When Hidden Lanterns Glow We Find Roads Toward Peace by Ryn Arlo Dane 39

Drive or No Drive Part I 

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January was never so glad to see the end of a meal in her life. She was ready to rush Kaylee out the door, to the car and to get home. Hell at this point, she was ready to drive the car herself since she was sure the driver who was going to be assigned to them are going to drive the speed limit. 

She huffed impatiently as nobody seemed in a hurry and she finally snapped, “it’s a school night. We need to get Kaylee home and in bed.” 

Gulliver looked at his watch carelessly, “it’s only six–thirty.” 

“It’s at least an hour drive, maybe longer in the dark. She needs a bath,” she waved at the face covered in ketchup and gravy, “and she’s not easy to get up in the morning when she’s overtired.” 

“Why can’t she take a day off school tomorrow?” 

The question from Thisbe, who had been unusually quiet the entire dinner, only offering bits and pieces as her contribution to the conversation, posed the question and immediately shrunk back from January’s angry glare. 

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“I’m just asking. We haven’t really been given an opportunity to/spend enough time with you both and I only thoug if ym29 didn’t want to make the long drive back. we could go to the 

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hotel. You could all get some sleep.” 

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“No.” January shut it down hard despite the excitement on Kaylee’s face at the word hotel and the way Gulliver too leaned forward excited for Thisbe’s idea. “Dad works in the morning. I work in the morning. Kaylee lost two days last week because I couldn’t because I couldn’t get the stench out of her and the school didn’t want her there smelling of Henry. She needs to go 

to school.” 

“Can my dad come home with us and read my stories, Mom?” Kaylee batted lashes. 

“That would mean he would need to drive all the way to our town, read your stories, and drive all the way back to his hotel. That’s hours on the road on the dark which would be dangerous for him and his team.” 

“He can sleep at our house.” Kaylee offered. 

“Baby, there isn’t room in our house. It’s a three–bedroom house and we all have our own rooms. 

“You can sleep with me, and he can sleep in your room. Thisbe can sleep on the sofa.” 

“It’s not appropriate.” 

2/6 “Why?” 

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“Because he’s my ex–boyfriend and I don’t want him sleeping in my house.” 

“It’s Nana and Papa’s house and he’s my dad.” Kaylee shrugged. “Thisbe is my aunt. I don’t want to be apart from them yet.” She turned watery eyes to Gulliver, “I want my dad to stay with me.” 

“You’re overtired already Kaylee. You were in school all day. You had an emotional day. Then we went for a long drive. We have another long drive. Why don’t we make plans that on the weekend, you can –,” her voice trailed off as a sob bubbled up from Kaylee’s chest and she flung herself at Gulliver, sending the table rocking and knocking over a glass of water. 

“Shh,” he bundled her up in his arms and shot January an angry glare, “I will make the long drives without any regrets. Do not make decisions for me regarding my safety. Kaylee, I will come home with you and read your stories and then I can tuck you in. I will come back to Burlington to sleep at my hotel and come back to see you again tomorrow after school.” 

“Really?” 

“Yes, my little love, really. You are important enough to me that I don’t mind making the drive.” 

“Thank you Daddy,” she mumbled as she snuggled into his, 3/6 

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embrace. 

The entire table, except for January, awed at the tender moment. January rolled her eyes and Gulliver caught it. 

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“I think Kaylee is not the only one in need of an early bedtime. Perhaps the long drive is something you don’t truly need to do. You look ready to drop.” 

Her jaw clenched, “it’s been a long day.” 

“Yes it has. I agree with Thisbe. Going to the hotel would be more convenient, safer, and better for everyone involved and I am sure, if she’s missed two days, what is one more? Surely there are students who go away on vacation during the school year.” 

“I already said no.” 

“I am her father. Do I not get a say? It seems you’ve removed. my ability to get a say for the last seven years. Surely, I can ask for this tonight?” 

She tucked her tongue at her molar, struggling not to raise her voice at him. “We have no clothes here. We have nothing to sleep in. As I said my parents work in the morning.” 

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“They can go home. We will ensure they get home safely with 29 the guards assigned to them. You can Kaylee can come back to 

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the hotel with us. I’m in a suite with two bedrooms which I have no need for the other. It would be fine for you both to take the spare room.” He looked at Thisbe, “then we can save some time, and I’ll get to look at the photo albums and ask questions.” 

“My shop,” she started. 

“Is usually opened by your manager, Lottie because you don’t deal with customers. You work in the back.” 

She turned her glare back to Thisbe for causing the situation. She should have kept her mouth shut and now because of Thisbe’s careless words, January was finding herself being coerced into a situation she did not want. 

“Mom, please! I want to be with my daddy.” 

The child switching from Dad to Daddy was making January’s heart ache in the worst way and when she looked at her mother, her mother gave her a nod as if silently telling her it was the right thing to do. 

“Where will we get clothing and toiletries and 

“I will reach out to the concierge right now and make sure everything is in place by the time we arrive.” Gulliver was smoothing Kaylee’s hair over her head, uncaring his shirt was29 5/6 now coated with the condiments the child’s napkin did not 

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clean. “Please, January. I would suggest taking her myself, but I feel she would feel more comfortable with you with us.” 

She looked at her daughter wrapped in her father’s arms, both of them sending her pleading looks she groaned. “Fine.”