Chapter 2

"Father! Look! I can see the city from up here. It looks so tiny!" Serina was sitting up on her knees looking out the window, analyzing the scene below her as the plane she was riding was coming in to a landing.

Elias Aster had been keeping his eyes shut for a while when he heard Serina talking to him. He opened his eye closest to her and smiled weakly. "Yes, it looks lovely, Serina." He said wearily before leaning his back and shutting his eyes again.

Serina turned around and faced her father. She frowned in concern before scooting closer. "Father, what's wrong? You don't looks so good." Serina said softly while poking gently at her dad's cheek. "Are you feeling icky from the turbulence?"

Elias kept his eyes shut but let out a chuckle. "Serina, "He said in response. "If there's one thing in this world your father has never sought the pleasure in, it would be being airborne."

Serina cocked her eyebrows before scrunching up her nose. "Why is that, Father?" She asked. "Does it give you sicky bubbles in your stomach?"

Elias opened his eyes completely and looked down at his daughter. He laughed heartily at her quirky vocabulary. He pulled off his cowboy he had been wearing from the start of the trip and put it on top of Serina's head. Serina giggled and clutched to his hat. She pulled the tip of the hat down over eyes and let out an energetic giggle. Elias shook his head slowly as she watched his daughter raise and lower the hat over eyes repetitively. He pulled the hat off the top of her head and then placed back it on his before tussling Serina's hair.

*Ladies and Gentlemen, we're beginning our slow and steady descent into Miami airport. We ask that you fasten your seatbelts if you haven't already and to remain seated; thank you.*

Elias grunted under his breath before putting his head back again and shutting his eyes. Serina laughed at her father's actions and tried her best to mimic her father. However, she soon ceased her joking around when the pressure in her ears began to increase and soon began to pop. Serina's eyes grew wide in anguish. Serina quickly brought her tiny hands up to her ears and bit her lip; trying her best to resist the urge to cry. But the releasing of pressure was too much to handle for her little ears. Serina reached over and yanked down on her father's sleeve. Elias's eyes shot open and looked down at Serina only to see her in immense pain. He frowned sympathetically. "It's okay, Serina" he explained. "You're just having pressure release from your ears. It's natural."

"I-It hurts!" She wailed, practically in tears. "I want the pinchy bubbles to stop."

Elias sighed softly before reaching into his pocket and pulling out a piece of gum. He unwrapped it and plopped it into Serina's mouth. "Chew on this, Sweetie." He said softly before wrapping his arms gently around Serina; hugging her securely against him for comfort.

Serina didn't debate much on chewing the gum. It was a rather fruity flavor for it being gum and all. But she didn't mind. The tropical flavor was fruity enough that it distracted her from the pressure in her ears; or at least momentarily before the built up got so bad that when her ears popped one final time, she began to cry. "Father, it hurts!" She sobbed.

Some of the people in the rows behind them began to groan irritably and one person even shouted out for Elias to silence his child; Elias ignored the person. Though it wasn't the easiest seeing as how he wanted to reach back behind him and give that other person the pounding of the century. Elias looked down and clutched Serina closer to his side whilst gently rubbing his other hand on her back. Serina sniffled and furrowed her face shamefully into her father's shirt. "S-Sorry, Father…" She muffled through his shirt.

Elias gently hushed Serina for talking so foolishly and continued to comfort Serina as well as he could till the plane finally landed and the two exited the plane. As the two walked up the ramp to head to baggage-claim, the person who was being rude to them bumped by them and glared at them. "Asshole!" the man called out towards Elias. Elias raised his eyebrows and was about to charge forth at the man but Serina squeezed her father's arm and shook her head. "No, Father, don't do it." She pleaded, "You promised me!"

Elias's angered expression softened almost instantly as he heard Serina's soft words. He glanced down at Serina's tear stained, rosy face. He tussled Serina's hair gently. "Fair enough; a promise is a promise. Now let's go get our bags shall we?"

Serina nodded eagerly before she ran off while dragging her father behind her towards the baggage claim. The two had managed to get to their gate's ramp soon enough to quickly grab ahold of both their belongings off it. Serina bounced up and down as she quickly unzipped her suitcase and pulled out her favorite baby doll. She zipped up her pink, hibiscus and turtle-printed suitcase and dragged it behind her; and with the other she clutched securely to her doll whilst walking along next to her father. As the two headed off to the immigration, Serina looked up her father and smiled. "We'll have a fun time right, Father?"

