I was so bummed that I couldn't find the perfect gift for Jack. I wanted something that I knew he'd love and wasn't too expensive but wasn't too tacky either. I know he'll like the picks and t-shirt, but I want to get him something he'll be speechless over.
That will have to wait until tomorrow since today was going to be spent at our dad's aunt and uncle's house from his dad's side. Oh such joy being spent in a villiage outside London. No wonder Grandma and Grandpa Gaskarth moved to Towson with Dad and Uncle Tom in tow.
"Remember that my family has no filter and the slang is hard to pick up on. I'll explain what I can and what is appropriate for you to know. Tom, I need you to be charming. Stella, do not cock an attitude or so help me. Liam, your cheeks are open game today. Now let's go inside," Dad led us out of the car and up the walk to the front door. I was afraid someone would bump into my left arm and hurt me more than I already am. Plus, I was worried that I'd be force to do something I won't like.
"Alexander, is that you," my dad's aunt asked when she saw my dad. I'm sure the last time she saw him was when he was around mine and Tom's age.
"Hi Aunt Mary. It's been a long time. I've been busy," he replied as he hugged the old woman.
"It has, my boy. A little over fifteen years since I last saw you," that's when she noticed us, "Are these your children, Alexander?"
"Yes Aunt Mary. These are my eldest, Tom and Stella, they're twins. Then this little guy is my youngest son, Liam," my dad introduced us.
"It's so nice to meet you. Stella, you look so beautiful and you look a lot like your father. Tom, you are so handsome, exactly like your uncle and father. Then little Liam, oh you look so adorable," Aunt Mary hugged Tom and I but pinched Liam's cheeks.
"I'm sure you'd like us to come in now wouldn't you, sister," Grandoa said from behind us.
"Oh silly me, please do come in everyone," she replied and led us inside.
"Alex, my dear nephew," Dad's uncle greeted him from his seat in an old armchair, "My god you got old."
"Thanks Uncle William," Dad sighed. I guess Dad didn't like it when people pointed out he'd aged. Then again, he is a father to twin fifteen years, an eleven year old boy, and a four year old girl.
"Who are these three youngsters you brought with you," Uncle William asked.
"This is Stella, my oldest daughter. This here is her twin brother, Tom. Then this little guy is my youngest boy, Liam," Dad introduced us to his uncle.
"Stella looks a lot like you, but I see her mother in her. Tom is definitely a carbon copy of you. Liam has a good balance of you and your wife. Which reminds me, where is Julia," he asked as he took note of how much we resembled Mom and Dad.
"Jules stayed home in the States with our youngest daugther, Noelle. Noelle's still too young to fly yet," Dad told him.
"Such a same. The last time we saw Julia she was still pregnant with the twins," Aunt Mary said as she brought in a tray of tea.
"Jules wanted to take Noelle to see her mother's grave. We haven't talked to her about death yet, but Jules wanted to show her where her grandmother was 'sleeping'. We're planning on having the death talk with Noelle when she's a little older," Dad explained.
"Would any of you like some tea," Aunt Mary asked.
"No thank you," I replied.
"I'm not one for tea, but thank you for offering," Tom replied politely. He really did turn on the charm for Dad.
"I don't like tea," Liam replied.
"I'll have some, Aunt Mary. Thank you," Dad replied and she poured him a cup and he added some milk, sugar, and honey to it.

---

When we went back to the hotel after spending the afternoon with Dad's family I plopped onto the bed and sighed heavily.
"What's the matter, Stell," Dad asked as he closed the door to our room behind him.
"I miss him, Dad," I said, talking about Jack.
"We'll be home in a couple days. We have to see family on your grandmother's side tomorrow and then we can go into London on our last day here and find the gift you want to get for Jack," Dad said as he moved some of my hair out of my face.
"I wish I could call and talk to him right now. But I have no idea what time it is in Beiruit," I sighed heavily.
"You know what I have an idea," Dad went on his phone and I heard his message sent tone. He must have texted Uncle Jack. A minute later my phone went off.
"Hello," I answered.
"Hey Stella, my dad told me to call you," Jack replied.
"I miss you," I told him.
"I miss you too. Maybe we can talk our dad's into having a summer trip where we both go to Beiruit and London with our families together," Jack suggested.
"We'll have to sweet talk our dads into that," I told him.
"I know," Jack said, "You know, I miss holding you. I miss kissing you."
"I miss having you hold me too. I miss your kisses too. But I need to get some sleep. Thank you for calling. Can you call me tomorrow night," I asked him.
"Of course. I love you Stella," Jack replied.
"I love you too, Jack. I'll talk to you tomorrow. Text me when you can," I replied to him.
We both hung up and I hugged my dad, thanking him for hooking me up with a call from my boyfriend.
"Thanks, Dad. I'm going to bed now. I'll see you in the morning," I kissed his cheek.
"Night, princess. I'm glad you got to talk him," Dad replied before he went to get ready for bed.
I got to talk to my boyfriend, who's miles away. I guess this how Dad feels on the road. The loneliness of being away from home and away from those he cares most about, like us kids and Mom. No wonder he wanted me to wait on everything. I'm not ready to leave what I've known all my life behind yet.

Notes

Stella's learning more about what it means to grow up.