I was beyond bored on the set every day and I wasn't about to be compliant about it. Did he really expect for me to stay in this little room all day while he filmed? I quickly nixed that idea and began to explore the area. Some of the filming was done inside on a set, but some of it was outdoors. Dad had no way of telling if I was actually in his dressing room or not. I got my work done and then went around bothering people.

Actually, everyone seemed to really like me. I had to admit, I could put on the charm if I wanted to. I offered to help with little errands and jobs. I was quickly becoming popular on set. On the way back home around 8 one night, Dad told me how much people were liking me.

"I've been hearing all about how you've been helping on set," he told me as we drove in the dark. "That's great. I've heard nothing but good things."

I let myself feel proud. Not that I was trying to be a goody two-shoes, but it felt nice to be complimented. I was glad I was actually being helpful.

"I guess you didn't hear about how I left some manure in Ruth's dressing room," I told him, and he laughed.

"Alright, how did you get this manure?"

"The fields of Wales are filled with it," I said. "And I used gloves."

He chuckled as we turned into our driveway. Everyone was hanging out in the living room like usual. Abuela and Abuelo were leaving to go back to New York in two days. I was kind of going to miss them. This was the longest amount of time I'd ever spent around them. They were such good people and they were starting to warm up to me, I think. Apart from that whole trying to board an international flight thing.

It had become a bit of a tradition for Abuelo and I to play Uno. It was my favorite card game. Without even asking, I found the deck and started dealing. I loved when I got Draw 2's and Draw 4's. He pretended to be furious with me and then got revenge when the time came. I laughed and laughed.

Mom and I talked a couple times a week. She was still clean and going to her program. Each time we FaceTimed, she looked physically good. I still missed her so much. Abuela and I cuddled a lot on the couch in the evening, which was when I missed my mom the most. She didn't make me talk about it; just held me.

Since dad and I were missing bedtime with Sebastian, he'd begun to read a chapter a night aloud to me from Harry Potter. At first, I thought it was a bit babyish to be read aloud to, but I really liked it. Dad and I would curl up on the couch or on my bed and I rested my head against his shoulder. I think he enjoyed it almost as much as I did. He still did the voices for the different characters as well.

One night, he read to me curled up on my bed. I was already in my pajamas, under the covers. I must have been exhausted because I kept feeling my eyelids droop, but I really wanted to stay awake until the end of the chapter. It was a losing battle, though. I felt dad carefully move away and guide me to lay down. He kissed my forehead and then turned out the light.

___

Two days later, we all took Abuelo and Abuela to the airport to see them off. On the drive over, I felt really sad. I'd been really enjoying being with them. I would miss the Uno games and cuddles. Dad helped get their suitcases out the trunk and set them on the sidewalk. Everyone started hugging, and as Abuela pulled me into her arms, I couldn't help myself. I started full-out crying.

"Oh, Nora," she cooed gently. "We'll see each other again soon."

She pulled my face away and kissed me on the forehead, smiling at me. "You're my favorite granddaughter."

I chuckled at that and wiped my eyes. Abuelo hugged me and picked me off the floor in his arms. "Don't give your dad too many problems," he told me.

"I'll try not to," I promised him.

"I love you," he told me and I said the same back. Dad put a hand on my shoulder as we waved. They walked into the airport and we all got in the car. I rested my chest against my knees as I tried to compose myself. Vanessa reached back and took my hand, squeezing it.

"Why's Nora crying?" Sebastian asked curiously.

"Well, I think she's sad that Abuelo and Abuela are leaving," Vanessa patiently explained. "Are you going to miss them?"

"Yeah," Sebastian said. I finally sat up and wiped at my eyes. Sebastian sweetly reached out his hand to hold mine. I smiled and took his little hand. He held it the whole way back home.

When we got back to the house, we settled on the couch while Sebastian and Francisco played on the floor. I was still feeling kind of sad, so I curled up next to dad. He put his arm around me and kissed the top of my head. I'd learned he was really good at cuddling. He never rushed me to finish; just sat with me patiently like there was nothing more important to do in the world.