"Of course, Sweetie, it'll be our own little adventure."

A couple hours passed and already Elias and Serina had checked into their condo, unpacked their belongings, and had settled down. Elias was checking out the layout of the building while Serina was curled up on the couch with her baby doll and a mini chapter book. A loud grunt could be heard from the kitchen. Serina looked up from her book and looked down the hall that leads to the kitchen. The sound of a refrigerator door slamming shut rung throughout it. Figuring it was her father beginning to grow irritated again, she snapped her book shut and hopped off the couch. Serina then began to make her way down the hall to see what her dad was getting so bent out of shape about this time. Serina shuffled quietly into the kitchen, and 'rounded the corner only to find herself wrinkling her nose from a horrid smell. She glanced over at the counter where stood a fat milk carton that reeked of sour, expired milk. Serina stared at the carton and grimaced. She could understand now why her dad sounded upset. Nobody would've wanted to be greeted by something repulsive; especially if paying for the vacation condo was hefty in price. Serina did her best to ignore the sight she just witnessed and tried to pin point where her dad was. Sure enough he was on his knees in the inner corner of the counters, looking headlong in through a cabinet. Serina began to twist her fingers around one of her braids while clutching to her doll still. "Daddy?"

"Yeah Ser- *THUNK* - shit…"

Surprised to hear his daughter so up close to him, took him by surprise. So when he heard her voice, he brought his head to turn and look at her, only to find himself slamming his head on the top of the cabinet. Elias drew his head back and rubbed his head, looking regretfully at his little girl. Serina now stood before him with her arms crossed, and a scowl of disappointment on her face. Elias frowned sadly at her. "I apologize my little bun-bun, I know you hate it when I use those words around you."

Serina stuck her lip out and sighed dryly. "It's okay, Daddy; you got a bad boo boo on your head. I know adults say those words a lot when they get bad boo boos."

Elias chuckled softly as he watched his daughter come walking up next to him, stand on her tip toes, and place a loving kiss on the top of his. "There, all better now." She chimed, hugging her father quickly around his arm.

Elias smiled warily as Serina knelt down on her knees next to him, her grip not once faltering on his arm. He looked down at her as she glanced back up at him and gave her father the same old, toothy smile she had. He felt his heart melt a little more as she began to snuggle up against him. Jet lag was beginning to take its toll on her finally. She was starting to get sleepy from the overly long flight. He could understand that easily. Very slowly he pulled his arm out her grip and scooped her up into his arms and onto his lip. Serina blinked slowly before yawning quietly and curling up in her father's hold on her. She adjusted her tiny little body so that her head was now rested up against Elias' chest. A small grin curled across her rosie pink lips as she listened to the sound of her father's heartbeat. "I love you, Daddy…." She murmured in her groggy state.

Elias raised his eyebrows slightly; a feint gasp escaping his lips was the only response that came from him. He bit his lip before gently pulling her closer to him, gently nuzzling his cheek against hers. "I love you too, Serina…" He replied quietly, his voice cracking slightly from trying to not to cry. "I love you very much. Just…please don't ever grow up, bun-bun."

Knowing if he spoke anymore, he was going to trigger the water works against his will. He drew in a sharp breath before letting out a heavy sigh, standing quietly on his feet and walking out of the kitchen. His grip on Serina didn't falter as he walked out of the kitchen, down the hall and into the bedroom he was going to be sleeping in, and she'd probably end up in most nights. With one arm Elias grabbed Serina's favorite blanket and spread it out on top of the comforter. He then grabbed all four pillows on the bed and formed a semi-circle around her blanket. Elias then finally layed Serina down onto the blanket with her head up around the pillows for protection like a mini-fort. Elias finally grabbed ahold of Serina's favorite plush rabbit that was sticking out her suitcase, tucked it under arm, as well as cover her up with one last blanket. Serina let out a soft sigh as she turned slightly over in her slumber. Elias glanced down at his daughter and smiled softly. A loose strand of her hair hung over her eyes as she slept. Elias chuckled softly before brushing the strand back gently behind her ear. He sat on the edge of the bed momentarily and just stared at her. She was so peaceful looking. It was a shame his little girl got haunted by that one traumatic night. She was so young when it happened, and it left such an impact on her. However as he sat there and watched her peaceful sleeping, his smile began to fade. The more he watched her, the more he saw her in Serina. Serina looked so much like his late wife, April. She had her mother's hair, her nose, heck she even had her mother's cute little laugh. She even had that same peaceful look; everything. A sharp pain pinched inside Elias's chest as he sat there. He lurched forward slightly and gripped at his shirt. "Shit… not now…" He muttered. Elias could begin to feel the pain in his chest and throat builds up inside him. Elias stood up from where he sat and staggered to the bathroom. He bit his lip harshly, trying his best to not let himself get overwhelmed with the thoughts on his deceased wife. Elias entered the bathroom and shut the door quietly behind him before pressing both of his rough hands against the sink's surface. He looked down at the sink and breathed heavily, not once daring to make eye contact with the mirror. His eyes burned with the urge to let the tears fall that were forming. No; he couldn't cry. Elias drew one hand over his eyes as he let out a shaky breath. "Why…. Why did you have to leave me so soon?" He murmured, a tear escaping and trickling down his cheek. Elias's lip quivered as he released the burning urge in his throat to make a noise. He sobbed heavily before chocking slightly on it and drawing his breath back in sharply. "I miss you so much, April…. She misses you…Why?"

