Hey Guys. Just A Quick Note.

A Lot Of The Places And Settings I Write About Are Real. But There Are Some Places Which Are Purely Fictional Like The River In This Chapter. Just Wanted To Let You Guys Know. Enjoy.

… …

Chapter Fifty Four – Daddy – Daughter Day Out

Sunday 8th November 2009
Home
Living Room – 11.30 am

The family is a training ground for future relationships. My daddy is the noble military leader and I his subdued soldier. I will follow in his steps, no matter where they take me, whatever path we embark, we will go on board together. I will always stay by my daddy's side.

The relationship we share of being a father and daughter, is precious to us and is a beautiful bond. We share respect, love and companionship; our relationship cannot be compared to any other. My daddy is the fundamental part of my life, he's my mom, he's my friend, and he's my security.

Because when I was born he was there to cuddle me, to change my diapers, to feed me, to bathe me. Whenever and wherever I would fall he would be there to catch me. My first words, he listened to me. He was the one there for me to take my first steps, he would encourage me to go on and never fall. He understands everything and I look up to him, he's my oracle.

I'm my father's kid. I love my daddy and wish to always remain his kid. He's the one who tickled my feet, checked my room for monsters, and showed me the stars. I love you daddy!

"Zoe. Are you okay?" I asked my friend over the phone as I fixed the duvet on my bed.

"I…I got a headache," She mumbled over the phone, quietly. "I don't want to leave Carter,"

"Pass Carter the phone," I said

I heard a few whispers, complaining, moaning – all from Zoe's side – and then footsteps. Carter answered the phone and I asked if Zoe was okay. "She's just…Just being herself," He muttered not sounding too pleased. "Never gets tired of irritating me. She's clung herself onto my bed and refuses to get up. Wants breakfast in bed then for me to take care of her the rest of the day because she's got a little head ache,"

I chuckled hearing Zoe scream 'Migraine!"

"Hey so what are you doing today? We need to talk remember," He said making me gulp.

"Yes I remember Carter." I picked up my diary, placed it inside my bag then sat down onto my bed. "But I guess you're busy with Zoe today and I have to talk to my dad about something important. Can't we talk on Monday, at school?"

"I guess," He sighed. "Okay. So I better hang up now. Take care, good-bye,"

"Bye Carter,"

I put my phone into my overalls pocket and looked over at my closed door. I got up and slowly walked over to it. Placing a hand on the cold wood I bit my bottom lip forcefully, "How will I face daddy?" I whispered to myself. "I hope he's in a better mood this morning,"

I put a hand on the knob, turning it slowly. Took a deep breath then quickly heaved it forward. A strong hand hit my forehead. "Hey!" I stumbled backwards into my bedroom, losing my balance but I was caught by strong loving hand holding onto my arm.

"Oops. Sorry I was just knocking," Daddy quickly pulled me forward, inspected my forehead, rubbed it softly then took a step back.

I smiled at him but it soon disappeared. As his face turned blank – no expression at all. He stood in the doorway, just staring at me. He looked really very tired; he had dark circles under his eyes and his jet black hair was a mess. He was still in his pajamas.

"Didn't you sleep at all," My hand trembled as I reached out to his face. He moved his head slightly back so my hand went straight past him. The atmosphere turned awkward and I began to feel sad. "Daddy are you okay?"

"A daughter is a fortune but also a cause of insomnia," He ran a nervous hand through his hair, not meeting eyes with me.

I suddenly felt the need to explain. "You see yesterday –

He raised a stern hand to stop me. His expression remained blank. So I just stood there staring back at him. At the time I didn't understand at all the reason for him being like that, if I asked he wouldn't have replied, if I didn't ask he would have complained on why I didn't. So I just looked at back at him just the way he did, waiting patiently for him to speak first.

"I came to wake you up," He coughed softly.

"Yeah I got that," I laughed nervously rubbing my forehead gently.

"Didn't mean to hit you," He said with finally a smile. A small smile, but still a smile.

"It – well – Hurt!" I glowered. "Huh!" I turned on my heel, then walked back into my room and sat down onto my bed, crossing my legs tightly onto my bed. "I'm not talking to you anymore, Daddy Simon,"

"Why?" He said in what sounded like a whimper, stomping into my bedroom like an overgrown child that he definitely is. "Why would you even think of not talking to me?"

"Because daddy Simon upset me," I turned my head away from him.

"No, no, no, I was kidding really. You didn't give me insomnia. Swear you didn't," He said jumping onto my bed. "I just had troubled sleeping – the reason was you – but not because of you."

"It's the same thing. And It's not only that," I lowered my eyes down to my sweaty palms. "It's because daddy blanked me yesterday. You didn't even kiss me good-night; you were being mean Daddy Simon, I didn't like it all. Daddy is the best but he is also the reason for my insomnia,"

That was partly true. I couldn't sleep because of daddy and because of a certain perverted prince.

He chuckled.

I shot him a look making him quickly change his expression into a timid, upset expression. "Oh that. I'm – I'm sorry – Suze," He held his ears before me. I wanted to laugh but instead I crossed my arms turning my head away from him. I wanted him to beg me a little. "You're upset over the make-over right? What if I give you one?"

I raised my new eye-brow at him curiously.

"Wait here," He said to me.

He hurried out of the room then came back a little while later instructing me to close my eyes. I did as I was told. He fumbled around my room and then I felt his hands on my face. After a little while he pulled me off my bed telling me to keep my eyes shut and not to peek. He led me to the destination. "Okay, open your eyes; you're in for a surprise,"

Crossing my fingers, I slowly opened my eyes. "Oh daddy!" I burst out laughing. He had pulled on a woolly hat on my head, made whiskers on my cheek, a nose on my nose and highlighted my eyebrows making me look like a kitty.

"See I knew you would like it," He chuckled

I flung my arms around him and hugged him tightly. Laughing out of control. When I pulled away from him I looked back into the mirror at my apparent 'make-over'. "Trust you to do something as childish as this,"

"Hey there's magic in theses fingers," He growled wriggling his fingers in my face. He pinched my nose "Don't worry it's not permanent,"

I giggled pulling off the woolly hat.

