Xio and her father once again spoke about life, and especially about Tyler. Garrett was rather into what Xio had to say, his smile wide and happy as she explained how in love she was.
(Yeup!)
The next morning Xio was woken by Milo, who meowed loudly for food. It was the same routine nearly every day, she realized, but she still loved the cat all the same.
(Is it a weekday? Sorry)
(It’s alright! Uhm. I’d say it’s a weekend?? Is that alright??)
(yup!)
Tyler was already up eating breakfast with Lexi, who was usually a pretty early riser. He texted Xio good morning and then got up to get dressed and ready for the day.
(sorry im in a hurry!)
(You’re alright! I had a lot of things to do.)
Xiomara giggled happily as her phone buzzed, already knowing who it could be. She sent back a loving reply before hurrying down the stairs to feed Milo. Her father was still asleep. Either that or he was in his home office, working on his novels.
(:
Tyler came back downstairs and scooped up Lexi in his arms, making her giggle. "Go get dressed and then you can come with me to a soccer game." He said, setting her down before she raced upstairs, grinning widely.
Xiomara wandered through the house and, just as she thought, found him lazing in his chair, a notebook in hand and a pencil in the other. “Which one? Which story line?” She asked, tilting her head. Garrett looked up and smiled softly.
“A new one. A children’s story.”
Lexi came hopping down the stairs a minute later and sat down in front of Tyler. "Braid please!" She handed him a brush and a ponytail and bounced happily, waiting for him to reply.
"Okay, did you get your hat too? It's a bit chilly outside." He asked, carefully beginning to braid her hair.
“Mm is it the one about the rabbit?” She asked gently. He nodded and gestures towards a sketchbook.
“Hand me that, would you, Marie?” He asked lovingly, not looking up from whatever he was writing. “I need to sketch out the character some more.”
"Yesss I did." She sighed, humming happily and fidgeting a bit. "Is your girlfriend coming?" Lexi asked hopefully, jumping up once he was done braiding her hair.
"No I don't think so, sorry. You'll get to see her another time though, I promise." He grabbed his bag and put on a jacket, helping Lexi with hers as well. "Do you want to go upstairs and say by to Mom and Dani?"
Xiomara handed him the said sketchbook and marveled at the smooth lines his callused hands were able to create. His pen slid smoothly across the paper, a character formed from lines and shapes.
“I never understood how you draw so well.” She whined. “I can’t draw worth crap.”
Lexi nodded and ran upstairs, coming back down a second later and taking Tyler’s hand, leading him to the car. “Can we watch Moana today?” She asked, climbing into the car with a small grunt. “Sure, I have to leave at 6 though. Why do you want to watch it?”
“Eli likes it and he’s sad today.” She said simply, humming happily to herself.
“It takes practice, Marie. You just need to learn how to sit down for more than three seconds.” He teased, reaching over to grab a set of art markers. The ink was smooth across the paper as lines were darkened and colors were added. “Takes time and effort. Much like writing does.”
“I can write though. And I’ve tried art. It’s just so hard!”
(Is there anything you want to do with Xio and her dad or are we just writing fillers for the moment?)
(Just fillers)
(Do you want to skip to later tonight?)
(Sure! Want me to start?)
(Yes please I'm really busy, thanks!)
(No problem!)
Xiomara waited patiently for that familiar car to pull into her driveway. She nearly buzzed in excitement, having fancied herself up for the occasion. For once, she had worn the nicer piercing she owned in her lip, shifting nervously and laughing softly as Milo waited with her.
Garrett watched his daughter with a smile. He was happy she had found a good kid.
Tyler gripped the steering wheel anxiously, letting out a breath as he turned onto Xio's street. He had dressed up a bit as well, not wanting to overdo it, but not wanting to seem under dressed. He parked the car and checked his hair quickly in the mirror before walking up to her front steps and ringing the doorbell, hands clasped nervously behind his back.
Xiomara nearly threw herself at the door when she heard the bell, grinning widely as she scooped Milo up so the cat wouldn’t run and opening the door. “Hello Tyler!” She beamed at him, falling in love all over again. He was so handsome.
“Hi Xio.” Tyler replied gently, taking her hand and kissing it. “You ready?” He asked, scratching Milo behind the ears.
Xiomara hummed happily and nodded, smiling brightly. She turned to her father and offered Milo to him. Garrett took the cat and grinned at Tyler. “You two be safe, alright? And don’t be dumb.” He warned, laughing as Xio groaned.
“I know dad we will.” She promised, slowly inching towards Tyler. “Byyye!” She purred, giggling as she gently closed the door behind her and pushed Tyler onto the step.
Tyler waved a bit and took a step back as she walked out the door. "Not letting me meet your dad?" He asked, laughing quietly and walking with her towards the car. "He seems nice."
Xiomara giggled and shook her head. “I have something planned for when you two meet. Just not now. Are you free this next Friday?” She asked softly, stopping him. “I plan to make dinner. You can come over, invite your family too but I’ll need to know if they’re coming.”