The Next Day
That morning, Danny and Val decided to spend the day visiting her father and going around town in their hometown. Dani had practice and his parents had a baby appointment, but they would try to have dinner with all.
Val drove the SUV, despite begging from Danny who implied the ghost hunter is a 'speed demon'. Valerie rolled her eyes at her boyfriend's antics, shaking her head as they drove off into the high-rise part of down.
Danny loved driving through this part of town, his cerulean eyes looked around in excitement in the passenger seat. Val chuckled as she watched her partner looks around and point out the various buildings around them. Some light pop music played lowly as they drove to the parking garage of her father's building.
Both got out of the car and made their way to the elevator which would take them to the penthouse suite apartment.
'Our deluxe apartment in the sky now sweetheart!' her father's voice appeared in her head from the memory of when they moved. It truly was a deluxe penthouse with a beautiful view that was to 'die for' (words of Star).
The elevator dinged them up to the apartment, Valerie using her keycard to access the floor. Danny still can't believe places like this exist as he muttered under his breath, Valerie once again laughing at him. She was used to the finer things in life, and this is one of them.
While entering the floor, Val squeezed his hand, as a reminder of all the good and bad they saw each other through. Danny returned the squeeze and gave her a smile.
They heard footsteps coming from the living room, it was a pair instead of one. Valerie gave her boyfriend a confused look which he did as well. His ghost senses and her alarm didn't go off but just to be safe, they braced themselves. After all, they did live in this town all their life.
"Hey, kids!" Damon's voice bellowed, walking up to them and putting Valerie in a big hug. A short woman appeared behind him, all smiles at the couple.
Val hugged her father back but looked questioningly at the woman behind her father. Danny was preoccupied with a strong hug as well, it reminded him of his own father's hugs when he was a child.
After he let the ghost boy down, he introduced the short woman as his girlfriend, Jen. Jen shook both hands with her bronze hand firmly grasping theirs, happy to meet them both. The young adults both accepted the handshake back and the four began to catch up over the last few months.
Damon beamed at the sight of his daughter and boyfriend, her happiness radiating off of her as she spoke about the late-night study sessions she had to pull with classmates.
"Dad, it was awful. A 120-question test we had to take and we all study for at least 3 hours each night. I mean a made an A, as always." Valerie spoke matter-of-factly with a hint of humor in her voice.
"Of course," Her father humored her back while Danny shook his head at his girlfriend's 'humbleness'.
"Meanwhile I had no notes, on-the-spot quizzes every class. I would kill for a study guide." Danny groaned in his hands
"It builds character at least." Jen offered, a small smile on her lips. Damon laughed and began telling both young adults about 'back in the day' stories of college life. Jen shook her head at her boyfriend as he told the young adults about his time in college.
In all, Valerie was glad she took this visit to her father's house. Visiting him over the break was the hardest throughout the years. This year was different as her father and she both brought their partners together. Jen almost reminded her of her mother and at times through the night, Valerie caught herself staring at her.
'Maybe it's a sign?' Valerie thought to herself as they headed back to the Fenton home.