Oleander - Gen 7 Ch 11

Despite my concerns, Daffodil actually has begun to settle down, it seems. She's been spending most of her spare time working on a butterfly collection for her science project. And the household pranks have almost completely subsided.

She signed up for junior league sports at the stadium, and has set herself a demanding workout schedule - jogging, cardio and strength training. She isn't happy unless she's working hard at one thing or another.

Between Zhan's undercover work, Song's writing marathons, and Daffodil's busy schedule, most days it's only Lotus and me holding down the fort here at home. Her absolute favorite game is what she calls 'queen of the world!'

"Hear ye, hear ye! The queen will hear your petitions now, all ye lowly peasants!"

I swear, she never takes that costume off. She even wears it to bed! Zhan thinks I should make her change into her pj's, but I say, if it makes her happy, it's not hurting anyone. In my opinion, most people care way to much about what other people wear.

Daffodil's been so good for so long, we surprised her with a car, once she learned to drive. We've even allowed her to go out with Denis, as long as she's home by curfew. He really doesn't seem like such a bad sort, once you get to know him. And he really seems to care for our Daffodil - that is, until one fateful night, when they headed out to a movie - or so they said.

In reality, they had something quite different planned for the evening's activity. I was completely shocked ...

...when our daughter was escorted home by one of Zhan's uniformed co-workers.

"I'm so sorry, Mrs. Greenbow. But I found her planting a flaming poo bag on someone's porch, while her friend decorated the front of the house with rotten eggs. If I were you, I'd be careful about who I let my daughter hang out with. The young man who was with her has been arrested several times for shoplifting."

 So that's why Zhan thought Denis was so familiar. He must have seen him down at the station when he was brought in for shoplifting. Zhan was was out working an undercover job, so the whole ordeal was left in my hands. I proceeded to read her the riot act as best I could.

"Now, give me your car keys and your phone. You are grounded, missy. And you are not to see Denis again!"

"Aw, come on, mom. We were just having a little fun. We didn't mean any harm."

"Destruction of property is not just harmless fun. Go to your room this instant! And don't you roll your eyes at me!"

Zhan hoped to have a little 'chat' with her the morning regarding Denis, but she was having none of it.

"Just leave me alone, Papa. And tell Mom I'm too sick to go to school today."

Well, I was not going to have that. Sick indeed. After that stunt last night, I didn't believe it. She probably just didn't want to face the embarrassment her actions had caused.

"You are not faking sick today. Now get dressed and off to school with you."

I knew it. She moaned a little as I drove her to school, but she was fine by the time I dropped her off.

Finally some happy news! Lotus' scout ceremony is this afternoon! Dilly is still claiming to be sick, but I made her attend anyway. I'm beginning to think she may really be sick, because I seem to be catching the same bug.

The whole family was in the auditorium at school, waiting for the award ceremony to start, when suddenly Papa stood up, and unsteadily walked to the door. I hurriedly followed; I could tell something was wrong. My premonition was right - it was Papa's time. I guess I should have expected it. After all, he had already reached the venerable age of 110. But it's never easy losing one you love.

Papa's death was hard on all of us, but between that, and Daffodil dragging around the house miserable and half sick, and me trying to plan Song's birthday party, I was a basket case.

"Aw Andee, we all miss him. Don't worry about Dilly, I'll talk to her again. I'll ask her to help with the party, okay? And don't forget about your meditation garden."

Zhan always knows what to say to calm me down.

I sat silently, watching the koi swim in lazy circles, and listening to the water splash merrily down the sides of the fountain. Slowly I cleared my mind and concentrated on my pendant. Gradually all extraneous details faded away, was left with one clear thought. I knew what I had to do, and I also I knew who would inherit my prize possession - my pendant.

Back to reality. Sigh. Where is Daffodil?

She was supposed to be helping me get set up for Song's party. After searching the house, I was startled to hear voices coming from the crypt. I always kept the door to that stairway locked, as we had never gotten around to filling in that unstable tunnel I had fallen into years ago. How had she gotten in?

"I dare you! What are you, chicken?"

"No! It's not safe, Dilly! You must be crazy if you think I'm gonna crawl into that tunnel! and you shouldn't do it either!"

"Ha! Like I said, chicken! I'm going in, you stay out here if you want."

"Hold it just a minute there, you two. No one's going into that tunnel!"

"Aw, mom, I was just kidding."

I was starting to get a little exasperated again.

"You know I haven't been feeling well, and I really need your help."

To her credit, Daffodil appeared actually contrite.

"Don't worry, Mom. Song and I'll get everything set up."

Wow. Will wonders never cease? Maybe Dilly is starting to grow up.

Jenny's birthday had been a few days earlier, and of course she was there to cheer Song on as he blew out his candles.

And my sister Hyacinth and her son Pierre were in town visiting! It's been so long since I've seen her. Maurice couldn't make it, due to business obligations in Champs Les Sims.

While everyone else dug into the cake, Song's attention was all on Jenny.

I headed up to the kitchen to fetch another stack of napkins, when I happened to glance out the front window. Denis. I had wondered if he was going to show up. I met him at the door. He seemed pretty nervous, and I didn't blame him.

"Uh, Hi Mrs. G. Thanks for inviting me. Sorry I'm late."

I smiled."Party's downstairs. I'm glad you could make it."

I chewed on my bottom lip a little as I watched him head down the stairs. I hope I have done the right thing. And I hope I can make Zhan understand.

"Denis! You made it!"

"Sorry I'm late."

It's okay. Are you ready?"

"Ready as I'll ever be."

I couldn't help but overhear their little conversation. Ready for what? I had barely convinced Zhan to give Denis another chance, and let Daffodil see him here at home, if they promised to keep things casual. But if they had more shenanigans up their sleeves....

I stepped closer to try and warn them, but I was too slow.

"Mom, dad, everyone. Denis and I have an announcement. We want to get married."

I shot Zhan a dirty look, trying to silently warm him off starting a big blow up, but it was too late.

"You!... How dare you?  We invite you into our home, and this is how you repay our hospitality? No, you are both way too young. I won't allow it."

This was the first time Zhan and I had ever disagreed on anything, but it was a big one. I opened my mouth to intervene, but my hot-headed daughter beat me to it.

"Daddy! Listen to me. We are getting married. With or without your blessing. And I would thing that after what you and mom went through when you first met, that you would be happy to have your first grandchild's daddy there for him!"

"What. Did. You. Just. Say?"

I was surprised, to say the least, but the shell-shocked expression on Zhan's face was priceless.

"I'm pregnant!"