Father's Day 2

It's Father's Day and Melody and the kids had sent an invitation to Chris, courtesy of Applebees's. Chris received the invitation from the kids.

"Jade, check this out."

"What's this? The kids are planning something at this place called Applebee's. What's a Applebees'?"

"A steak joint I believe. They said they're gonna be there waiting for us."

"We should go, see what they got."

An hour later, Chris and Jade went to Applebee's and found Melody and the kids. They are at the right side of the restaurant's entrance. There was a Father's Day balloon and some gifts.

"Yo!"

"Happy Father's Day, Dad." Melody hugs him.

"I did not realize it was Father's Day," Jade said.

"We wanted to celebrate with you, dad," said Raven-Jade. Tyrone and Tatyana received the same surprise from Calvin and Tiana. They are right behind Melody and the gang.

"Tyrone."

"Never thought I'd see the day," he said.

'Greetings!" Tanya, Jemarcus, Tiffany and Sonny have arrived.

"You planned this, Melody?" Chris asked.

"Of course, with some help along the way."

She pointed out the siblings aa well as Calvin, Tiana and Tiffany. Chris was tearing up.

"You guys are amazing."

"Greetings, ladies and gentlemen. What would you like for Father's Day?" asked the busboy.

Chris ordered 8 oz. top sirloin with boneless wings. Melody got a double-glazed baby back ribs, and the kids got chicken quesadillas. Tyrone and Tatyana each got grilled chicken breasts and Tanya and her group got shrimp and parmesan sirloin. Jade got a chicken tender basket. While they were eating, Chris, Tyrone and Jemarcus each opened their cards saying Happy Father's Day and each of got $100. Tyrone got a picture frame of his loving wife, Tatyana on the beach, taken by Melody. Chris got a DVD of Melody's high school years. And Jemarcus received a emblem that say No'1 Dad from Tiffany. Each father hugged their children.

At night, Chris loaded the DVD. Jade came to sit next to him. The DVD showed Melody in her teen years, playing softball, basketball and volleyball. Chris never knew how accomplished Melody was. Her prowess on sports was something Jade never knew until now and was intrigued.

"Melody..."

Chris teared up. He never knew his daughter had grown to be more stronger. Sports definitely lifted her spirits.

"I need to see her."

Chris went to Melody's place.

"Dad."

"I'm so sorry..."

"For what? Are you ok?"

"That DVD you gave me. Damn my cryostasis!"

"I made that DVD so you can see how I was doing."

"I can't be anymore proud of you than I am now."

"Dad, listen. You missed too much of my life. I wanted you to see me as if you were still there with me, but only in spirit. How did mom react?"

"Like someone who's done more in her life than I had ever anticipated." Jade appeared behind Melody. "After seeing that DVD, I knew there was something about you just like your father. If we haven't seen that DVD, we never would've known how well you've done over the years."

"I guess I have a knack for setting goals for myself."

"And you did, Mel. Also, I thank you for a wonderful dinner. You and the kids did great."

"Happy Father's Day, Dad."

"Thank you, baby."

Back home, Jade and Chris are in bed, kissing.

"I always knew your daughter could test her limits through sports."

"If it wasn't for my cryostasis, I could've seen it myself. Now we know how Melody came to be, and I hope the others do well too."

"I know. I love you, baby."

"I love you, too, Jade." Chris held her close and they made love throughout the night.

Author's Note

"I want to wish y'all a Happy Father's Day, except me cuz I'm not a father.