He sat me down on my bed, putting a strong arm around my shoulders. "I guess we need to talk,"

"Talk about what?" I asked confused.

"Look Suze you may have outgrown from my lap but you will never outgrow yourself from my heart." He kissed my forehead. "I guess painting a kitty on your face is the alternative of putting you on my lap and rocking you back and forth. That's what I would do to my little girl and sooth your tears away, then you would use your little fingers to pull my ears and nose, it would touch my heart,"

He picked my hands up and kissed both of them.

"When you came into my life I once read in one of those baby leaflets that you know a father is always making his baby into a little woman. And when she is a woman he turns her back again," He sighed playing with my hair, stroking it softly. "I didn't get that until now. I've always been calling you my little girl without understanding that you're 17, you're growing up. You're turning into a woman; I can't hold you back as a child,"

"I'll always be your little girl," I smiled kissing his cheek.

"You're too naïve Suze, you don't understand what I mean. For a father when his little girl is growing up he always fears just in case she falls and gets hurt. And then the day comes when she gets into high school, goes to her first real party and from that day on the father is in a constant state of panic," He looked at me desperately,

"If you don't want me to go I – I wouldn't," I lowered my eyes. "I can never see you stressed daddy, I don't like going to parties anyway, its Zoe and Ceecee who push me. My daddy is far more important than a bunch of high school parties. Any man can be a father, it takes someone special to be my daddy, and you're my daddy,"

He laughed softly. He lifted my head up to his. "Honey. I guess I am to blame for your being so naïve, aloof from the world. I never wanted you to grow out of being my little baby. But we're in a different place now. I knew everything was going to change when our flight landed in America, but I wasn't prepared for it. Now I want you to know I'm going to prepare for it. Harden myself for all the changes,'

I felt awful. After yesterday when daddy asked me to not leave him behind in life, I still left him and went on to have erased my disgusting brow. I felt guilty for hurting my daddy; I had no right to be upset with him, but he has every right to be upset with me.

A few tears trickled out of my eyes, if only he knew how much I have done behind his back. I'm supposed to be his armor but it's me … I'm the one throwing daggers at him secretly. Breaking his back, the back his carries me on.

"Why are you crying? No, please," He hugged me to his chest. I held onto him, tightly never wanting to let go. "Look I said I'm sorry. I didn't mean to blank you yesterday, I was just shocked seeing how beautiful you could look and I was the one blocking you from it,"

"You haven't done anything wrong, daddy," I sniffed into his shoulder. I held his hand, entangling our fingers together. "I understand daddy completely."

"Suze no matter what anyone tells you, always listen to me, because fathers are always right. You are beautiful and you are my daughter," I pulled slightly back and into his eyes. They were watering up too. "I can't share you with anyone, not even with Heidi. You two seem to be bonding lately, and I'm happy, just make sure it's me who you can trust and rely on first, okay,"

"I can't share my daddy with anyone too," I shook my head. He leaned forward and kissed my forehead before wiping my tears. "I want to spend my whole dad with my daddy,"

"I couldn't think of anything better," He laughed softly. "Alright, I'll go prepare breakfast, you wash your face. Then we'll hit the road, take a look around this town, what do you think eh?"

I nodded my head, rubbing my eyes. "I would like that," I said in a low, tone.

He glanced around my room, sighing, recollecting himself. "Hey! That woman, she called me again yesterday. Talked to me all day, talked all crap. So annoying, she's so annoying Suze."

"Daddy!" I laughed.

He kissed me again before leaving my bedroom. I took a deep breath then went into the bathroom, washed my face rubbing the mascara off my face. I dried up looking at my reflection in the mirror. I sighed putting on my glasses.

I exited my room, made my way down to the kitchen and laughed at daddy's appearance. He was wearing a chef's hat, looking as cute as ever with an apron on that said 'Big Daddy"

"Hmm…Pancakes with golden chocolate syrup. Yummy!" I rubbed my stomach.

"Of course. I made it so of course it will be yummy," He said proudly. "Wa-Lah!" The pancake flipped in the air, landing perfectly in my plate. There's nothing like hot pancakes first thing in the morning made by beloved daddy. "Your finger maybe small, but you got me all wrapped around it,"

"I sure do," I grinned at the food.

We laughed and messed around making breakfast together. I ended up covered in flour and daddy in syrup. When breakfast was ready we sat down at the kitchen table, chuckling. Then I remembered.

"Daddy, Adam proposed to Ceecee," I said through a mouthful of pancake.

Yummy!

"That's ridiculous. You can't get married in high sch –," Daddy spoke before thinking. He had forgotten for a second there that even he tied the knot in high school too, much earlier than Ceecee and Adam. Daddy paused, took a sip of his coffee, and then looked over at me. I smiled at him.

I didn't want anything to get awkward. So I spoke again. "I think Ceecee is marrying the wrong guy. She started dating him when she was really young, and he's all she's ever known. And yesterday at the party he proposed to her. I was completely stunned,"

"I don't think there's anything wrong with him," Daddy said with a little shrug.

"Daddy he really isn't good enough for her. I'm seeing her dreams weaken and she doesn't talk about all the goals and ambitions she once had. So what do I do? I'm sure – well I think – she's going to ask me to be in the wedding. And when she does I want to support her but I also don't want her to make a mistake." I sighed. "Am I way out of order here?"

"What makes you think he's not good enough for her?" He coughed softly, leaning back against the chair. "Does he abuse her? Mistreat her?"

"No, nothing like that," I shook my head slightly. "But daddy – I can't explain – he's not a nice guy. He's really mean, not to her but he is. She hasn't seen the mean side of his yet,"

Daddy raised an eyebrow. He shot me scrutinizing look. "Has he said anything to you?" He asked

I stared at daddy.

