Life is short; smile while you still have teeth -- Spring 1997

So things had been going very well with Fred.  I mean, I knew that I loved him... really, I would love to get married to him.  Merlin, where ws this crazy girl talk coming from?  I smiled absentmindedly while I made myself a sandwich in the kitchen.  I turned around and saw Dad.  "Oh, would you like me to make you one?" I asked him as I pulled out a bag of crisps to add to my plate.

I raised my eyebrows at Jada when I walked in on her smiling at the sandwich she was making.  "And thank you," I said to her when she asked if I would like to make a sandwich.  "What are you all cheery about?"

I felt myself blush and handed hiim the sandwich.  "Oh... nothing really," I said to Dad, my voice light and aerie.  When he started to laugh and shake his head, I stared at him.  "What?"

"You," I said to her simply.  "You're very.... happy.  It worries me.  Normally when you're this happy, you're up to something."  she was just like her mother; always causing trouble.

I bit my lip, still smirking though.  "Of course I'm happy.  Why wouldn't I be?" I questioned, then I realized what he said and I gave him a look. "Oh, come on... I'm not normally up to something if I'm happy.  Can't i just be?"

I laughed at Jada and shrugged.  "You can be," I said to her slowly, "but I'm just curious as to if there is a reason behind it."  I took a sip of some water I got for myself and looked at her.  I knew there was something there.

I avoided looking at Dad and finished the sandwiches.  I sat down at the bar next to him and took a bite, knowing it would buy me some time.  I swallowed and then looked at him.  "Okay... so I am seriously happy," I said to him, not entirely sure how to begin.

I chuckled at Jada.  "I had no idea," I said, shaking my head.  "But do tell me more."  I was very pleased to see my daughter this happy.

I rolled my eyes at Dad playfully. "Well... it's kind of about a boy -- just don't ge tmad," I said quickly, knowing that protectiveness always comes out in people when one starts talking about fancying someone.

I chuckled at her and shook my head.  "I promise I won't get mad," I assured her.  "I'm just glad to see you this happy... so give me whatever information you want to."

"I really fancy Fred," I said to Dad honestly.  "I mean... we've always bantered and whatnot and enjoyed each other's company and have dated.  But I feel like it's more than that."