn prods once more. "No, I didn''t. Promise." This only seems to leave her Mother even more concerned. "Then¡­ that¡­ stain on your dress. Was something sleeping?" Dead, Lily wants to correct but decides against it. "No, the grass had a little on it" "looks fresh" her mother mumbles mainly to herself. Lily still hears her.


    "Is this all we have?" Penn asks, and Lily doesn''t answer knowing she isn''t truly meant to. "Dresses, skirts, stupid shoes-we aren''t even going anywhere why do we have so many¡­ nevermind" she mumbles picking the simplest thing she can. A plain white dress. "Keep this clean. No going outside in this, or in any white things. Okay?" Lily nods. The bath isn''t ready when the child is shoved into the room.


    This narrative has been purloined without the author''s approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    It''s hardly even started to run and only bubbles build. When her mother leaves she grabs the bubble bath bottle, pours, and waits. She can still feel the grime sticking to her face and arms. But Lily knows scratching at nothing won''t help anything. So, instead she lets her mind linger back on the pond. The water seemed clearer than the bath, she thought moving bubbles aside. Of course, that was only so true. The place looked so unreal because it seemed untouched and hidden despite the bloodied grass saying otherwise. Yes, she was sure it was blood now. It could only be an animal but if it was an animal she Now, as an Wright, had an obligation to help it in some way. It wouldn''t be hard¡­ once she found it.


    Penn, the woman of the house, stands still realizing they lack a washer and dryer. The dress is ruined but she still wants to wash it. Honestly, she just needs something to do¡­ anything. The house is so quiet and the woods aren''t an option anymore. She must''ve lost her mind, she thinks, to even assume wandering about was a good idea. It''s only been a day and she already feels trapped. It''s ridiculous. "What would Mother say if she saw you like this?" She asks herself. Her mind was torn between checking up on her little budding baby, and starting dinner. She quickly realizes what her mother would say. Something like ''Why did you leave? Love can only take you so far'' and other things. Even more than knowing what she''d say she knows if things keep going like this she''ll be right. She panics in some way shoving the dress in the trash. It''s been one day, she highlights before noticing even that isn''t right. It''s been less than a day and she''s just being generous.


    Too generous, she realizes turning on a dime. The basement. David hadn''t mentioned it at all to her. Hadn''t mentioned his work at all either. Love can only take you so far, she reiterates to herself. She could quickly look inside and ask about it later when he got home.


    "Penn?" Before the woman can react she finds arms snaked around her. Her heart is racing, beating, and her husband mistakes that it''s for him and him alone. "You must''ve seen me coming? Heard? I''m not worried about dinner if that''s what''s got you so nervous" David sighs, as if his every word is just honey and sugar. "Dinner? Right, I wasn''t sure what to make¡­ Lily is still in the bath. Um, how was everything today?" It''s a clumsy way of casting a line. Now she just had to wait for information and a reason to drop her panic right here and now. She just wanted to know if she was scared of change-if that was all there was to it that''s what she needed to know.


    "I''m leading a genetic testing experiment. Based on my notes I''ve collected I''ve been put at the head of everything. Of course, it''s thanks to the both of you" David smiles. He almost looks like he''s expecting his wife to say something. Waiting for his cue but it doesn''t come. "No, it''s your work. We hardly¡­ either way, I am glad things are better for you. I''ll have to tell my parents they''ll be so happy you finally got your break" and when she notices David simply nodding, Penn realizes her missing methods of communication isn''t an accident. She hesitates to say anything and at this moment she loses the chance.


    "Well, any issues with the house?" Edward asks, literally injecting himself into the conversation. Physically breaking the little married couple apart. Of course, the man was so playful it went ignored. "Have you seen the little alcohol stash I left? Pop open some wine, I''ll help cook. Fish alright?" Edward asks both but when neither answers he keeps going. "Fine, I''ll decide. Where''s the kid? Go get the kid, Davey" the man sighs heavily. However, he doesn''t seem as annoyed. Edward takes note and focuses on his wife. The very idea of focusing on someone else''s wife feels shameful but his missus doesn''t seem to mind. No one minds. "Is fish fine? Anyone have allergies?" Penn sighs just as heavily as her husband''s. Her head hardly peeks up from the counter. "Lily doesn''t like fish. The bones are too small she says-paranoid she''ll accidentally eat one and choke." Edward laughs a bit at this.


    "I was the same. Of course, it was because I actually DID eat a bone but I understand" he turns back for a moment, smirking playfully. "You can never be too careful."


