Teller Residence - Happy Father’s day on Outpost 42
Posted 17 June 2018 - 4:51pm by Lt. Cmdr. Jessica Vaughn (XO) (Kate O’Neill)
Jessica slipped from the bed praying she didn’t wake Addan up. It was Father’s Day and although she didn’t have a tiny Teller to help execute her plan Aedan was a dad. He was just going to have to wait another six months to say thank you in person. Walking down the long staircase, Jessica stared at the rooms below with a large smile. It would not be long before Aedan’s post apartment, well their apartment, looked like it was ransacked daily by some unseen enemy. No matter how often someone cleaned their house with small children toys, messes, and sticky spots seem to propagate every night and always be there. Jessica’s father had a theory that all the little Lego people in their house set about it night creating dozens more little Lego people who would hide a single, one tipped block in areas that only his barefoot was able to find. Jessica couldn’t wait to have all of that and more in her life.

Making her way to the kitchen area Jessica began making Aedan breakfast. As much as she wanted a kid she was going to enjoy this perfectly planned Father’s Day for the last time in her life. Turning off the air vents to his room, Jessica set about making breakfast. She didn’t want the smell of bacon, sausage, pancakes, and coffee to wake him before she was ready.
With the tray piled high with just about everything, a man could want to clog his arteries, plus a few things she was beginning to crave, Jessica arranged the flowers in the vase one more time. Flowers were a girl thing however they just made everything look better. Aiden would have to deal with it. She also placed his gift on the tray.

Reaching their bedroom, Jessica opened the door and entered the still dark area. “Hey you, it’s 8 am. You planning to sleep the day away,” she said in a soft tone. Sitting on the edge of the bed she placed the tray of food over his lap and sat down next to him. “It is also Father’s Day and someone special has something for you,” she said picking up a fork and taking a bit of her white rice, peaches, and green bean mix. This had to be what people called baby cravings because while none of the food was anything exotic, it was not a typical combination most people ate. Jessica, however, ate it like there was no other food in the universe. Between bites, Jessica nodded at the white envelope wedged between the vase of flowers and Aedan’s plate.

Opening the envelope he would see a single sheet of white paper. On it were these words in sloppy handwriting with letters that weren’t quite formed but legible.

Dear Daddy,

I can’t wait to meet you in December. Mommy talks about you all the time to me. She had told me how great you are and what a wonderful daddy you will be. Mommy says you make her smile all the time and laugh at least five times a day. You sound pretty cool so I have made a list of things I want to do with you.

1.) I want to play ball. Mommy says there are all kinds of games with balls. I dont know what baseball or basketball or soccer are but she says you can teach me.

2.) I want to try ice cream. Mommy says you will take me to the promenade for it after dinner or make big bowls of it and curl up on your lap. She says it comes in every flavor imaginable and I want to try each one with you.

3.) I want you to read me a story every night before bed. Right now Mommy does but she often is so tired she falls asleep before the end. I have no idea if this Cinderella got to go to her fancy ball or if Sleeping Beauty ever woke up. Don’t tell Mommy but I think we should start from the beginning.

4.) Most of all I can’t wait until I can hug you. Mommy says it will be a long time until I can say I love you but know that every time I look at you or smile at you until then I am saying I love you, Daddy.

Love forever and ever until the stars burn out,

Bump

Jessica watched Aedan trying to pretend she did not know what was in the letter or scrutinizing his face for any emotional reaction. It was a silly gift she gave him but if Aedan could make her this happy, she knew Bump would be loved more than he or she could ever dream.

Lt Commander Jessica Vaughn, XO