Keeping Fantasia: The Third Book of the Fantasia Series

Chapter 81: ADHD

Chapter 81: ADHD

Ariel and Jim sat in the middle of the kitchen, completely dumbstruck.

Jim turned to his mother.

"What the hell was that?"

Sarah seated herself across the table, plate of waffles in hand.

"That was your daughter. And that is how she gets ready for school. Who wants waffles?"

"But – " Jim pointed to the door. "But she was – the dancing – the crazy – Why didn't she say anything to us?"

Sarah frowned. "She didn't recognize you Jim."

"Didn't recognize me? Why wouldn't she  recognize me? I'm her dad!"

"Baby..." Ariel served Jim a waffle. It was the most consoling action she could think of. "Melody was only six years old when we were separated. Of course she didn't recognize us. She was too little. And besides..."

Ariel swirled syrup over his waffle. "Melody is twelve now. She's got more important things on her mind."

"Oh really?" Jim declined the waffle. "Like what?"

"Ummm are you kidding?" Ariel waved her fork. "Like middle school? Like starting high school next year? Like getting a new locker? Like trying to be popular? Honestly Jim, it's like you were never a twelve year old girl before."

"Yeah, I'm not even going to entertain that comment."

"Technically you just did."

"Whatever. She's still my daughter and I'm still not happy."

Sarah cocked her head. "Why?" 

"Well first..." Jim held up his thumb, "Let's start with her outfit."

Sarah raised a brow. "What's wrong with her outfit?"

"Nothing!" said Ariel.

"Oh my god." Jim touched his forehead. "Where do I start? She looks like she's dressed for the circus. The metallic pants – "

"They're called leggings," Sarah corrected, "And they're mermaid sequin, not metallic."

" –whatever, they looked radioactive. And the cat ears?"

"Which I asked her to remove."

"Thank god. She's not a cat, she's a kid, and she shouldn't be wearing those in school."

"Again, which is why I told her to remove them."

"Well it almost doesn't matter. Cat ears are tame compared to that hair."

An aghast smile broke Sarah's face. 

"Really? Of all people, you, James Hawkins are criticizing your daughter's hair? My goodness I can't wait to hear this argument. But go ahead son, please tell me...what's wrong with Melody's hair? I know it's no rattail but..."

Jim pursed his lips. His rattail suddenly felt heavy at the base of his neck. A souvenir of his teenage years, the hairstyle had caused countless arguments between he and his scissor-wielding mother.

"Let me guess..." Sarah made air quotes, "Whatever?"

Jim glowered. Ariel snickered.