Note:
This is the first chapter of a series I've started. Thanks to a particular Lit member (you know who you are!) for the inspiration.
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All characters are 18+
Dad & Daughter Vacation
Amy was just 8 years old when my wife first became sick. For the next year, I put all my energy into taking care of Suzi, while raising our daughter as best I could. When Suzi finally succumbed, I was left pretty broken. Amy became my entire world.
Over time, the pain lessened, though it never fully went away. Amy and I adapted to our new life together. It was just the two of us. I focused on providing as normal a childhood as I could for her. I attended PTO meetings, volunteered for girl scout troops, hosted sleepovers, threw birthday parties, and coached soccer teams. We became reliant on each other, which helped ease the loss a bit. I made a point to make the most of our time together.
But all too soon, Amy was in high school. Our time together was becoming less frequent and I realized how little time I had left with my little girl. Between playing varsity and club soccer, school, friends, boyfriends, and now college applications, we barely saw each other. The exception was our Sunday dinners, a ritual Suzi had started when we were all younger, that Amy and I held on to. Sunday dinner was sacred time for both of us.
It was during one Sunday evening, that I decided to ask Amy about going on a vacation. The last time we had gone on a proper vacation was before Suzi had gotten sick. I don't think either of us felt ready to go on one without her. But Amy's graduation seemed like a time to try again.
I wanted to gauge Amy's willingness before I booked anything. I decided to broach the subject after dinner, while we washed the dishes together.
"Hey Ames," I took a breath. "I was thinking... you know, it's been a while since we went on a vacation."
"Whadda you mean dad? Didn't we go see Aunt Kathy for Christmas?" Amy laughed.
I chuckled, recalling our trip to visit Suzi's sister in Ohio last December. "I guess... if you count sleeping in your aunt's basement in the middle of winter a vacation!" I put down the glass I was drying and turned to Amy. "I mean, like a real vacation. You know, like we used to do when mom was still..." My voice trailed off, unable to complete the sentence even after ten years.
Amy turned off the sink and shook the water off her hands before turning to hug me. "Aw dad... I think mom would want us to take a vacation together!" She pulled back and looked up at me with her beautiful blue eyes. Her dirty blonde hair fell in curly strands around her face, framing her cute, lightly freckled cheeks. The corners of her eyes crinkled as she broke into a smile, her perfect white teeth and the warmth of her eyes reminded me so much of Suzi.
"You look so much like her..." I smiled lovingly.
"Daaad..." Amy blushed and rolled her eyes playfully. She turned back to the dishes. "So," she splashed a little water towards me, "where were you thinking about taking us?"
I resumed my drying duties. "Dunno... I mean, definitely somewhere warm! Maybe the Caribbean? One of the islands?"
"Oh! What about a cruise?" Amy asked excitedly. "Liv went on one with her parents last year and she loved it. They got to visit a bunch of different islands too!"
"Really?" I contemplated. "Never really been a fan of cruises... but, I kind of like the idea of not sticking to just one island."
Amy turned to hand me the last of the dishes, and gave me a serious look. "Dad, are you serious about doing this? I mean, I know you didn't really want to do anything like this since, you know... mom..." she paused. Amy couldn't bring herself to say it either. But I understood. I put my arm around her shoulder and gave it a little squeeze.
"I think it's time we both got a little break and enjoyed ourselves. Like you said, mom would want us to. Plus, I'd really like to spend some quality time together again..." I smiled and gave her a loving look. "You've grown up so fast Ames... I mean, 18 and ready to go off to college soon. It's like it all flew by so fast!"
"Awww dad. You know you'll always have me, right?"
"I know," I lied, trying to smile. "I'd just really like to spend some time with you. Like we used to."
"Me too dad!" Amy squealed and gave me another hug. Her hands were damp, but I didn't mind. She pulled back slightly and gave me a pleading look. "Um... do you think i could maybe, go shopping... with my friends? You know, to get some clothes for the trip? I promise, I won't spend too much.... it's just... most of my stuff is basically from when I was a little kid."
Despite my best efforts to provide whatever she needed, I always knew I wasn't able to provide for her in every way. Certainly not in the clothes department. Her friends, and sometimes her friend's mom's would help out when she was little. As Amy got older, she found her own style. But rarely went shopping for herself. So when she asked, I knew it was a legitimate need. "Of course, honey! You deserve it... and don't be shy. I mean, be reasonable, but... you know. Get whatever you need."
Amy hugged me once again, and said she couldn't wait to tell her friends about the trip. She bounced off to her room. I finished drying the last dish and I went into my office to start researching and planning.
We're On Our Way
Six weeks later, Amy and I were boarding our flight to Florida.