I didn't want him to catch me lying to him so I just chuckled. "No, he's very nice to me too," I lied to him because I knew telling him would mean Adam behind bars regretting ever having met me. Daddy can be very protective. "Just I've heard some stuff, around school,"

"Suze," He pinched my nose. "Don't listen to baseless rumors. Don't worry about it, if the two have decided to get married then surely it means they're ready for that step up, I doubt it's the baby or he would have proposed when she announced it,"

"When did you propose?" I blurted out accidently. I bit my bottom lip, lowering my gaze, away from him. "Sorry – I didn't mean to –

"When your mom announced she was expecting you, I panicked and proposed. We got married before you were born,"

I stared at him. Did he really just tell me that? Did he really just tell me something about his past? Something about my mom? I couldn't believe it so I continued to just stare at him until I realized he was starting to look uncomfortable and I didn't want that.

I reached out for the last pancake on his plate.

"Hey!" He slapped my hand away from his plate. "Don't steal the government hates competition."

I chuckled bringing my hand back. I rested my chin on my hand, blinking at my him. Daddy went quiet and finished in his breakfast whilst I watched him carefully, thinking of what I could do to lighten the mood. And then I had the perfect idea.

"Daddy, I'll be right back," I told him before running out of the kitchen, up the stairs and to my room. I got my laptop calling Rae. She agreed on what I said, I hung up then made my way back to the kitchen. I sat down next to daddy, placing the laptop in front of him. "Rae had given me her email address. Maybe we should do a video call; I'll introduce you guys personally,"

"Your idea of fun?" Daddy frowned patting his mouth with a napkin. "She's a witch that creeps me out, why would I want to see her face and that too this close. No Suze, I'm only 32, don't want to die of shock,"

"I heard that!" A voice screamed from my laptop alarming daddy. He nearly fell of his seat but I held onto him, giggling. "You old grumpy man. How dare you call me a witch?"

"Oh is this thing on?" Daddy bit his tongue comically, fiddling with the laptop. He switched on the camera, Rae showed up causing my daddy to burst into laughter. "Hahaha, if not a witch then what shall I call you?"

"Very funny! Why isn't your camera on? Scared to show your ugly face eh?" Rae snarled. She was sitting on a chair with rollers in her red hair, a make-up artist doing her make-up. "I'll have you know I'm preparing for a date,"

"My camera doesn't seem to be working. Who the hell would wanna take you out on a date?" Daddy snorted. "You look like a ghost. How much face paint are you going to put on?"

Rae's eyes widened. "Just coz' I can't see your scary, spotty face doesn't mean you can mock mine," She crossed her arms across her chest. "And mind you, the guy is head over heels for me. I don't like him as much but he's pretty cool."

"Uh-huh. Bet it's you head over heels for him not the other way around," Daddy chuckled teasing her.

Urgent need to empty my bladder caused me to excuse myself from my bickering daddy and idol. I rushed to the loo and felt much better after. Leaving my room to get downstairs again I was shocked to see the many messages and miss calls I had received from Ceecee.

"I don't know how to reply. I such a hopeless person," I grunted gazing over all her messages. I guess she must have panicked not seeing me last night at Hunter's party. She did get engaged after all, I didn't even congratulate her.

Damn! Why am I so useless?

"I gave my heart away just sitting there, I fell in love without knowing what I doing, I was 9 I saw him on TV. George Michael was his name," I heard Rae tell Daddy. She was all in a dreamy trance. "He was so hot! If we ever met the chemistry between us would have just sparkled!"

"I doubt that," Daddy clicked his teeth. "Ya, he's gay, don't you know he swings the other way,"

I chuckled sitting down bedside my daddy. "I was young okay!" Rae said defensively raising a rude finger at Daddy. Daddy quickly covered my eyes calling her a 'violet old woman,' much to her concern.

A woman from behind told Rae she's on in 5 minutes. Rae looked beautiful; her hair was in curls and made her look really pretty no matter how much daddy refused it, I guess even he found her a little attractive.

"See you're not going on a date!" Daddy gasped pointing it out to me.

Rae laughing telling me to have a 'wonderful' day and keep my sanity around daddy as she got up, a camera telling her she's on in 3 minutes. "Seems like you know me more than I do," Rae said to my daddy.

"I can read your mind like a billboard sign, tell you everything you don't wanna hear but I'm busy. So good-bye. Child-stealer," Daddy leaned forward to turn off the webcam, Rae squeezed in a chance to wave at me and pull a quick face at my daddy before he turned her off.

Huffing and puffing as he pushed the laptop away from him. "See, this is a pure living example of an irritating cannibalistic woman." Daddy scowled making me laugh. He looked at me for a second then laughed softly. "How about I put on my shades then we hit the road?"

"Sounds like a plan to me," I nodded my head. "I'll get my bag and grab your jacket from upstairs."

"I'll pack a few snacks then start up the car." He got up giving me a high-five.

I smiled at him before heading up the stairs. I grabbed my bag from my bed and the list of paint materials that I needed to buy. Making my way over to daddy's room I laughed to myself about daddy and Rae bickering childishly.

"They are so cute," I giggled going into his room. I walked over to his side of the wardrobe, opened the door. I sorted through his jackets then pulled out a brown one; something fell out of the jacket. I held onto the door crouching down to the floor and picked it up two photographs. "Who's that?"

There were a booth strip photos of my mom – I recognized her instantly – and my daddy. Both pulling funny faces and looking really happy with each other. They were teenagers, younger than even my age. I had found many similar ones in the past but what surprised me was the other photograph.

A blond who looked a lot like my mom, a carbon copy of my mother, was with my daddy, I could tell she's not my mom because my mom had dimples and the woman didn't. Daddy was kissing her cheek and her rolling her eyes. They looked like a couple, were they a couple? Who was the woman? Was there anyone beside mom in daddy's life?

"Suze?"

I quickly got up pushing the photographs into Daddy's jacket hearing his voice approach his room. I stuffed the jacket into his wardrobe, pulled out another jacket then turned around, gasping a little.

"Daddy," I said taking a step back.

He looked from me to the jacket in my hands then at me again. He stared hard at me for a second then smiled at me. "What's taking you so long? Come on…I have the day planned out. Every days a dream in California, no matter where I take you I know you would love it. Now who's the daddy?"

"You," I chuckled nervously pinching his arm.

He told me he quickly wanted to change his clothes, so I'm waiting for him in the living room hoping all the best for our daughter – daddy out.

I'll write later.

