“Hey kid. I’m sure you’re out and about. I asked the sitter to leave something in your room. Your brother and sister drew something I think you’ll appreciate. A turkey the sitter said? Matty was talking about alien turkeys, and Lilah was well.. making normal baby noises heh. Anyway, reminder that Thursday dinner should be between 3pm and 5pm. I could use help beforehand, I invited some extra people. Talk to you soon. And, I wanted to add I know we had a rocky bit there for a time, but I’m proud of your recent accomplishments.”
her smile was almost instant as she approached her door. she delicately plucked the drawing that was tapped to her door down. a proud smile spreading her face as she admired the work of her younger siblings. two of the only few who had the ability to melt blair into a puddle. there was a soft chuckle that slipped from parted lips as she held the drawing against her chest. hugging it as if it were them. god she loved them.
it wasn’t until after she’d tossed her bag onto the bed that she’d seen the missed call from oliver. her chest naturally tightening at the sight. her own failure somehow bringing her affection and care to the fore front. an unusual feeling. not unwelcome, but simply— unknown.
there was an easy smile growing as she listened to the voicemail her dad left. anything involving lilah and matty brought a smile to her face, but it was how he ended the message that really had her. his words somehow managing to blanket the growing angst she had felt since their last meeting. letting him down had always been her greatest fear, and by her own choices— she’d watched the fear come to life.
if only forgetting it was that easy.
blair grabbed a tack from her bed stand, using it to add the new art to her siblings growing collection. where her condo was flooded with her own work, her room at the manor was flooded with theirs. falling back on her once nicely made bed blair made a quick dial to oliver’s phone. there was almost relief when his voicemail was all that was heard on the other line. a heavy breath her only prep work for whatever was going to fall out of her mouth.
third time was the charm, right? or at least that was what she said to convince herself that it was okay to be on your third attempt at a normal message. the struggle between employee and daughter always being a hard one for her to toggle.
“ hey ol— ’ clearing her throat briefly before the name could finish rolling off her tongue. “ i got the photo. looks like you might have more than one little artist on your hands. ’ an awkward chuckle. “ i’d really love to help. however i can. just tell me, and, i’m there. ’ not unusual. though normally, business was the underlying topic.
“ thank you... ya know, for saying that... i probably won’t ever stop being sorry for that. ’ the pause that followed was longer than what was intended. “ but uh, i do love you dad, and, i promise— that will never happen again. uh— anyways, i’ll see you soon then. ’
