Ariana wasn’t doing a good job of hiding her observant nature or the curiosity that was dying to be let loose. She had so many questions and so much time to make up for. All those father/daughter dances that she had to miss or how she had to hear about “daddy’s little princess” from others. It was a longing that she had within her most of her life. His familiar eyes took in every detail of her and she wondered if that was where she got the over analyzing quality from.
If he suspected anything, Leon didn’t lead on to it. His silence or just plain lack of words left her feeling awkward. Ari wanted to ease him into it, but she was beginning to think that she was just going to have to spell it out to him. That is if he didn’t already suspect anything. If Leon was as classified and trained as Ariana was led to believe then he was probably a master at poker faces too.
How the hell was she supposed to just tell the man that she was his daughter? He would probably never believe her anyway. Where would that leave her? A pointless waste of a bus ticket. A disappointed mother who had warned her not to go… demanded that she not go. Sneaking out was her only option. Ariana had to find out who she truly was and part of that was looking for the man that helped create her.
With a sigh and after she bit her lip trying to find the right words she said, “She’s my mother and you….” Ari couldn’t will herself to say the next part. Her nerves were far too shot. She looked to the floor for a few moments and then back up into his eyes for some reassurance. Was he going to get what she was trying to say?
The agent had this feeling that began to settle in his stomach. Not an sickly, gut turning feeling. No it isn’t anything bad— but is isn’t exactly comforting either. It left a sense of nervousness. Unprepared. But what if it isn’t as it seems?
“Why are you all the way out here to ask me about Josephine?”
She’s my mother. That was obvious enough— And you… Leon continued to stare at the girl. That silent side of him settling in yet again. Is he surprised? Yes and no. He figured it was the whole reason she was standing in front of his door this dark and chilly evening. It’s that shade of blue of her eyes. That lightness of blonde to her hair. It was a slow register; but it’s even evident in her features. Those little part that didn’t match up with Josephine. He knew what the girl was going to say. It’s something he never suspected, however. That’s where the shock came from.
All these years. Seventeen years. Not once had Leon ever been contacted by the woman. No phone call, email, fax. So to have this girl standing at his door— well who wouldn’t be surprised? The agent couldn’t imagine anyone that wouldn’t.
But all he can wonder is, why? Scared of how he’d react, possibly. Or scared of the idea that he wouldn’t want anything to do with the girl. That would only be an excuse. Josephine knew him well enough that he’d take such news of pregnancy like any mature adult should. He would have also offer the support that would have been necessary in raising the girl as well. Maybe it was the other way around. Maybe the girl’s mother didn’t want him to get involved in her life. Seeing the mess he often got in now and days— he couldn’t blame her. That was the past, and there is not a damn thing to be done about it now. Only push forward.
“…A father.” He murmured. “I’m—… Your father.”
What is he suppose to say?
There was a brief pause in his words. Chap lips gaping as words attempt to place themselves in his head. “Come in, please. I’m not gonna make you stand outside.” He said, pushing the door open a bit more so the girl could enter. He had a lot of questions and he was sure that she had her own as well.