Ribbons and Curls

CARLISLE

There were two things I knew for sure; she was sent here from heaven, and she was my little girl.

Twenty Years Ago (Alice was 3)

"Good night, baby." I kissed her forehead and patted her hair, which was way below her shoulders, her ringlets tied in ribbons. She yawned but smiled at me.

"Daddy, can we say our prayers together?"

"Of course, hon." I answered with a smile. Alice jumped out of her bed, and side by side, we knelt on the carpeted floor. Her eyes were closed in concentration.

"Dear God," she said, her voice sounded like an angel's. "Please protect my Mommy and Daddy and I pray for more play times with my Daddy."

She did the sign of the cross, then kissed me on the lips, mumbling. "Goodnight Daddy, I love you."

"I love you too, baby girl." I smiled, then watched her sleep. That night, for the second time, I prayed.

"Jesus, thank you for all the joy you bring to my life, and for his little angel."

I pulled the blanket up to her chin before walking out of the room and turning off the main lights.

Eighteen Years Ago (Alice was 5)

It was my birthday, and Alice, Esme and I planned to have picnic in the nearby park in the afternoon. That morning, Alice came to our bedroom to wake me up.

"Good morning, Daddy." She giggled, then pulled me in for a hug. She always hugged me first thing in the morning.

"What's that on your face?" I asked, wiping her flushed cheeks clean. "Is this mud?"

She nodded nervously. Perhaps she noticed my expression being grim. I pointed a finger at her. She began to sob.

"Alice, I told you never to play with mud! This is dirty, when would you understand that?"

"I'm sorry Daddy." She cried, getting out of the room. I shook my head to clear my thoughts, I didn't mean to snap at her.

When she came back in the room, she was carrying a muddy piece of plywood. I took a step closer to see what it was. On top of the plywood was a round lump of mud, supposed to be a cake. It was decorated with sunflowers and colorful beads, and there was a candle on top. I lit gave my daughter one tight hug before lighting the candle.

"Happy birthday, Daddy." She smiled.

Seven Years Ago (Alice was 16)

It was her sweet sixteen that day. As I looked at Alice, I could not help but smile; as time passed by, she looked more and more like her mother. Physically, it could never be denied that she was growing to be a fine young lady. She started wearing make up, and her curly hair was chopped off to a short, pixie like 'do. But to me, she would always be my baby girl. Sometimes, I become overprotective of her, because this world was big and cruel, and I believed no one was good enough to deserve my baby.

"Happy birthday, baby." I cooed. It was our turn to dance. We spun around and waltzed as the music played.

"Thank you for this party, Dad." She smiled. The host called out a new name from the list of her dances, and soon enough, a blond young man tipped his head and bowed to me, his hand extended as an offer to take my daughter's hand. For a moment, I was frozen.

"Happy birthday." I said again and tried to hug her, but Alice just kissed my cheek, with the boy watching us awkwardly.

"I love you Daddy." Alice whispered. "But I'm a teen now. It's embarrassing to hug and kiss you all the time."

As much as I wanted to deny it, I was hurt. I just nodded quietly and gave her hand to the young man.

"By the way, Daddy." She smiled. "This is Jasper. My…. Special friend."

"Nice to meet you, Sir." Jasper greeted politely.

I looked him intently in the eye, then forced out a smile. "Take care of my daughter."

PRESENT (Alice is 23)

"All the precious time, like the wind, the years go by. Precious butterfly, spread your wings and fly."

She'll change her name today. She'll make a promise… And I'll give her away. Standing in the bride room, I stared at her. Apart from her mother, she was the most beautiful bride my eyes have ever laid eyes on.

"What are you thinking, Dad?" She asked, breaking out my reminiscing.

"I'm not sure." I shrugged. I started walking towards her. Her mother was doing her hair, sticking little white flowers all up in it. "I… I just feel like…" I stroked the back of her chair. Alice kept staring at me through the mirror.

I sighed, trying not to let the tears fall. "I just feel like I'm losing my baby girl…"

"Aww, Dad…" She cooed, teary eyed. Her Mom set her hair free, and carefully, Alice stood in front of me and wrapped me in a tight hug for the first time in years. "I'll always be your baby girl."

"Do not forget me." I whispered. "Not ever…"

"I promise." She kissed my cheek. "Now, it's just about time… Walk me down the aisle, Daddy."

I poised my arm. She linked her arm towards it and in between Esme and I, she, the most beautiful bride, walked down the petal showered aisle. Silently, I let my tears fall, witnessing this moment that my baby was no longer mine.

Alice must have heard me sniff for she distracted me, smiling. "Does my wedding gown look pretty, Daddy?"

I nodded. It was her mother's wedding gown. We had it altered to fit her size and the fad of gowns in the present.

"Daddy…" She whispered, smiling at me. "Daddy, don't cry."

I chuckled, then gave her hand to Jasper—the man she will marry. "Take care of my baby." I reminded him.

"Yes, sir." He grinned, then we all shared a hug.

As I watched Alice's eyes twinkle with joy and genuine happiness as they kissed, Esme and I broke out in tears. And right at that moment, I knew. I just knew that my baby was in good hands.

I know it sucks but I had to write this. I terribly miss my Dad and these are the things that I would never get to experience in my whole life because he's gone. Please review...

Based on Butterfly Kisses by Bob Carlisle