Sunday 8th November 2009
Beverly Hills'
Good Shepherd Catholic Church – 1.00 pm

"Wow this is amazing," I stared out of the window, gawping at the beautiful sights as Daddy and I were on the Mulholland Drive. We were driving along the top of Hollywood Hills, watching the great views of Los Angeles. It was purely just amazing.

It reminded me of the old days, we're me and daddy would jump into his truck with Andy and Sheila. We'll go searching for endangered animals and sometimes even did bird watching. It's much better than it sounds. But most of the time it would take forever to find something. Sometimes even days.

But that would be okay; we had a lot of fun camping out in the forests and jungles. Kinda scary at times but knowing Daddy was there always made me feel a whole bunch better, because I always knew if daddy is there then nothing can go wrong, nothing bad can happen to me

At times during the middle of the night I would wake up and feel anxious, coming out of my tent on all fours I would see him, my daddy laying down near to the fire, hands resting under his head, legs crossed in the air. He didn't like sleeping in a tent, he said it's 'stuffy' and 'what's the point of camping if you aren't going to be under the stars?'

I would close up on him slowly and quietly. When I would be just there close enough to him, I could hear him whispering very gently – almost in silence – to the stars above him. I guessed he was talking to mom but never would I ask. Resting my head on the empty side of his pillow, I would fall asleep.

Only Beverly Hills and the Mulholland drive were not near enough close to driving in Africa. We were driving in my daddy's 4-seat sports car listening to music I've never heard before. In Africa we would be in the truck, laughing and singing along to the olden time rock'n'roll tunes. The roads are also different, every now and then the truck would do up and down, bumping on the pot-holes, whereas the Mulholland drive was smooth and calm.

The air was also clean and fresh.

"Daddy stop here!" I cried in excitement. He instantly stopped the car to the side. Grabbing hold of the camera I jumped out of the car, looking down at the incredible view. "It's so beautiful,"

"Sure is," Daddy joined me with a camera of his very own. "City of wonder, you'd say wouldn't you."

"Agreed!" I grinned taking snap shots of the stunning outlook.

After a while of studying the great view, we got back into the car, back onto the road. And somehow - I don't know how – But we managed to end up at Church. A beautiful church, I like it very much. I'm not just saying that because I'll get hit by lightning if I bash a house of worship. I really like it.

As daddy and I walked up to it, I pictured something more ornate inside, seeing the white look of it from the outside. It was really warm and welcoming. I smiled the entire time that I had entered the church, it had been a while.

The windows were fantastic. The stained glass exterior with its grass, appealing colors, looked just fantastic. I would want to do try creating a work of art made out of stained glass. Hmm…Something I'll have to think about for sure.

"Sweet!" Daddy let out a whistle as he brushed back his thick black hair; he was looking over to a fountain that made a soft soothing sound. It was calling for us, pulling us in.

We took our seats and I closed my eyes feeling relaxed. The first person that came into my mind was Jesse Di Silva, making my heart skip a beat. I slowly opened my eyes, looking up at the sculpture of Jesus; I look intently at the interior of the statue, sighing as thought about Jesse. It's not wrong for me to think about Jesse in a church, before god is it?

I glanced at my daddy, he was leaning back on the seat, and his eyes closed, his lips slightly moving. He was praying – for what I don't know – but he was praying. I believe in god but I'm not devoted in the worship of god. My god for me is my daddy.

So is it wrong for me to be thinking of Jesse whilst sitting next to my god?

"I did something really wrong Father. I didn't realize what I was doing and now I have no idea how to reform my mistake."

I chewed my thumb silently sitting in the confession box. Daddy wanted to speak to the priest so I thought why not confess my feelings to a stranger. I thought it would make me feel better but it only got me more anxious about the future.

"Miss. What have done?" The father asked me.

"I…I fell in love with Jesse Di Silva," I said in a low whisper.

To my surprise the father tittered softly making me slightly nervous. "My child there is nothing more beautiful than love in this entire world. Why do you feel you have done something wrong?"

"Because it's wrong to love Jesse, my daddy doesn't know and there is no way my daddy would accept Jesse. Father, my daddy is god to me, I love him very much but on the same level I can't control my feelings for Jesse." I lowered my eyes, bending my fingers to let out a snap.

"Why don't you tell your father you are in love," Father suggested.

"I can't," I shook my head. "There's no way that I can do that. Daddy will be in shock and get upset; I don't want to upset him. Besides Jesse doesn't even know that I love him,"

"Why don't you tell Jesse you love him?" He asked

"Because Jesse is intimidating. You can't just go over to him and tell him that you love him, he's like a sin that I can't get my hands dirty by touching, but then his body is like gold there's no way that I cannot touch," I sighed feeling my heart face, "I don't know what to do. Father tell me what to do,"

"Who is more important to you?" Father asked innocently.

My eyes widened and I had no reply at all. Who is more important to me? Daddy or Jesse?

My everything is daddy but then Jesse is slowly becoming my everything. Daddy had always been mine and by my side. Jesse is the stranger who my heart accepted as my own. Never to separate is the promise I've made with daddy. Never to leave me is the promise Jesse made to me. Or so I believe.

Coming out of the confession box I looked over to my daddy standing across the room, patiently waiting for me. I dragged my feet as I made my way over to him, sighing as I stood in front of him.

"Daddy," I said looking deeply into his eyes. "Can I ask you something?"

"Anything you like," He smiled at me.

"If you ever had to choose between me and somebody else that you really, really, really love, somebody else you can't live without. Who would choose? Who will more important to you?" I asked him earnestly.

Waiting eagerly for his reply, I tapped my foot on the ground, nervous for his reply.

He looked at me confused for a second then smiled at me again. He cupped my face in his hands pulling me slightly closer to him. He kissed my forehead softly then looked at me carefully. "I'm not just saying this; you are the most important person in my life. You mean more to me than anyone, more than my parents, Heidi, everyone that I love. I love you more and always will. I doubt it but if there was someone I couldn't live without other than you then I would still choose you because in you is my life, my every heart beat. Without my life I can't go on, right?"

