13 Griffin Way, Saturday Morning

[tyler_back]

Tyler was (surprise) awake early the morning after prom, and, when he stepped onto the porch with his coffee, he noticed the back yard was starting to look like a science experiment in how many weeds could be grown in how small a space. Feeling the need to actually do something about it, he yanked on some old clothes and set to work gardening.

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Comments

[sincegradeskool]

Estella Denise Singer had been walking along for hours and hours trying to find daddy or mommy, or so it seemed to her five-year-old brain.

So when she finally spotted her father (on his knees, with his bottom in the air) she squealed and launched herself at him.

"DADDY DADDY DADDY DADDY!," she said, then paused for another hug. "I thought I losted you!"

[sincegradeskool]

"I moved out because you were batshit nuts, and not the fun way. Again," Marla pointed out. "I swear. If I had a kid, I wouldn't let you within a hundred yards of her."

[tyler_back]

"And you aren't pregnant?" Tyler asked, ignoring the insults because he could tell she was telling the truth. "I saw you in October. You don't have an ovarian tumor that kicks? One that makes you crave Quarter Pounders with Cheese?"

[sincegradeskool]

"My womb is dry and barren," Marla informed him, sounding almost cheery. "Could send you a used tampon to prove it."

[tyler_back]

"Disgusting, Marla," Tyler said. He glanced out to the living room to check on his daughter.

[sincegradeskool]

"Thank you," Marla said, some warmth creeping into her tone. "What's she like?"

[tyler_back]

"The kid? She's -- like a kid," Tyler admitted. "Little. Worried. Likes pamcakes."

He closed his eyes. "What was your girl baby name?"

[sincegradeskool]

"What?" Marla asked, because that one was coming out of left field.

[tyler_back]

"The island's fucked up," Tyler reminded her. "It might send me a kid we never had, just for funsies. Figure you probably named her."

[sincegradeskool]

"Estella," Marla said instantly.

[tyler_back]

"Froofy fucking name," Tyler informed her. "... seriously?"

[sincegradeskool]

"Read a book. It's from Dickens," Marla said, in a thick voice. "It means she's raised to destroy men."

She thought that was funny.

[tyler_back]

She was wrong. Tyler put his palm over the mouthpiece. "Estella?"

The girl turned away from the TV. "Yes, Daddy?"

"Mommy says hi."

"Tell her I said hi too." And then she was back on the TV.

[sincegradeskool]

"Take pictures for me." Marla said, utterly sincere. "And ... let me know how it goes. I'm sure you'll love parenthood."

Okay, not utterly sincere.

[tyler_back]

"I will," Tyler promised, before saying his goodbyes and hanging up the phone.

He had pancakes to make.