IN THE MORNING, Poppy didn't feel different.

In fact, she felt a little bit disappointed about the tree. Yes, it sprung up out of nowhere, but there wasn't anything remotely magical about it expect for its unique coloring.

Perhaps life just didn't work the way it did in fairy tales, and Poppy would need to get used to that bleak idea.

Instead, she rolled onto her side and tried to fall asleep again.

This was too much worrying for eight o'clock in the morning. She should probably revisit the topic later.

Although Poppy grabbed for it desperately, sleep eluded her. After a valiant fight with the awareness growing in her body, Poppy rolled out of bed and walked downstairs.

Because it was still the weekend, Poppy had nothing to do. Because of this fact, she plopped down on the worn sofa and began clicking through Netflix, trying to find a show or movie to hold her interest away from the tree outside.

Away from the temptation lurking outside the sliding glass doors.

Mom joined Poppy a while later, though she did not join Poppy on the couch. 

Mom seemed to do a lot of reading on her computer lately.

"Mom," Poppy said eventually, "am I still going to Dad's tonight? It's fine if you say no, I'm just wondering."

Mom's gazed flickered to Poppy's for a second, and then she resumed her blank stare at the computer screen. "I don't know, sweetie. If you're okay with me coming along, then we can work something out."

Poppy made a face. "You won't fight, right?"

Mom sighed, and said nothing.

Poppy turned back to face the TV, spirits depleted. 

AFTER MOM had finished up the paperwork (finally) she went to her room.

That left Poppy with two options. One, be responsible and go upstairs, get dressed, and hope that Mom would let her see Dad tonight, or two, go check out the tree and be decidedly irresponsible. 

Poppy didn't particularly like being responsible. That was for old people.

She got up and moved through the kitchen, padding to the dinning room on soft feet. From there, she made sure to slide the door open gradually to minimize the sound. 

After that, she walked straight out to the tree and hid behind the trunk, making the same mistake as last time. 

Poppy left the door open again.

Mom ran out into the yard, a frantic look on her face.

"Poppy, don't you dare go up there again! If you fall, I swear-" Mom caught sight of Poppy behind the tree, and seemed to instantly wilt at the sight of her daughter on the ground.

Poppy felt bad for making Mom worry, but she didn't know what to say. There was nothing to say. Poppy was supposed to stay away from the tree, and she didn't. End of story, she wasn't seeing Dad ever again.

She probably wouldn't be seeing anything other than the four walls of her bedroom.

"Sorry," Poppy said, looking down. "I'll escort myself to my room."

Mom raised her eyebrows. "Well, you can't go to dinner with Dad and I if you're in your room."

Poppy's face lit up in a grin, all dull thoughts evaporating from her mind. "Wait. You're letting me go?"

"Yes, I am. Don't make me regret it!" Mom smiled, though it was a little forced. Poppy didn't care. As long as Dad was sober and able to take her to dinner, everything was perfect. She didn't see enough of him, and sometimes Poppy just needed to talk to Dad.

Poppy ran through the house, excited to finally be seeing Dad again. She quickly got dressed in clothes that were acceptable to wear in a public place, and then swung into Mom's car before Mom had even arrived in the garage.

"Excited, aren't we?" Mom laughed, sliding into the car, carrying her usual fresh scent with her. She turned the key to start the car and turned the volume up on the radio.

Poppy leaned her head back and closed her eyes, basking in the warm feeling of comfort flowing through her body. This is exactly what she wanted: Mom, Dad, her, and Mexican food from Poppy's favorite restaurant. 

Mom pulled into the parking lot of Sombrero's, and looked over at Poppy. 

Poppy didn't fully understand the sappy looks Mom kept throwing at her, but she didn't like the feeling they gave her. 

It was as if someone was about to die or something.

Poppy walked across the familiar gravel lot, trailing Mom by a couple steps.

That was when Charlie called.

Poppy was so shocked, her thumb slipped onto the "Decline" button. Quickly, Poppy called Charlie back, prepared to apologize profusely.

Then she remembered what Charlie had been doing to her the entire week.

No best friend of Poppy's would get away with stranding her alone during the first week of school, let alone get an apology for something little Poppy did.

"Hey girl!" Charlie sounded way too cheerful on the other end of the phone. 

"Charlie?" Poppy still couldn't believe Charlie was calling her.

"Yes, of course it's me, silly! I was wondering if you wanted to come over after school tomorrow. Reece and I are getting a pedicure and I want you to come with us!"

Poppy took a deep breath and crossed the street, thinking over the offer. This could be completely fake, and a prank to get her to embarrass herself.

But on the other hand, Poppy missed Charlie.

"Okay," she said, smiling even though Charlie couldn't see her. "I'll be there."

"Great! See you tomorrow."

The phone beeped, signalling the end of the call, and Poppy ran to catch up with Mom, who was standing impatiently at the entrance to Sombrero's.

"Who was that?" Mom looked suspicious, but she still held the door open for Poppy, who led the way into the small entry way. The Please wait to be seated sign was propped up against the welcome stand, and Poppy began looking around the ruby red booths to spot Dad.

When she found him, Poppy frowned, disappointed at what she was seeing.

Dad was deep into a beer, his head on the table. From this perspective, Poppy couldn't tell if there was anything else on the table. She hoped not, but she also knew that the waiters wouldn't let him get drunk.

Right?

Mom followed Poppy's gaze and went stiff. She didn't say anything, but Poppy knew what she was thinking.

He couldn't stay sober enough for one night.

Not even to have dinner with his only daughter.

Word Count: 1095

Total Word Count: 10456

Hey! Thanks for reading, commenting, and voting on this book! I really appreciate seeing people help me edit and enjoying the story!

What do you think is going to happen between Mom and Dad? How do you think Poppy is going to handle it?

xo

CJ