I stared at him for a while before hugging him tightly. In the end nothing has helped. Neither the father nor my daddy has eased my anxiety. What will happen to me in the future? Who will I choose, daddy or Jesse?

I'll have to stop writing now. Daddy is calling me! We have to leave the church and go on ahead with our day.

Sunday 8th November 2009
Beverly Hills'
Beverly Centre Multiplex – 6.30 pm

"That is corruption," I gasped tugging at my daddy's arm, pulling him aside from the stupid man he was bribing. "Daddy I can't believe you just did that,"

He chuckled pulling my cheeks. "Anything for you honey. No way am I leaving here without you getting inside that place. Now that we're here there's no turning back."

I grunted wishing I had never spotted the Fredrick R. Weisman Art Foundation. But I was so stunned by it that I desperately wanted to get inside. I remembered Ms. Tanner mentioning it once or twice, so when we were driving past I wanted to have a look inside even if that meant missing lunch. It's free but there is one condition.

"Reservation!" I reminded daddy. "Daddy we haven't made reservations."

"Shhh…You're spoiling the fun," He said looking around for the man he had bribed to come back and give daddy the good news that we were allowed to tour the place of art. I frowned but then gave into my daddy's stubbornness. And it was all worth it.

The Fredrick R. Weisman Art Foundation is a private home that houses a tremendous collected works of modern and contemporary art by well-known artists. There are Dwayne Hanson sculptures, three original Picasso oils, and Warhol's art plus many, many other fabulous art work.

My favorite aspect of the tour had to be that those pieces of art are shown as they were placed in a real home and in a living setting. It's like somebody is just casually showing you around their home. I was in such an enjoyable revelation when we were allowed to see every single room, bedrooms, bathrooms, closets. Everything!

"I love you daddy!" I hugged him when the tour had finished.

"See I knew it was all worth it," He laughed softly.

"I can't wait to tell Rae all about it!" I jumped up and down excitedly causing Daddy to frown.

"That woman again. Makes it all not worth it," He grunted making me laugh.

We got back into the car and I was as excited as ever. Daddy and I laughed and talked a lot about literally everything. Mostly about Rae but we talked about other things too, like Ceecee and Adam. I had to quickly change that subject since thinking about Adam gave me the chills.

We stopped the car at a petrol station, daddy got out of the car to re-fill the tank. I smiled leaning back in my seat thinking so far, so good. Well…Nearly. I heard daddy's cell phone buzzing so I picked it up to see who was calling. It was Heidi.

"25 miscalls," I gasped. "Why hadn't daddy picked up any of her calls?" I quickly put down his phone back where it was seeing him approach the car. Daddy sat back inside after smiling at me, then started the car again. "Your phone was vibrating,"

"It was?" He said checking his cell phone. He didn't even check properly before putting back down. It's Heidi! His fiancé calling him, so why wasn't he picking up? Or bothering to call back.

I sighed. I guess I will never have any of my questions answered.

Daddy suggested we should eat the picnic food he packed. My stomach couldn't have agreed more so daddy drove to the Beverly Gardens, a popular park that has the Beverly Hills sign. Daddy told me it's one of the most photographed spots in the city, a much loved sign of both residents and visitors. The sign is 40 foot long, illuminated and has a water feature along with a diversity flora that showcase the scenery surrounding the garden area.

Aside the sign there were other pretty sights in the park too, many I captured into my camera, a memory I made of me and daddy's day out. There was a cactus garden which daddy described as Rae making me frown at first then laugh. We then visited the rose garden, then the Wilshire electric fountain.

"Wow that's pretty," I gazed up at a statue called the drummer by Barry Flanagan Bronze. I held my camera lens to my eyes then snapped couple of shots of the statue. "Daddy don't you think it's pretty good?"

There was no reply.

"Daddy?" I lowered my camera, looking around the place I caught him sitting on the grass digging into the food. "Hey! Not fair,"

I jogged over to him, laughing as I got down to my knees on the blanket he had spread over the grass. I picked up a tuna and sweet corn sandwich looking around the place. I decided that I like the park, I decided today was a great day despite the chilly air.

I took a deep breath zipping my jacket up to my collar. "The air smells so good," I said smiling at my daddy.

He raised his eyes over to the trees. More leaves had fallen, making the branches wintery and bare. "You know, the woods beyond the park stretch all the way to the river," He told me leaning back on the palm of his hands.

"A river? I want to see it daddy," I said. "Is there a path that you know leads to it?"

He nodded his head slowly. "But we'd better just stay here; it'll start getting dark pretty soon. Finish your lunch honey," He said

"I'm all done!" I rushed up to my feet, pulling his hand I urged him to get up. "I want to see the river; we'll be back before it gets too dark, come on please daddy,"

He gave up to my excitement. We gathered our stuff together then made our way towards the wintery path leading towards the river. I decided on telling him about high school – of course nothing about Jesse – I talked to him about the executive committee.

"Tickets for the fashion show are going to go on from tomorrow," I told him jumping over a fallen branch. As my feet made contact with the ground the leaves made a crunching sound. "I will have to sell them myself. I guess Zoe and Carter would help me,"

"Things are going great then," He held onto my arm, to stop me tripping over another fall branch.

"Yeah," I said with some bitterness. Things would go a whole lot better if only Jesse agrees to help out more, but I guess when I really need him he is there for me, so I shouldn't be complaining. I went on to talk for a while but stopped when I realized Daddy wasn't listening anymore.

He looked out and around the deserted place; it was just him and me. Not another human in sight. He seemed to be lost in his thoughts; I didn't want to interrupt so I walked on in silence for a while. I didn't know what had gotten into him all of a sudden.

"Hey – Look!" I cried in excitement holding up the butterfly that hand rested onto my arm.

"It's pretty," He said with a faraway look in his green eyes as he stared straight ahead. We followed a narrow, leaf-covered path through the trees. The deeper we got into the woods the dark it got. I found myself lingering a few paces behind daddy as the path bent through the trees.

I jogged over to him on top of the crunching, noisy leaves, hearing a splash of water I stopped holding onto his arm. "Hey – I think I can hear the river," I pointed in the direction of the sound.

