Red_Roses_and_Black_Dahlias_-_Macy_T

apartment, and wrapped her arms around me. “I’m sad too, you know. I can’t
believe she’s growing up so fast.”
Tears shone in her eyes and I knew she would blame them on the
pregnancy if Valentina ever caught us. I smiled sadly and tucked a strand of
hair behind her ear.
“Sometimes I still hear her little voice asking if we can watch The
Princess and The Frog for the fourth time that week.” I chuckled and it earned
me a watery smile from Sofia. “I can’t believe five years ago, we were
getting her ready for her daddy-daughter dance and now she’s in her room,
with her friends, putting on makeup for her quinceñera.”
Life worked in mysterious ways, and somehow, five years ago, two girls
were put under my care and everything changed for me. For us.
“Yeah.”
Sofia put her head against my chest and for a few seconds, we stayed that
way, simply staring at the beautiful pastel blue gown Sofia, Valentina and her
friends had chosen a month or so ago for her big day.
“Dada, have you seen my curling iron– What’s wrong?” We both turned
around and watched as a teenage Valentina stood in the doorway of our
room.
She had curlers on her head, her makeup was halfway done and she wore
a long white robe with her pajamas underneath since she didn’t want to risk
staining her dress with makeup. A worried frown marred her beautiful face
as she took us in. I looked like my dog had just died and Sofia was definitely
crying.
As soon as we saw her, my wife detached herself from me, pushing away
with all her force and wiping under her eyes. “What? Me? No. What?”
I pinched my lips to keep from laughing.