"Daddy we need to get some cookie dough!"

"Cookie dough?"

"For pizza and cookie night!"

Elias rolled his head back and laughed at his daughter's request. It had been a couple hours later and now the two were wandering around aimlessly in the local grocery trying to get what they had needed for the two weeks that they were in town for. So far Elias managed to keep Serina to the shopping list. But considering they were both new to the city, it was hard for the youngster to keep from wanting to try different things; especially the American sweets. Elias was already tempted to let his daughter pick out something, but most of it almost looked like it wasn't worth it. But he couldn't say no to her forever. Eventually she was gonna use her big blue eyed puppy dog pout on him and he would cave. So he figured allowing her to pick out the cookie dough for pizza and cookie night wouldn't do much harm. "Alright, Serina, we can get some cookie dough."

Serina's lips curved into a big bright smile as she raised her hands victoriously and laughed happily. "Yippee!" She giggled.

Elias chuckled once more as the two of them continued down one of the aisle of the store. They were about to turn on the aisle with all the herbs and spices when something caught ahold of Serina's attention. She stopped dead in her tracks and stared longingly up at the item on the shelf. Her eyes grew big with excitement and a small little squeak escaped her lips. She turned on her heals and tugged on her father's jeans. Elias was studying some of the spice sets when she did so and looked down at her. He cocked his eyebrow in response. "What is it, Serina?"

Serina could hardly contain her excitement. She bounced up and down and pointed over to the little bakery section where she had seen the item of her desire. Elias watched as his daughter hopped about like a rabbit. He only became more and more perplexed. He frowned softly and scratched his stubble. "Serina…. Do you need to use the ladies room?"

Serina stopped bouncing and stared at her father in disbelief. "No!" She squeaked irritably. "Look over there!"

Elias's gaze followed to where his daughter was pointing. Only it was then that he saw in the big pastel chalk colors the words: "CAKE POPS". Elias blinked and stared back down at his daughter. She bounced eagerly up and down; Her short, tangled blonde hair bouncing along. "Can I get some, Daddy? Please? Pretty Please with a cherry on top and sprinkles?!"

Elias watched Serina as she eagerly waited for her answer. He rubbed the back of his head and sighed. He knew very well that his daughter had a big sweet tooth. And honestly he took most of the blame on that part. Considering in his spare time he made chocolate for the children at the day care he worked at part-time. Nevertheless it was obvious Serina was aching to try it, and he himself wouldn't mind it that much either. He looked down at his daughter and gave her a playful smirk. "Very well, you can go pick out two."

Serina's bright blue eyes lit up like a Christmas tree as she heard her father's response. She giggled and bounded off into the direction of the direction of the bakery. Elias watched quietly from afar before beginning to go back and looking over the different spice options. Sometimes he just couldn't believe how much joy his daughter seemed to have despite the loss of her mother. Regardless of it all she still danced about and laughed and did her best to make her father smile. And honestly, she was one of the only ones that seemed to have that effect on him like that.

