Paige Johnson

"I've bought a few party things just in case," we were in the basement and he pointed to boxes labeled as party. I eyed him suspiciously, "a few?"

"Fine, I splurged thinking it would be great to have a party once in a while. I'm retired— which means I have all the time in the world for drinks and chats."

"Check on the deco but what about the invitation? How on Earth are we going to invite the whole neighbourhood for a party that's going to start in a few hours?" Janey questioned and dad showed his phone. "Look at that, you're retired and socially active."

"I'll make a simple invite and send them to everyone," Rui quickly did his magic on his iPad while I decorated the first floor and the other two went to the kitchen. It took about an hour to put everything up and out.

"What are we making?" I took a big gulp of apple juice. "A surprise!" He exclaimed excitedly. "This feels like the old days when we had to use random stuff to make dinner, don't you remember?" Janey shook her head but I remembered. We didn’t have much to spend on groceries, but it was enough to fill our tummies. None of those memories were ruined by our lack; in fact, it was the other way around. Everything felt perfect because we had each other, and every day seemed to turn sunny in the end, despite the gray ones.

"You failed some, a few edible. But every one of them was funky," I chuckled. "Exactly what a surprise should be— funky that just makes you want to smile," he kissed our cheeks.

Rui finished with the invite and began sending to all dad's contact lists, which surprisingly was a lot for the-talk-of-the-town man. A few replied straight away with 'Count me in', 'I'll bring the cards over', 'Coming with family' and some even said that they'll bring something over as well which was a big help.

Once everything was done, we had only a few minutes left to spare to get out of this stinky clothes. I didn’t bring any party-worthy outfits, but luckily I have one that gives off a simple-yet-not-a-couch-potato vibe.

The first guest arrived right on time and they were super nice. Dad introduced us which he did through the whole night before the whole town knew who we were. The food turned out presentable and thankfully, everyone enjoyed them. Dad had a huge grin whenever someone complimented his cooking. His shoulders grew wider with every word which we just laughed at how adorable that was.

"Finally, you're here!" I could hear his excitement. That must be his best bud from the barber. "Let's go meet them," Janey pulled me through the crowd, and my smile never faded as curious eyes wandered toward us. "Girls, come meet the Barrs. My companion during my haircut, Brian. The lovely lady, who always made me laugh and my cooking nemesis, Nat," they laughed at their description. "Her lasagna is amazing," he added.

"James, please. Your mashed was even better," she voiced out. "Both are splendid to eat," Brian took away their guns.

"Well, we would love to try them," I commented. "You're in luck because I made some," she was holding a long pink container, I could see the juicy meat and melted cheese.

"Where's Roger, my lifesaver?" Dad wondered. "He's here but his office suddenly rang him up," Nat groaned in annoyance. "That boy will end up dead in the office, and I won't even be shocked to hear it," the fathers laughed at her sarcastic joke.

Janey and I glanced at each other before chuckling. Dad was a workaholic himself but now he's enjoying his free time with new friends.

"There he is!" Mr. Barr announced his son's arrival, and we briefly acquainted ourselves. "If you need any repair or a fix-a-upper, just call him." He jested.

"I'm mostly available for now." Roger gave a friendly smile and we ended up exchanging numbers including his parents. Nat informed that he was staying in the same city. “You can hit me up if you need any help,” he offered, and we did the same— even if we can’t fix pipes or bulbs like he can, we can still help with other mundane matters.

Mrs. Barr walked to the kitchen and began prepping her lasagna swiftly. Seeing as dad made new friends and enjoying himself, we really appreciated their presence in his life. “Thank you for being here,” she gave us a smile. “I think it’s the other way round, darlings. Brian and I are the ones benefiting from having him. He dishes are too die for,” she confessed. Dad was right, Mrs. Barr was hilarious and fun to chat with.

Once everyone was settled and chatting the night away, Roger joined us with some other kids from the block, mostly his friends since high school.

They told us about their stories around here and we exchanged our stories as well. It was hilarious and I really had a good time. However, our chat was cut short when Roger had to pick up a phone call. I went to the kitchen to clean a few things to keep the surrounding well-maintained and pleasant to hang.

Looking at the time, I decided to make coffee for the remaining guests. Most of them were dad's close friends and a few neighbours that jokingly said that they had no one waiting for them or had nothing better to do at home except for watching the news.

As the water boiled, I saw a figure pacing outside at the back. His voice was unheard by the barrier of glass but his expression sounded frustrated. His eyebrows arched, and his eyes hard and cold.

