[center][img] https://i.imgur.com/sipwuOY.png [/img][/center] [indent][indent] Alexander Shields woke up with a start from his phone’s alarm ululating throughout his room. There was little doubt in his mind that his neighbour would’ve heard his wake-up call just as well. He just had to hope Allison hadn’t been sleeping. (sorry) Alex felt so rejuvenated. He couldn’t even recall the last time he had the luxury of a common nap. If there was one thing children liked to devour more than sweets, it was daddy’s free time. There was never a minute without Rosie after he picked her up from day care, until he tucked her into bed. Usually around this time he would be cooking- no wait, it was Friday. On Fridays he usually got her some take-away. Rosie had a particular taste for Chinese food. He wondered what his parents were going to feed her in his absence. Knowing them, they’d spoil her rotten. As if on cue, his stomach rumbled. Considering there was a party starting in barely two hours, it was prudent to apply old student wisdom: No drinking on an empty stomach. With a sigh he got up from his bed and he ordered room service. Today was a day for fish. Yes, tuna should be fine. Alex couldn’t even remember the last time he had eaten tuna that didn’t come from a can. The fresh pepper-crusted tuna steak, with a modest side salad, he received barely 30 minutes later delivered spectacularly, however. The following hour was filled with frantic preparation. Luckily the dress code matched quite well with what the single dad wore to work every day anyway. His closet was filled with neat button-up shirts and jeans. Dress shoes weren’t part of his usual repertoire, but those had been easily bought. Nobody would have to know how he had spent an hour at home picking which tie to bring, only to realise that ties weren’t exactly part of a smart casual outfit. Oh well. Tonight he settled on a stark white button-up shirt with jeans and brown leather dress shoes. There was only one more preparation to do before he was ready to leave. He reached for his cellphone and dialled his parents’ home number. The phone rung many a times, making Alex wonder if maybe they had taken Rosie out for dinner. But his wonders were cut short quickly. [b][i]”Hi daddy!”[/i][/b] Number recognition was a wonderful invention, wasn’t it? Alex’s mouth formed into a small smile when he heard her voice, accompanied by a flicker of joy in his chest. It had only been a few hours, but already he longed to see his little girl again. [color=b1a29b]”Rosie, sweetheart. Are you enjoying yourself with grandma and grandpa?”[/color] [b][i]”Yes, dad.”[/i][/b] She answered simply. [b][i]”Grandma told me so! She says she’ll take me to Taco Bell tomorrow!”[/i][/b] She exclaimed happily. One compliment could make Rosie’s entire week, he knew. Her mother had been like that as well. [color=b1a29b]”Taco bell? Daddy is jealous already!”[/color] He laughed. [color=b1a29b]”Daddy is proud of you. Don’t forget your bedtime, you hear?”[/color] Alex had been quite strict with Rosie’s bedtime, and he had requested his parents send her to bed at the same times. He didn’t quite feel like arguing with his child about bedtimes just yet. Selfishly, he enjoyed the peace he had when she slept. Luckily for him, Rosie told him what he wanted to hear. Their call then ended with a sweet goodnight kiss. Then he got dressed, he got his hair in check and put on his best cologne. And so he was ready. [hr] Alexander entered the poolside bar area nonchalantly. He appreciated the fantastically lit area for a second from the entrance. Indeed, he would have to compliment whoever had designed this particular décor. The warm light drew him in invitingly, like a warm embrace. The salsa music guided him along, getting his mood up. He looked around the area, scanning the familiar faces. He wasn’t looking for anyone in particular. Alexander Shields had no ulterior motives in attending this reunion. None in particular, anyway. His aim was to simply have a few good days with old friends. Then he saw Willow, and was reminded that maybe he had one objective in coming here. Yes, they had to talk at least once during this reunion. If there was one thing Alex had regretted from his high school days, it was that their friendship had evaporated so suddenly before their high school days were over. He wondered if she had resented him, and whether or not she still did. After ten years, that had certainly changed, right? And then there were a few others already present. It was remarkable how many people he still recognized despite the many years. He still easily recognized Allison and Jace. Naturally, he still recognized Brent. It hadn’t been that long since they had last spoke. Then there was one person he had to scan for a longer time before finally putting a name to the face, sitting with Willow. Was that really Tara? He honestly wasn’t sure. But he decided to move on before he was staring too long trying to ascertain that assumption. There was only one place where Alex could naturally go from here. And as such he took a seat with Jace and Brent. [color=b1a29b]”Gentlemen!”[/color] He started as he sat down. [color=b1a29b]”You’ve both made it, great! Let’s hope the rest of the guys join us soon.”[/color] He smiled. Certainly the king’s men would have a lot to catch up on. But before that, he remembered he had forgotten something important. [color=b1a29b]”Actually, I’m going to get a drink. Can I get you two something from the bar?”[/color] [/indent][/indent]