    "Doll?" A soft knock on the door makes the little girl stiffen. When she tries to sink further into the tub she realizes the bubbles are gone. "Coming in, okay?" David asks, gently. Lily wants to say something but remembers earlier today and is too ashamed to even open her mouth. She ran off in a new place, got lost, and more than that got her new clothes dirty. It was enough to bite her nails over. "Sweet pea?" Ah, the old nickname. Lily shuts her eyes and huffed "fine" letting her cheeks puff back up and she hides in the clear water. It creaks open so slowly she worries that maybe just maybe she heard wrong. Maybe he hadn''t asked to come in at all. "Dad?" He jumps in suddenly smiling for once. "Doll, what took so long? Are you at that age? Shy now?" He takes a seat quickly leaving way for an answer but not really expecting one. "No, I thought mom might come get me" she mumbles mainly to herself. David''s smile softens. "You both are two peas in a pod¡­ What does that make me? A farmer?" Lily didn''t understand and she wasn''t meant to. "Earlier I messed up my clothes and bit¡­ I''m sorry" it usually works. Coming clean before she''s asked to address things. She was sure that''s why her father was here anyways so avoiding it wouldn''t help. "Clothes?" David echoes dumbfounded. Lily hesitates while explaining, only meeting her father''s eyes for a moment. He stares in a dull sort of way. The kind of way that says he''d rather listen to anything else and his daughter notices. She notices. "Sorry" Lily mumbles. David nods, stands, and leaves.


    Lily listens, her head barely peeking over the water. She can hear every step, another door, and then the steps stop. She can only assume they''ve stopped in front of her drawers. If he''s rustling through them she can''t hear that much. If she gets out now she''ll bump into him.


    Her eyes close at some point and her forehead falls onto her knees. This felt a bit worse than hoping nothing was in the dark. "Are you coming out, Doll?" He asks through the wall. She can feel his hands pressed against the wall. "Yes¡­ can you bring my clothes?" There''s no answer until she gets out of the water.


    "Here. God, you really are perfect. Absolute peach" David laughs, eying her clothes for a moment before readjusting everything. Acting like a human iron. "It''s not going to be perfect, Dad" Lily frets, trying to move but she''s quickly held in place. "If the idea of perfection exists it can be recreated. You, my bab, are perfect. You are because I know you are. I''ve made you." Lily smiles. She always does when he says small things like this. It feels right, she feels right.


    "Did you get the job?" Overjoyed Lily naturally prods at her father. Overrun with interest. "Of course, this is your father you''re talking about. It''ll be fun. One of these days I''ll have to let you see some of my work¡­ depending on my schedule it may be sooner rather than later." David talks like he''s speaking to someone who''d understand him. His hands naturally gravitate to his child''s hair and he combs through it so briskly it hurts. Lily makes sure she barely jerks at the slight tugs. "What do you work on?" Maybe it was an accident but she could feel her father tense at the question. His loose hold turns into a vise grip on her hair. He doesn''t say anything. Lily remains still eyes glued to her feet. White socks, she''d dirty them if she walked about for too long in them. "Right¡­ it''s a surprise. If I tell you now-you wouldn''t get it. It''s better to see" his grip is still stern. He''s waiting, demanding, for her to agree so she does. "Yes, I get it. I get it."


    "You took your time, shrimp" Edward declares, back turned but he still noticed the Father and Daughters entry. "Shrimp? I''m not-" she pauses to get a small jump start to climb onto a chair. Edward''s point is proven. "You said animals weren''t in the forest" Lily announces. Both her parents stare as Edward just smiles. "Earlier I found¡­ or I think there''s a wounded animal there" she finishes, unsure of how to explain. "Well¡­ at your father''s job things happen. I''ll tell you a secret even if he doesn''t know, okay?" "Okay!" She replies eagerly leaning over. "Edward" David tries to interject but it doesn''t do anything but turn the other man''s smile into a grin. "Come closer. It''s not a big secret but still" Edward insists and it''s enough to calm David. Lily notices it''s enough to soothe her father''s worries.


    "A little thing ran away from the lab the other day. It''s probably hiding in the forest. If you can find it, tell me about it, then I''ll give you a bunch of favors"


    Lily glances up at the man, he stops smiling. "Don''t believe me?" "I do" she admits, but still stares. "You mean it right¡­ owing me favors. No matter what you''ll-" "I am a lot of things, shrimp. But before all of that I''m a man of my word" Edward declares in a ridiculously serious fashion. David laughs and he''s meant to. That little show was for him. "You understand, shrimp?" And Lily, the shrimp, nods.


    "As long as you''re sure it''s fine for her. Safe, you know?" Edward nods more to Lily. "I mean, she came back fine today didn''t she" Edward says, remembering his wine. "But still-" "I''m sure he''ll make sure nothing strange happens. It''ll be good for her regardless" David interjects, placing a hand on his wife''s leg. "Right," Penn sighs into her glass. "Your always right aren''t you, dear" "I am" David quickly agrees trying to brush off the small tiff by peppering the woman in kisses. Edward stares on at the small display and takes another sip. "Wait till tomorrow morning, okay?" He says suddenly only loud enough for the child to hear. She nods sure of it now. This is her little adventure and whatever happens she''s there for the ride.