His hands would often move in frustration but then calmed down and massaged his temples. His body started to relax before hanging up. Right at that moment, the kettle let out a high-pitched whistle— startling me. The kettle soon quieted down as the heat began to dissipate once the fire was off. I sighed in relief and looked out where our eyes instantly met. He came in and I apologized for staring, he chuckled with a not-to-worry reply. "I wasn't really hiding it. Taking a phone call at someone's house, anyone could have seen me.".

"Trouble?" I asked and he sighed deeply. "A disaster." He helped with the cups as I stirred the coffee. He talked a bit about the troubles and I listened intently while commenting on a few things.

Rui came and handed the coffee out with dad, we stayed in the kitchen and munch on the leftovers. We talk mostly about random things from work to vacation spots to hobbies and before we know it, the clock strikes midnight.

We bid everyone farewell, especially the Barrs. They insisted on helping us clean but we got this. We have been doing this since the restaurant opened— cleaning after a party is a piece of cake.

"Everyone seemed nice," I commented.
"It was hilarious to see everyone's reaction when dad clarified about the gossip at the cinema." Everyone laughed. Rui and Janey even did a reenactment of what could have happened at the cinema, dad gave them eight out of ten. Saying, the expression was over the top.

He laughed as well but in a split second,maybe, I saw desolation creeping in his eyes. I gave him a hug and he appreciated it.

"I can handle this. You three should call it a night," Janey whined about her pregnancy backache, Rui promised to give her a massage. Dad gave me a goodnight kiss before retreating to his room slouched— exhaustion finally catching up.

Then I was alone to wash, scrub, dry and put everything away. I let my feet take a break on the couch with a mug of reheated coffee. The vivid picture of everyone mingling just a few hours ago played in my mind— their scent lingering in the air.

I was somehow transported back to the restaurant. Once all the customers and staff went back, I just sat there and replayed what had happened that day. What needs to be readjust, what I need to fix. What needs to be maintained, and so on.

Today was perfect.
Nothing to fix.
Just maintain the relationship we had with everyone.

My phone chimed as Charles' message arrived. He had sent me a picture of his family which I replied to.

Paige: Everyone looks extremely happy, especially your parents. Send them my love and kisses.

Seconds later, I received a call from him— my mouth instinctively beamed excitedly at his name.

"Hey," he said softly.
"Hey, whatcha doing?" I laid down on the sofa, acting all giddy from this phone call.

"Hanging out with the cousins at the bar." His parents went to bed after dinner and the boys were still wide awake so they decided to get a few drinks. "What about you?"

"Nothing, just talking to a guy. I think he's interested in me and I don't know what to do." He acted shocked and asked a few questions about the guy.

"I think you should totally date him. He sounds like a keeper." He told me and we both laughed. "I saw pictures. It looked fun," Janey posted a few on social media. "Dad suddenly wanted to have a party,"

"Sounds like him. Glad to see he's still the same."

"Yeah, he's doing alright. He has friends and I think he's enjoying his retirement," I could feel his smile. "That's great. Now, his daughter needs to take a break and have some fun with her boyfriend once in a while. Maybe start with going on date at different restaurants and not where every waiter and chef knows you,"

"You know I'm not the only one at fault. You're as busy as me. Maybe you could start accompanying your girlfriend to her favourite movies or pick something up for her new niece or nephew," then we both laughed.

"We're too swamped with work. Let’s make it our new year goal— to see each other more often," I agreed. I could hear their footsteps and his breathing. It was like we were staring at each other. "I miss you," I told him.

"Me too, Paige." We talked for a few minutes.

"You're still awake?" Dad walked into the living room and sat next down to me. My head fell onto his shoulder and his arms wrapped around me like a warm blanket— just like when I was a little girl.

"Today was fun," I nodded and listened to his heartbeat. It was calming.

"What do you think about the Barrs?"
"They were nice. I'm happy you have friends to spend your days with," he chuckled.

"I'll try to visit more often," he kissed my head. "Bring Charles with you. I need someone to play chess with me. Brian is a fun company but he sucks at chess."

"You seemed to get along with their son pretty well." Roger's face appeared and our conversations replayed.

"Yeah, he’s nice. We had a great time talking.” I answered with my eyes closed— cherishing this moment. Becoming an adult, I’ve hardly had any time to act spoiled with dad. “Why are you still awake?” I sounded like him now which made his body shake, his sniggers could be heard deep inside him.

“I heard someone talking and I need a drink,” he got up and went to the kitchen while I followed him like a chick. We bid goodnight and went to our rooms but after tossing around in bed, I went to his room.

His door was always ajar— a habit since I was small. “Daddy?” he hummed in response. “Can I sleep with you?” he chuckled and patted next to him. I snuggled while he stroked my hair, making me sleepy.