36
Time seems to fly by as we all adjust to our new normal.
Sure, there are growing pains, but that's to be expected, considering all the changes that have taken place.
Alice is still giving Bella the cold shoulder, but she seems to be warming up slowly. Our vampire isn't deterred and still makes it a point to include her, even when we all know she's going to say no.
It's a long weekend for the girls, and I'm taking advantage of the nice weather and having them both home by doing a little routine car maintenance on the VW Beetle they share.
I'm changing the oil when Angela steps out into the garage, looking like a nervous wreck. She doesn't say anything, just sort of stands there, fumbling with her hands, watching me work.
"Everything okay?" I ask when I realize she's not going to speak first.
"Um. Maybe?"
She passes me a rag and bites her lip.
"Talk to me, kid."
"Someone asked me out," she mumbles.
"Okay, you're old enough, as long as I meet him first."
"Yeah, about that."
Angela's eyes well up with tears, and I'm contemplating calling for Bella. Maybe this is something that requires a female's perspective. I don't know. I've been handling being a single parent of teenage girls by going at it blindly. Taking it one day at a time.
"You can tell me anything. You know that."
"He's a vampire."
Ages ago, before Gianna did what she did, I remember Alice coming home and telling us about Jasper.
My ex-wife was enthusiastic about the relationship, but I wasn't. Dating a vampire meant the possibility that you'll eventually visit the fourth floor at Volturi. I didn't want that for my daughter. Either of them. I wanted both of my kids to live long and happy mortal lives alongside me.
Was that too much to ask?
Instead of recoiling at the thought of my firstborn following in her sister's footsteps, wanting to possibly be with a vampire, I drop my wrench and pull her in for a tight hug. I'm sweaty and covered in grime, but she doesn't care.
"When can I meet him?"