DYLAN'S POINT OF VIEW
I was both excited and nervous as I walked towards the park to meet my daughter, Lily. I had been planning this daddy-daughter picnic the past few days and had carefully chosen the perfect spot to set up our picnic blanket.
As I approached Lily, I could see the excitement in her eyes as she ran towards me with open arms. I lifted her up and hugged her tightly, feeling a sense of joy and love.
As we walked towards our picnic spot, I couldn't help but feel grateful for this moment with my daughter. Seeing Lily smile and laugh made everything worth it.
Iris prepared some of her favorite foods and drinks, and as we sat down on the blanket, I watched as she eagerly reached for the snacks.
As we ate, I asked Lily about her day and listened intently as she told him about her adventures at school. I marveled at how much she had grown.
"Would you like to meet grandma and grandpa?" I ask, smiling at her.
She nodded and smiled at me while eating a strawberry. "How about tomorrow? would you like to come with me?" I ask excitedly.
"Yes, daddy, will mama come with us?" she asked. should I take Iris with us?
"Let her come, daddy," my daughter pleaded, I smiled at her and nodded. Maybe I really should bring Iris with us tomorrow, so Lily won't ask why her mom and I were not together.
As we finished their picnic, I suggested we play a game of catch. I had brought a frisbee with me, and Lily's eyes lit up as I tossed it toward her.
We spent the rest of the afternoon playing and laughing, with me feeling like I was on top of the world. Being a father was the most important thing in my life, and I was grateful for every moment I got to spend with my daughter.
As we walked back towards Iris's house, I held her hand tightly, feeling a sense of warmth and love. I knew that being a good father was not always easy, but moments like these made it all worth it.
When we got home, Iris greeted us warmly and I thanked her for allowing Lily to spend time with me. I knew it wasn't easy for her, but she was making an effort to co-parent with me.
As I tucked Lily into bed that night, I kissed her forehead and whispered "I love you." I knew that this was just the beginning of our journey together as father and daughter, and I couldn't wait to see what the future held for us.
Leaving her room, I walked towards the living room where Iris was sitting. I thanked her again for letting me spend time with Lily and suggested that we all go out tomorrow to meet my parents.
Iris smiled at me and nodded her head in agreement. I could see the relief in her eyes, knowing that Lily would not be questioning why her parents were not together.
"Would you like to grab some tea?" she asked me the moment I left Lily's room.
"Yes, sure," I said, and went to their living room to sit on the couch. While I was waiting for Iris, I noticed some photos of Iris and Lily. Maybe we should get one too, a family photo this time even though Iris and I weren't back together.
As Iris brought the tea, I brought up the idea of getting a family photo taken. "I noticed some great pictures of you and Lily around the house, and it got me thinking. Maybe we could take a family photo together, even if we're not back together," I said.
Iris looked surprised but also thoughtful. "I think that's a great idea. It's important for Lily to have memories of us all together, even if things didn't work out between us," she said.
I smiled at her, feeling relieved that she was on board with the idea. It was important for me to create positive memories with Lily, and including Iris in those memories was a step in the right direction.
"How was your day with Lily?" She asks me.
"It was great, we really had a great time. Next time, I think you should come," I said.
"I'm okay, Felix. I don't want you to feel uncomfortable and awkward with me when Lily is around," she smiled.
"What about us, Iris?" I ask her, as I looked into her eyes. I noticed how it went wide, shocked by my question.
"What do you mean?" she ask as she took a sip of her tea.
"I mean, what do you think about us? Is there any chance for us to work things out between us?" I asked, feeling nervous but also hopeful.
Iris looked at me, her expression softening. "Felix, I appreciate you asking, but I think it's important for us to focus on co-parenting right now. We can be friends and support each other as parents, but I don't think getting back together is the right choice for us," she said gently.
I nodded, feeling a bit disappointed but also understanding her perspective. "I understand. Thank you for being honest with me," I said, taking a sip of my tea.
We chatted for a little while longer before deciding to call it a night. As I got up to leave, I thanked Iris again for a wonderful day with Lily and for being open to the idea of taking a family photo together.
As I went to the car, Iris was all in my head. She became more mature and noticed that her priority now is Lily. I wonder if it's too late for us now, but I think she's right, Lily is more important now.
Walking back to my apartment, I couldn't help but feel grateful for the relationship I had with Iris. Even though things hadn't worked out between us as a couple, we were still able to co-parent and create positive memories for our daughter.
As I drifted off to sleep, I thought about the future and the possibilities it held. Maybe if Iris and I would never get back together, but as long as we continued to co-parent effectively and put our daughter first, that was all that mattered.