Elias had finally picked out a couple spices he wanted to buy for their trip here, and was about to place them in his shopping cart when a young woman and her cart accidentally bumped him. Elias turned around to see who bumped him only to be slightly taken aback on who stood before him. The young lady had somewhat fair skin and had bright purple eyes. Obviously the young woman was wearing contacts but it could be debatable perhaps. She had long flowing brown hair that sat on her shoulder rather elegantly then most. And from her ears dangled precious little feather earrings of both purple and blue. Elias blinked slowly as the woman stepped back, completely flustered by her actions. She tucked her dark brown hair quickly behind her ear and swallowed hard. "I'm so sorry for running into you like that, sir. I'm afraid I was a bit distracted and didn't see you there."

Elias sighed quietly and waved his hand dismissively at her, letting her know it was quite alright that she had bumped him. The young woman was obviously relieved. In fact it looked like it was one less thing she had to stress about. Did he look intimidating to her? Did he scare her? Was he subconsciously glaring once again? Elias kind of hoped that wasn't the case. However ,then again, sometimes he just did it without knowing it. Intentional or not he somehow came across as scary nowadays. Although he wasn't always in the best of moods to be chummy with everyone he came In contact with. Especially now that his wife was gone. It seemed like he was getting into fights more now more so then ever. But Elias had promised Serina no "Stinky moods" this vacation. So for his daughter's sake he was hoping he didn't scare the woman.

"Are you alright, Miss?"

Elias was somewhat expecting the woman to move along after he excused her bumping him. However she appeared to just keep awkwardly standing there next to him. He stared back at her, his brows beginning to lower, as he grew somewhat more uncomfortable. She looked like a dear in headlights as she eyed him like she was. What was she even staring at?! Was it his tattoo? Did that bother her? Finally not wanting to take another second of the awkward silent exchange, Elias cleared his throat in a very loud, obvious way that he figured would get her attention. Sure enough it did. The woman ended up being caught completely off guard. She flinched slightly and a surprisingly small squeak escaped her lips. "My goodness I'm sorry again for staring. I just was thinking about how I didn't recognize you."

Elias cocked his eyebrow at her response. He was certainly hoping she didn't recognize him. This was he and his daughter's first time in the states before. But if she was a regular in this fairly quaint small town and knew people fairly well then it was obvious he stuck out. "I'm visiting from Australia with my daughter."

The woman raised her eyebrows and smiled. "Oh I see.." Was all she had to say. "I surely hope you and your little one enjoy your time together here."

Elias was about to respond when Serina came bounding back to her father, two cake pops in hand. She smiled brightly and clutched on to her father tightly, hugging him before showing off the ones she picked out at the bakery. Elias smiled and tussled her hair gently. "Nice choice there kiddo. You can hold onto to those until we check out."

"Hold the phone, the young woman retorted sharply, "You're telling me that this little girl right here is your daughter?"

"Yeah do you have a problem with that, Miss?"

"What the heck were you thinking letting her go get two cake pops? Those things are huge and are loaded with sugar. That's going to rot her poor little teeth out before they're even ready!"

Elias raised his eyebrows in and took a deep breath, taking in exactly what he had just heard. Who the hell did this woman think she was to dictate to him on what his child should or should not eat. He could feel Serina tug securely on his shirt. It was obvious she could sense the awkward tension between her father and the brunette. She didn't want him to lose his cool in a public place such as this and he didn't blame her. With that he took ahold of his daughter's hand and stepped closer. He gritted his teeth before he was inches away from her, staring daggers into her eyes. "I don't know who the hell you think you are ,Miss, but I suggest you leave my daughter and I alone, and you stay out of our God damn business."

The brunette scowled and shoved Elias away from her, not appreciating him invading her personal space anymore then he did. However in turn, by being shoved away from her Elias ended up bumping Serina. That thus resulted in Serina losing her footing and falling back on her butt and hitting her head against the aisle shelf and one of the rock-hard cake pops hitting her square in the mouth.

Elias and the brunette starred worriedly at Serina as the little one started to take in what happened. Soon the water works started and she was sobbing profusely from both the pain on her head and in her mouth. Elias knelt down and scooped up his daughter into his arms, asking frantically what hurt. All he could make out that her mouth hurt.

"Baby, let me see."

"No it hurts!" She wailed while a little bit of blood dribbled out of her mouth.

By now everyone in the store seemed to be watching. Not caring anymore what was going on around him, Elias made a beeline for the door, abandoning all the things in his cart that he was going to buy. As he and Serina made their frantic exit, the woman was left in shock over what she just caused. Very quickly she grabbed the contents of his shopping cart and threw them into hers before finish her shopping.

She really had to make it up to the handsome Australian for what she had done.