“Well, Dadda says we can go.” I placed my hand on the circle in the middle of double doors, and they opened.
Victoria looked at me in awe. “Klaus and I have tried so many times. It never opens!”
“This used to be my and Mamma’s bedroom,” I said softly.
“Did you miss Mamma like you missed me, Dadda?” She asked me softly, resting her head on my chest.
“Yes. Everyday.” I replied, my voice thick with emotions.
I looked around the bedroom. The bedsheet on the bed was spread out neatly, except my side. It was a little rumpled. Viktoria twisted out of my arms, so I placed her down as I took the room in.
The entire room smelled of Ava. The whole room was filled with memories of her.
Ava might have changed and become a different person now, but she can never change my memories.
“Dadda! The bathroom has two pools! Two!” Viktoria exclaimed.
A smile slid on my face as I entered the bathroom. The pools that were once always filled with water and milk were now empty. I missed having long, lazy baths with Ava.
She was looking everywhere with those big grey eyes of hers, taking everything in. Her shoulder-length silver hair that curled near her shoulders bounced with every step she took.
I wondered what was going through her head. It must be nice to not know the cruelties of this world and live in a bubble where everything and everyone is nice.
She opened the door that directly led to the closet, and I followed her.
She gasped. “So many clothes!” Not a single item was moved. If Ava didn’t use this room anymore, why didn’t she shift all the things too?
She twirled around herself.
Her eyes caught something, and she ran towards it. She picked out two red high heels and placed them on the floor before she slid her tiny feet in it. She hardly filled half of the shoe.
“Do I look pretty, Dadda?” I loved hearing her call me that.
“You look beautiful, princess.” I leaned against the shelf.
She grinned at me. “Thank you, Dadda.”
She explored the closet while I went into mine and wore a fresh shirt. My back stung a little, but it was nothing I couldn’t handle.
I went in search of Viktoria and found her going through Ava’s jewellery in awe.
“Here.” I chose a small gold chain with a small heart-shaped ruby pendant. I crouched in front of her a little and showed it to her. “Do you like it?”
Her bright blue eyes sparkled when she looked at the pendant and then at me. “I love it, Dadda.”
“Think of this as my heart. And now I’m giving it to you. No matter what happens or how old you become, always remember that you have my heart. And that I love you. I always will. No matter what.”
“Is this really your heart?” She looked at it in awe.
“My heart is here, baby,” I caught her small hand in mine and placed it on my chest, right over my heart. “It has you in it. But if you ever forget that, especially when you grow older,” I first hand knew how difficult teenage girls could be-Sofiya was a nightmare for Mom to deal with, “just look at this and try to remember that Dadda loves you.”
“How will you remember that I love you?” She questioned.
“Every time I see you wear it, I’ll be remembered.” I smiled.
“Okay. Can you please help me put it on?” She asked giddily, turning around and holding her hair up.
I fastened it around her neck, and she took a few moments to admire it.
My beautiful baby girl was going to break hearts when she grows up. And I might have to break a few bones. I was sure Klaus would help me.
“Come here. I want to show you something.” I extended my hand, and she immediately grabbed it, clutching my three fingers that filled her entire hand.
My heart squeezed again.
I think I’m going to have a heart attack if she keeps doing these things to my heart.
I led her out to the balcony and then picked her up again to see the view properly.
She remained silent for a while as she took in the mesmerising view. One I had missed dearly.
“You see the ocean there?” I pointed towards our old house.
She nodded, her eyes focused on where my finger was pointing.
“I used to live there with mamma and my brothers before we came here,” I told her.
“You used to live near the ocean?” Her identical wide eyes stared into mine.
“Yes. The beach was a minute’s walk from the house.” I’ll take her there someday, along with Niklaus.
“I have never seen the beach.” She frowned. “Mamma didn’t tell me she lived there.” Her head lowered. “She doesn’t tell me so many things.” She whispered under her breath like she resented that fact. “She hardly told me anything about you.”
“It’s because she wanted you to know me yourself. Isn’t it better to know me by asking me questions than asking her those questions?” I took a deep breath of her scent that had a hint of Ava’s.
She burrowed her head in my chest and sighed softly. “Yes. Dadda. Do you know why I’m saying your name again and again, Dadda?”
“Why?” I asked, my tone soft.