We walked a little further in deadly silence. I wanted to ask him what was wrong but decided that when he feels ready he would tell me himself. The air started to grow colder the nearer we got to the riverbank. I could hear the rush of the water, soft under the blowing wind.

I could feel my heart racing as I ran over to the cold water. I laughed looking back at my daddy. "This is great isn't it," I called out to him.

He nodded making his way over to me; he stood closely behind me as I got down onto my knees. I reached out for the water but he stopped me telling me I'd fall in. "It's not deep but it's cold. You'll catch a cold honey,"

"No it isn't," I blinked surprised as the water was warm, kinda hot. "How is this possible?"

"Oh right," He sat down on a rock, touching the water. "This is weird. It's like the moon pool. Hot water,"

"I guess animals come here to bathe under the moons light." I chuckled

He laughed too, a dry laugh, nearly a silent laugh from deep in his throat.

I smiled up at him and his expression relaxed.

I sat back onto the floor, crossing my legs as I got out my sketch book. I told daddy to sit still then I began to sketch him. It took me a while but I completed it, bursting into a fit of laughter when I had finished.

I hurried up to my feet tossing my bag onto the dead leaves. "Look," I showed him. It was a portrait of him resembling a monkey bathing in the river.

"Hey!"

I laughed dropping the book. I ran away from him, he ran after me. "Daddy you won't get me!" I ran as fast as I could around a tree, confusing him the direction I was heading in. I ran towards the river sticking out my tongue at him.

He caught onto my arm. "Now we'll see who looks more like that monkey!" He laughed for the first time since we had reached the riverbank. He picked me up and I screamed at him, telling him to let go.

But he laughed shaking his head. Then in one swift swing he dropped me into the hot water. I struggled to stay to the top; I waved my hands in the air, trying not to swallow the water.

"Daddy!" I screamed calling out to him.

"You're not fooling me," He laughed softly turning to go.

"Daddy!" I screamed as the water started going over my head. I held onto my glasses tightly as I floated in the water, screaming for help from my daddy.

His expression changed.

Fear and anxiety all together mixed with a bit of hesitation. "Susannah!" He gasped running over to the edge of the river, he held out a shaky hand towards me. "Grab onto me. Suze!"

"Daddy!" I struggled to hold his hand; the water kept making our sweaty palms slap together then slips off. "Daddy, I can't stay any longer,"

"Honey you can do it! Come one I know you can do it!" He insisted shaking both his hands towards me, in a desperate attempt for me to hold on to them so that he could drag me out of the river. "Suze!" I finally found his hands and caught on tightly trying to pull myself above the water.

I glanced at my daddy's desperate and frantic expression as he wrapped his hands around my arm tightly. A grin appeared across my lips. "Daddy!" I laughed. He looked at me with a very confused expression. I instantly pulled him into the water.

"What's going on?" Daddy asked, dazed and confused. He stared hard at me, trying to focus his eyes against the running, warm water. I clapped my hands together as he brought himself above the water, looking startled. "That…That was a prank?" He stared hard at me with a cold expression making me gulp.

"I – Well Yes," I nodded slowly. His eyes reddened, his face began turning red. I swear I could literally see steam coming out of his ears and nose. He looked so angry; I've never seen him that angry ever in my life. "Daddy – Sorry I just wanted you to get inside with me – I'm really sorry, I didn't mean to upset you,"

"Well you did a little more than just upset me!" He shouted. After a long hard stare, he pulled himself out of the water. He shook the water off his clothes as he stood before me, looking down at me with a very exasperated expression.

I swam towards the edge, pulled myself out of the water then lowered my head before my daddy adjusting my glasses on my face. I took of them off since they were stained, I sighed bending down to the floor, and I picked up my bag and dug my glasses into my bag.

The night had grown much darker and scarier.

"Maybe it wasn't such a good idea coming here after all," I thought lifting my head up to look at daddy. For a moment there I couldn't find him. Then, as my eyes adjusted I saw him standing at a cliff edge, his wet hands dug in his wet jean pockets, and he was staring hard over at the town.

"Daddy," I whispered walking over to him slowly.

"Look," He said, turning back to me. He put a protective hand around my shoulders, bringing me closer to him. "It doesn't look real does it? It's so beautiful isn't it?"

I looked down confused to why there was a cliff edge here. But putting all odds aside I looked at the beautiful lights, it was like a miniature town from up there. Looked incredible. "How do you know this place?" I asked daddy, peering up at his serious face.

He sat down on to the edge of the cliff. I hesitated at first but then sat down beside him. "I like the woods at night, they are like a sacred community for all secrets," He smiled gazing over to the town below us.

"It's a little cold," I said with a shiver, my breath steaming in front of me, white against the black night. I had no clue what he was talking about. But that's the mystery of my beloved Daddy; he has his own set of secrets, unfortunately just like I do. "It's so peaceful here. Have you been up here before?"

"Many times," He nodded slowly, still looking over at the tiny town below us. "With Liberty,"

"Liberty?" I blinked. That was his friend, his inspiration, he had told me that, not long ago, just yesterday.

"She brought me here during the cold winter nights, a secret place that nobody really knew the route too. It had snowed here then as well. She was so crazy that she'll blind fold me and expect me to find my way back to the car, just by listening to sounds. Somehow I would always end up here, at the cliff edge." He said in a low whisper. "I had always wondered why I would find myself standing here of all places, not a step forward, just here right at the edge I would stop, and every single time I wouldn't have an answer."

He looked over at me. He smiled at me. I smiled back at him for no such reason at all. I didn't understand anything he was saying but somehow it all made sense to me.

"She said that she wanted to teach me to fight my fears." He laughed softly. "And I realized the reason why I would always end up at the cliff. It's because I had a lot to lose. The cliff somehow reminded me off all the things and peoples in life that mean something to me and how they're all behind me. The dark sky and the tiny town in front of me. It was a test to see whether I was ready to leave everything behind or not,"

"Daddy," I said placing a hand on his shoulder.

"Suze this cliff is the middle path of my life. I always end up here and it reminds me of things in life that I can't leave behind not even for death," He lowered his eyes.

"Don't say that!" I demanded, my eyes starting to water up rapidly.