"Let's do something fun this afternoon," Vanessa decided. We found out about this place called Amdani Fitertainment Park. They had all sorts of climbing and obstacle courses. There were things for Sebastian to do as well, but there were parts that were only for older kids and adults. I just ran crazy, trying out everything. We stayed for hours.

Vanessa mostly stayed back with Franky, but Lin was like a kid. He tried everything with me and got super competitive. It had been a long time since we'd just had fun and been silly with each other. It was so much fun! It took my mind off how much I missed Abuelo, Abuela, and Mom.

When we got home, we were all exhausted, so it was time for some down time. We stuck on a movie and just vegged out. Tomorrow, Dad had to go back to the set, so he prepared a bit for the upcoming week. He went back to his bedroom to practice a little. After a while, I wandered back to see what he was up to.

He had his script in front of him and he was running through some lines. He glanced at me as I came in but continued what he was doing. I plopped myself down, belly down, on the bed and watched him.

"Want to help me learn my lines?" He asked me, and I nodded. He passed me his script, which had all his parts highlighted.

"You be Lyra," he told me.

I cleared my throat and said her first line. Dad responded with his line correctly. We went through several more lines before he stopped and scrunched up his eyes.

"Line," he requested. I gave it to him and he nodded. We continued.

We ran through it another time and this time he got it all right. I gave him a little clap and he bowed.

"Dad? What do you like more – acting or music?"

"Tough question," he told me. "But I think my first love is music. I'm not sure I want to do without either though."

"When did you know you wanted to be an actor and musician?"

He sat down. "Well, I always participate in school plays as a kid. I guess it never occurred to me that it wouldn't be part of my life. I majored in theatre in college and the rest is history."

"Would you rather do theatre or movies?"

"Theatre."

"Have you thought about what you want to do when you grow up?" He asked.

I twisted my lips to the side in thought. "I don't know. Maybe a teacher or a social worker."

"Those are great professions," he told me. "And you've got plenty of time to figure it out."

I sighed and looked at the floor. "Dad?"

"Yeah, sweetheart?"

"Do you love me the same as you love Sebastian and Francisco?"

"Yes, of course," he told me immediately. "Did you think I didn't?"

"I don't know," I said. "You didn't even know I existed for 13 years. How could you love me the same?"

"It's hard to describe, but parents love all their kids the same," he explained. "When you know this little being came from you, it's a very special kind of love. I know you weren't around for a long time, but that doesn't make me love you any less."

"But you don't love my mom," I pointed out.

"No I don't, but that has nothing to do with the way I feel about you."

"How about Vanessa? Does she love me the same?"

He sighed, "Well, she loves you a lot, but I imagine it's a bit different. She carried Sebby and Franky for nine months, and that makes a very special bond."

"Do you think she'd rather not have me around?"

"No," he told me firmly. "She adores you and she's so glad you're here."

That reassured me a little. I'm not sure why I started thinking about that all of a sudden. "And Abuela and Abuelo are crazy about you too. You know that, right?"

"Uh-huh," I said.

"You were really bonding these last two weeks. I'm so glad you're getting closer. Are you feeling like you're part of the family?"

I nodded, and I really did. They always made me feel included.

"You've got a birthday coming up soon, too," he reminded me. "We should be back in New York by then. Have you thought about what you want to do?"

"Laser tag," I said confidently. He raised his eyebrows at me.

"Laser tag it is," he said. "There's a great arcade a few blocks away. Do you have friends from school you can invite?"

"Yeah," I said. "And some friends from Altman maybe."

We talked a bit more about my birthday, and how my grandparents would like to be included as well. We'd have a small gathering for the family, including his sister and her family, at our place. Then, laser tag! Most of the time with mom, I just got a cake and a few presents. This was my first birthday I was going to get an actual party. I began to think ahead to the future – my 14th birthday.