Chapter 6- We're all just run aways
It was a cold Tuesday evening and I had my guitar slung around my shoulder as I plucked at the strings. I let the warm air flow out of my mouth as I formed a beautiful melody. The station was quiet tonight but I didn't stop singing, my muscles stiffened with every cold breeze but my voice and abdomen stayed loose and rhythmic. A tall man dropped a few bucks in to my guitar case as he walked by holding his jacket tight to his body. A few songs later I was beginning to feel the effects of the cold February air on my lips. I collected the change thrown into my case and packed up to leave. I noticed one fellow still watching me in the distance, he was bundled up tight and continued to check his watch every minute waiting for the train. This man looked familiar but he was too far away to tell. I slid my gloves on to my hands and started my walk back to Shari's apartment. I unlocked the door and the small apartment was silent and dark. I walked in the dark to the fridge and grabbed a bottle of water and an apple and started biting in to the fruit. I felt my eyes droop with tiredness and regretted staying up so late as I would have the boys in the morning. My phone buzzed and I got the message I had been waiting for.
From Santana: Hey babe, it's been confirmed! We have reservations at the Chateau Belle tomorrow.
To Santana: Thats great! What should I wear?
From Santana: It's Valentines Day Dani Bananie, dress nice!
To Santana: Okay I'll wear my birthday suit ;) just kidding...maybe
From Santana: Whatever you decide it will be perfect, love you!
To Santana: Love you too!
I am really exited for Valentines day. I use to be pretty bitter about the occasion and label it the "Hallmark Holiday where nobody's expectations are ever exceeded." But now that I have been with Santana I am really exited to show her my romantic side! I feel like I have really outdid myself this year I bought Santana a bouquet of red roses and a silver bracelet with our initials engraved in it. I spent almost an entire paycheck on her gifts but she's worth it. I am just happy that she managed to get us reservations at the Chateau Belle one of the best french restaurants in the area. It's got a very dim romantic feel to it and around Valentines day its always impossible to get in...but of course Santana pulled some strings.
I woke up to my alarm beeping obnoxiously. For a split second I forgot what day it was I stumbled out of bed and found Ben sitting on the sofa watching cartoons.
"Morning Benny!" I said through a yawn
"Good Morning Dani." He replied with his attention still on the T.V. Screen.
I was managed to make eggs and toast before Lucas screamed for attention. I gathered the kids at the table and fed them breakfast when I heard a knock at the door.
"Hi." I smiled at the miserable looking man wearing a uniform at my front door.
"Delivery for Danielle Lukein." The man announced.
"Oh! Thank-you!" I smiled with surprise. Santana has really done it now.
"Please sign here and have a happy Valentines day."
I signed the waiver and received the most beautiful little teddy bear with a big red bow around his neck. Attached to the bears paw was a lavender colored note with a lace trim. The note said.."My sweet girl, I miss and love you." I giggled at the note as it was the most ridiculous thing Santana has said yet. I held the teddy bear in close to me and closed my eyes as I squeezed it tight. Then of course, the boys got curious and both wanted their turn cuddling with the plush toy.
It was 5 o-clock and I was sitting in a thigh length navy blue cocktail dress. It was quite plain but I dressed it up with a sequined silver belt and large earnings. I spent an hour perfecting the curls in my hair and touching up my make-up. I had to admit, I looked smoking and I couldn't even wait to see what Santana was wearing. The doorbell went and I rushed as fast as I could in my heels to open the door. When I swung it open my breath was taken away. Santana was the most beautiful girl I have ever seen. Her hair was pulled up in a bun at the top of her head and she was wearing a beautiful gold Betsy Johnson cocktail dress with dazzling black heels. I felt frozen at the sight of her, more in love than ever.
"Woah Dani, you look amazing!" She howled at me
"No you...you look..like wow..flawless!"is all I squeaked out and Shari erupted with laughed behind me as my cheeks flushed red.
"You're so cute when I get you flustered." Santana chimed.
"I just can't even begin to explain how perfect this is going to be...By the way San, thanks so much for the Bear, it's adorable!" I managed to compose myself.
"...What bear?" Santana questioned full of confusion.
It was at that moment when I felt like dying. The same man from the station showed up standing like a shadow behind Santana except now I recognize him.
"It was from me sweety." The man whispered as his eyes caught mine.
"...Dad?" I managed to choke out as the air got trapped in my lungs. I was shoked.
"What the fuck are you doing here? On Valentines day! Really? And why did you send me a bear? What the hell are you thinking?" I screamed out a bunch of questions and my world began to tumble.
The same man who let my mother disown me and humiliate me is showing up at my doorstep almost a year after I left. I couldn't fucking believe it.
"It's your mother Dani, you need to come home!" he gagged as the tears formed in his pathetic eyes.
At that I could no longer control it. I had to do what I always did with everything I feared. I needed to run. It was just like when I first left I wanted to avoid conflict so I darted...or when the bullies once came after me in middle school...Or when I was 8 and forgot the words to my Gospel solo. All I ever do is run from my problems and here I am again, not thinking but running. Running as far away from my dad as I could.