Daddy, Mommy Never Left

After I died, my daughter called the Manhattan tycoon Xavier Hayes. "Daddy, this is Nina. " "What kind of new trick is this? You really think the Hayes family is that easy to climb? " Nina didn't understand; she only caught her last name. "Yes, Nina's last name is Hayes. " The line went silent again. "Put your mom on the phone. " but I couldn't answer anymore. Nina recited the words I taught her, speaking carefully. Mommy went to someone else's house. Mommy said she can't take me; she told me to find Daddy. Mommy said she raised me for five years. Now it's your turn. Xavier. Would believe it? She really is the same as always, but what makes her think I'd come? Mommy said you can do a paternity test. You're my daddy. Daddy, I don't want to go to an orphan home. The address... Nina gave him the address from Manhattan to here. The flight would take about an hour. Xavier would arrive. soon. Mommy, why did we lie to Daddy? Aren't you dead? The truth was, rather than deceiving Xavier, this was for Nina. Nina could see ghosts; to her, death was just another way of living. Like me, I'd simply changed forms and stayed by her side, so she hadn't cried or grieved. I want to see how long it takes Daddy to find me, so you can't tell him Mommy's dead or that you can see me. Okay? I won't say anything; Nina's mouth is super tiny. Good girl! I smiled and patted her head, though I couldn't really touch her. Later, after eating some bread, Nina fell asleep because of her special condition. She always slept more than other kids. I sat by the bed watching her, watching the corner of her blanket slip loose, unable to fix it until someone knocked on the door. Hello, Xavier Hayes.

Six years had made Xavier intimidating. Mina was a little scared; she took several steps back and hid behind me, though the hiding did nothing at all. "Do you know your mom's phone number? " She nodded and recited my number. Xavier pulled out his phone. The call log screen was filled with glaring red—he'd already called me many, many times. Xavier took his phone to the balcony and made a call. "Same number. Have someone track Penny's address. The place still looks recently lived in. She probably hasn't been gone long. " "You're so observant. "But you won't find me before the police, Xavier. Xavier was taking Mina away. and your puppy doll, the blue medicine box. Remember which one is for allergies? And bring the instant oatmeal too in case you don't like what they have. Just bring one photo of you and Mommy. You don't need all of these. Why not? Daddy won't like it. Xavier wouldn't want to see my photos all over his house. Who are you talking to?

Nina jumped, the album fell open to one particular page, all pictures of Xavier and me, Penny, are you crazy, he cursed me, too bad I couldn't curse him back, Daddy, can I bring this, no, this reminded me of when I tried to break up with him, he'd been just like this, impossibly domineering, he pulled me into his arms. No, I won't say we're breaking up. You can never leave me. But later, I destroyed his trust with my own hands at the hotel's executive suite. You and him... My neck was covered in hickeys. You slept together? Xavier beat the man half to death. Just explain yourself. Apologize. You know he really cares about you. Sorry, no time. My boyfriend got hurt. I need to take care of him. Fuck, you're just some nobody without Xavier. That's enough. I never want to see you again. He hated me.

I floated to the door, passed through it, nearly passing right through Xavier's body. I jerked back two steps; Xavier touched his nose. I'd never imagined our reunion after six years would be like this, face to face. I could clearly see the fine lines that time had carved into his skin, but to him, I was only an imperceptible breeze. Xavier knocked on the door again; his fingers passed straight through my body. "Anyone home? " Nina woke to the knocking, shuffled over in her slippers, and opened the door. Are you daddy Xavier didn't answer, just stared down at Nina I knew what he was thinking too similar anyone could tell whose child she was at one glance after a moment. She had you living in a place like this? You say that like you never lived in a small place. A 500 square foot apartment is pretty decent, okay? Xavier obviously couldn't hear me. He looked around casually, then he stopped and asked Nina. "Where's your mom? "Is she really not here?

The plane landed in Manhattan at 11:30 PM. By midnight, the car pulled up to the villa I used to visit often. Xavier and I had planted that crabapple tree in the yard together. The blooming season had just passed; what a shame! I still hadn't gotten to see it bloom in full glory. Xavier got out of the car, Nina was draped over his shoulder, fast asleep. The household staff all went silent at the sight. Xavier carried Nina upstairs to a guest room and settled her in. Then he closed the door. "Mr. Hayes. "Who is she? My daughter. Then he walked out to the terrace, pulled out a cigarette, and put it between his lips. I remembered he didn't use to smoke. Making the kid call me, then hiding herself? Penny. is this fun for you? I floated beside him and teased. I didn't want to either. How about you dig up my body later and whip it a few times to vent? A short laugh came from beside me. I turned my head.