"And now I'm not scared about anything in life, apart from the thought of ever losing you. That's the only reason I still end up at the cliff and not take even the slightest step down from it." He looked deeply into my eyes. "Please I'm begging you from the very bottom of my heart, I've lost a lot in life but losing you would be the end,"

I stared at him, a couple of tears trickling down my cheeks.

"Promise me," He held my hands tightly in his. "You will always be the reason for me to stay standing at the edge of the cliff, because any step forward, my existence will exile."

"I hate you for saying this!" I felt steamed up. I rushed to my feet then started to run away from him, I didn't know where I was going but I was running, running away from my daddy and the thought of him ever leaving me.

I tripped over a large tree branch on the floor. I heard my daddy calling out for me. I climbed to my feet – and bumped into someone. "Oh Sorry!" I cried, startled. I didn't know I could bump into somebody else there in the woods.

It was an old woman; she was carrying a rucksack and holding onto a walking stick. She looked too old to be walking around in the woods, in the darkness of the sky and that too alone. I took a couple of steps away from her banging my back into my daddy; he was breathless and looked irritated.

He looked from me, to the woman then back at me.

"Leave!" The woman startled me by screaming, pointing her thin, old wrinkly index finger at me. "Leave this town if you want a happy future without any troubles. Your destiny lies in this town, but this is the town and its people will ruin you,"

"What?" Daddy laughed hysterically, holding onto one of my hands. "Come on Suze, let's go from here,"

"I'm warning you! That boy will turn you mad. His very presence will wipe every smile of your face. His beauty will enrapture your soul and never let it go!" The woman called out to me as daddy chuckled pulling me away from her.

Boy? Jesse?

"Every night of your will become restless waiting for him. Your sight will disappear and you will turn blind for the sake of him!" The woman's voice echoed in my ears as daddy led me away from her. I remained in silence with the woman's creepy voice echoing endlessly in my mind.

"They just try and scare that's all," Daddy smiled at me. "Don't worry about it Okay? Suze I'm sorry,"

"No I'm sorry," I stopped stepping onto crunching leaves. I hugged my daddy tightly. I kept my head hidden in his wet chest. I held onto him tightly, never wanting to let go.

He was talking me as we stood and hugged in the middle of nowhere but I wasn't listening, I was freaked out by the old woman's words. I was frightened.

When we finally got back to the car daddy suggested we go for a little shopping. Get out of the wet clothes or we'll catch a cold. I couldn't have agreed more as I could feel myself getting ill.

We got to the Beverly Centre; I stared hard at the parking lot, remembering the man that I saved from getting hit by the jeep of wild teenagers. How much he looked like Jesse. I shook my head, following my daddy into the shopping centre.

He was grinning the whole time, confusing me. We got to a store and there he handed me over to the hands of a stylist. "Daddy," I frowned at him.

"Hey, I'm making it up to you," He said. "You know yesterday, the whole make-over thing. Who said I don't like my little girl looking all pretty,"

"You're her dad?" A young woman's mouth hung open. "Adopted?"

"No," Daddy chuckled kissing my forehead. "Honey I'll be right here okay." He turned to the woman. "I want you to dress my little girl up as a doll,"

"I upset you too. So I'll make it up it to you too. You will have to get a make-over too, Okay daddy?" I gleamed looking up at him.

"I guess I do need a haircut," He ran his hand over his thick hair then he nodded at me, smiling. I smiled back at him too. The woman named Sheena was totally drooling over my daddy, telling him how good he looked all wet. He gave me a pleading look but I shook my head giggling.

A man named 'Tony' smiled at me, taking me into a private section away from my daddy and the other costumers. He walked me through rows of clothes and picked out many things for me. I told him I like it simple but he shook his head saying "A doll is what you are and how I'll present you,"

I shrugged back my shoulders waiting for him to get his stuff ready. Finally, he sat me down at a chair; he dried my wet, red curly hair. He fixed my hair, giving it a tiny trim. He then put a touch of make – up onto my face.

"Here," He handed me a bunch of clothes and shoes. "You can change in that changing room,"

I did as I was instructed. Changing into the sleeve – less pink and white floral knee – length dress. I began feeling uncomfortable because I had never worn anything like it after the age of six. I wore the flat white shoes then stepped out of the cubicle rubbing my arm timidly.

"Don't look so scared," Tony laughed softly, taking my hand he sat me down back down at the chair. "You have a beautiful face; I've never seen anybody like you before,"

"That's because I'm not wearing my glasses," I told him.

"Ah! Sad," He said going back to my hair. He fiddled around with it then at last led me back to the front of the store. I paused and stood there totally stunned.

"Daddy," I gasped putting a hand over my mouth.

"Honey," He blinked looking equally shocked.

He was standing there, looking tall and lean. The way he used to look before we came Beverly Hills', before he decided to settle down and marry Heidi. Daddy looked really young, and very good-looking. He had his hair cut and styled perfectly. He had even clean shaved his face, getting rid of the spiky hair on his face that would always scratch my face when I hugged him and Heidi would complain about it constantly.

He's wearing black jeans with a half-sleeved white shirt. His new leather jacket made him look even better and younger.

"Is that really you?" He asked me.

I glanced at Sheena who was drooling even more than she was before. I smiled at Daddy nodding my head, letting him know that I am in fact his little girl. I hadn't seen my new self until we were leaving the store; I peeked into a mirror quickly before we left.

I did look different. Main reason was because I wasn't wearing my glasses, they were safe in my bag, dirty so I didn't put them on.

I held my daddy's hand and we walked out of the store. He asked me what to do and I was just about to ask him if I could take a toilet break. But then I saw her.

I saw Heidi; she was with Brain – Brad's dad –. Daddy was just about to turn and would have seen them if I hadn't grabbed onto his hand and pulled him, running towards the multiplex. "I want to watch a movie," I tried to put as much enthusiasm as I could into my words.

"Alright. So what we watching?" He asked me.

"Titanic?" I asked

"Titanic? Honey do you even know what Titanic is?" He asked me, chuckling. "It was released a century ago. Let's do this, you go on ahead and get pop corn. I'll get the tickets,"

"Oh…Alright," I smiled at him. I watched him walk far away towards the counter. He stood at the back of the line getting out his cell phone from his pocket, he called somebody and they were talking.

I took a couple of step backwards when a hand touched my shoulder. Anxious, I stopped immediately and twisted back.

It was Paul Slater.

He was smiling at me. He was carrying a large combo size pop corn and a drink in his other hand. He was wearing SM Beverly's sweatshirt with his basketball cap. "Hi," He said, his smile growing wider and fuller as he took in sight my whole body.

"Hi," I replied rather shyly.

"Wow you look so different, so beautiful. Didn't recognize you at first then I spotted your bag. I can always recognize you bag; one of a kind isn't it?" He said

"Uh…Ya," I nodded, shifting my bag onto my other shoulder. Wow. So people recognize me by my bag, that's something new.

"What are you doing here? Come with Zoe and Carter?" He asked avoiding my eyes.

"Uh…No," I said looking back to where daddy was, he had moved up the line. I looked back at Paul and was just about to tell him I'm with my daddy but then I stared behind him.

It was the Elite. The entire Elite group – except Ceecee and Adam – was there with a few additional people/dates. Hunter was also there. He winked at me from a far making me frown. But I wasn't paying much attention to him; my attention was to my left side.

From my left I was staring at Jesse, he wasn't really looking my way; he was talking to a girl, who looked pretty much like his date for the night."I know he said he was going to the cinema, but not here," My mind raced with questions.

Brad walked over and poked my arm, I looked up at him, he was really surprised seeing me so found it funny to keep on poking me to see if I'll pop or disappear. I could tell he was slightly out of it – drunk would be the word for it – but I just smiled up at him patiently waiting for him to realize that I wasn't going to just vanish.

"Well – look at you," Sophia grinned coming over. She pushed Brad back and stood in his place. "Wow talk, about hot!"

I adjusted my dress feeling nervous; Jesse hadn't even looked my way once.

"So what you doing?" Sophia continued to grin at me, "And with whom?"

I was just about to reply when Guy whistled at me, unable to recognize me. He leaned forward to touch me but his hand got jammed when it was just about to touch my face. I looked up at my daddy. Daddy didn't seem to look happy at all, he stared hard at Guy still keeping hold of his hand.

I watched Jesse make his way over. "Hey it's cool," Jesse put a hand over Daddy's trying to pull Guy's hand away but Daddy wouldn't let go. I held my breath because for a moment there Daddy and Jesse shared a glare, sending shivers down my back.

"It's okay," I coughed softly trying to push everybody apart. I put a nervous hand on Jesse, moving his hand away from my daddy's. Then I tried to pull Daddy's and Guy's hand apart. But instead Daddy's grip on Guy tightened.

"Hey – What's your problem? Let go," Guy squealed.

I put a hand on my daddy's shoulder, looking at Jesse's turning cold expression. "Let go please,"

"Don't ever even think about touching her again," Daddy spat out letting go of Guy's hand.

Guy pulled back, taking couple of steps back as he shook the pain of his hand.

"Pro – tective!" Sophia whistled. "Is he your new boyfriend? Wow Suze who'd thought you were like this outside of school, you got a hot older bf! Is he in College?"

Brad burst into laughter and I frowned as Jesse looked from me to Daddy then back again. "Oh Mathew," Jesse said to Daddy. Had he really forgotten my daddy? "Hey Dude, I'm sorry about Guy,"

Daddy didn't look pleased with Jesse at all.

I smiled holding his hand. "Sophia this is my dad," I introduced daddy proudly to the Elite, shocking them. Who could blame them? Even I get surprised looking at Daddy sometimes, he looks so young – who could guess he has a nearly 18 year old daughter.

Before Sophia could reply I asked daddy if we could go in. He nodded then looked over at Guy stiffly. He then smiled at me before leading me into the screening.

We sat closely to the bottom since I couldn't wear my glasses. After a while Jesse had come in with his date? The rest of the Elite sat away from the two and I started to feel jealous and disappointed.

I leaned back in my seat, staring at him thinking how my first promised date with Jesse Di Silva would be like. But I had no clue; I mean I've never been on a date so I'm clueless on what happens.

Getting jealous watching Jesse and his date I ignored the pressure on my bladder until it got the better of me. "I'll be back. I need the ladies room," I told daddy hurrying to my feet.

I rushed out of the hall and to the ladies room. I felt much better when I was done. I washed my hands sighing as I would have to go back inside and see Jesse with the girl. I bit my bottom lip leaving the ladies room.

"He's there! He's everywhere!" I grunted seeing Jesse leaning against the sweet counter.

"Stop stalking me you creep," He chuckled as I passed him.

I stopped, turned back to him and frowned. "I'm not stalking Jesse," I said. "I have no reason to stalk Jesse, I mean I don't care if Jesse didn't fulfill his promise to take me on a date – I really don't,"

He raised an eyebrow and my eyes widened.

"Did I really just say that?" I pinched myself.

"Hey I asked you out – you were the busy one – is that my fault? Girls are so troublesome," He ran a hand through his hair. "Shouldn't you go inside? Don't want your 'daddy' hurting me; I'm a scared little boy,"

"He – He didn't like Guy trying to touch me that's all," I lowered my head in front of Jesse, "I didn't like it too,"

Jesse pulled me forward slightly, putting an arm around my waist as he held me close to him, he brushed my hair back out of my eyes leaning down to my ear. "It was hard to resist," He kissed my ear making me blush.

I pulled away from him turning to go but he acted fast, putting his arms around me from behind. "Jealous Kitty's are so adorable," He whispered chuckling into my ear.

"Jesse!" I rushed away from him feeling my heart race. I smiled as I got to the door of the hall, I turned back to him, and he was laughing looking at me. He then winked at me, giving me an approving look. I blushed again turning back to the door.

I went back inside and sat down with Daddy, smiling I rested my head on his shoulder. Jesse came in a little while later and sat with his date, I did feel jealous but it wasn't enough for me to feel insecure. Jesse will definitely fulfill his promise, my first date will be with Jesse Di Silva.