Gen 4: Chapter One

Our move to Starlight Shores went pretty smooth. The house Granddaddy helped us to pick out is nestled near the coast and a short two blocks from central downtown. It's in the district of a top ranked school and within walking distance to a small park. Both very important for Rachel. And the monthly mortgage amount is VERY reasonable for two people just starting out too.

Charissa: Wow, Mr. Julio must have had to pay a small fortune to have someone decorate it up like this.

Dameon: I hope not. I already feel indebted to Granddaddy for co-signing our loan for this place.

I look around in awe. The house is done up nice, with homey little touches that make you want to prop your feet up and stay awhile.

Dameon: Well, I am pretty sure you can change anything you'd like around here if it doesn't suit you.

Charissa: No, no. I didn't mean it like that. I was just saying its nice, Dameon. Really, I would be happy to sleep in a tent as long as I was with with you.

It still blows my mind when she tells me things like that. It almost doesn't feel real to have someone so utterly devoted to me.

Charissa: Hey, since we don't have much to unpack, lets do it later. We can head to the park I saw on our way in. I'll bring my camera and take some scenery shots.
Dameon: If you give me a few minutes, I would like to change.
Charissa: For what? You look fine in that.
The smirk on my face should have been warning enough.

She laughed! I surely thought she would be impressed with my clever use of bright coloring for my outfit. I guess it wasn't very suave. But at least it garnishes attention at the park. I am shocked to find my great-aunt's family here. As well as my own Aunt Mimi. But she was very rude and ignored me so I guess her feelings for my father have been passed on to me.

With a deep breathe to calm my jittery nerves, I slide out my magic want to begin.

Dameon: Welcome, Ladies and Gentlemen.

Leon: Hi, Dameon.

I sigh in frustration. Leon is my half-first cousin, once removed, and somewhat slow. I smile to acknowledge him and carry on.

Dameon: I would like to take you on a trip to the world of mystery and wonder...

Despite Leon's constant barrage of questions and exclamations, I was able to work through some of my better tricks.
Dameon: And now, I will bid you adieu with this fine bouquet of flowers.
I lift my hand high and watch as the flowers pop out of my sleeve at the exact moment the powder pack explodes. Nailed It! I also hear the distinct sound of Rissa's camera clicking. Did she catch it?
Leon: That's a good one, Dameon. Here, have a dollar cuz Momma says that is what I suppose to do.

Five dollars was not much but I hope for a better reception in the town square. For now, I am happy enough to have performed publicly for the first time. I turn at the edge of the street and look back at Rissa as she pushes Rachel in the stroller.

Dameon: Come on, Pokey, I'd like to get home sometime tonight.

Charissa: Keep your ridiculous shirt on, we're making good time. Aren't we Rach?

Right before we enter the house a thought wiggles its way into the forefront of my brain. What would Rissa look like pushing our children in a stroller...

I had thought to get married in Riverview with her father's blessing. But Charissa refused me. She saw no point in getting married just so we could move in together. I watched her start dinner as I fed Rachel a bottle.
Dameon: I still want to marry you, Rissa. When are you going to let me.
Her hand slows in the process of spreading mustard.
Charissa: I already told you my answer, Dameon Montoya, and don't be trying to work your charms on me. I will not sign a paper that says you are in charge of me. No way, uh uh. I am my own woman.

We go back and forth on the subject. I know she is committed to me but I still can't shake this feeling that living with her without a ring on her finger is wrong. I burp Rach then walk into her room to lay her down for the night.
Dameon: I'll wear her down, you'll see, Rach.

Charissa is so opposite of most women. She refuses to marry me yet feels it is her place to cook, clean, and be the main care-giver for Rachel. I almost expect some Women's Lib activist to come and kick her ass for messing up their hard work.
Charissa: Stop staring at my butt, Dameon.

Dameon: Caught red handed.
I reach out and squeeze her butt which makes her start to giggle.
Dameon: What say you we conserve water ... by showering together?

Dameon: I guess I need to look into getting a larger water tank. I am freezing!

Charissa: Maybe we should have only washed up instead of ... frolicking. 

I pull her into my arms. Her body is warm despite us using all the hot water during our shower fun.

Dameon: I love you.

Charissa: I love you, too.

My kiss isn't driven by passion and lust like it had been in the shower. This kiss is motivated by tenderness and ... feelings I can't quite describe. We lay down on the bed and I begin to touch her slowly, gently. No rushing this time. No selfish need to reach my own fulfillment. Nothing but being in her arms and watching her reactions to my touch.

This night had been special. It wasn't the first time we had sex. But I truly believe it was the first time, for me anyway, to have made love...

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Dameon: Four a.m. is not an acceptable time to eat, Rach.
I swayed back and forth as I fed Rachel her bottle. Rissa and I have set up a schedule of sorts so we can take turns with this early feeding. By the time I finished feeding and burping Rachel, changing her diaper, and putting her back to sleep, it was nearing five in the morning. I figure I would get an early start to my day.

I wander into the kitchen to check on Rascal but get sidetracked by Rissa's picture. I still can't believe she blew it up and framed it. I'm torn between delight and embarrassment. Either way, it makes me smile to remember that day in the park.

Dameon: Good morning, Rascal. Did you sleep ok? Huh? Come here, Boy. Come here.

I let him jump up and lick my face for morning kisses. I walk to the front door to unlock it and let Rascal do his business. I try to cover my yawn as I watch him in the front yard doing his thang. I laugh at him as I watch him come back in as if he has been crowned prince.

I pour some Iams into his food bowl then head to the kitchen to figure out what I want for breakfast. I poke around in the fridge to find a box of pancake batter. I snag that, the milk, and two eggs to get things started. Just as the first batch is finishing, I hear Rissa stirring around in the bedroom. 

After breakfast, I change into some sweats. Magicians are always being scrutinized by the public so appearance is important. I try to work out at least three times a week with the occasional three mile jog thrown in now and again.

Rascal is a noisy little guy and tends to bark the whole time I am trying to do chin ups.
Dameon: Shut ... up .... Rascal. I make ... this ... look good.

I usually like to hit the town square just before noon. You get a lot of people out and about for the lunch rush as well as some of the tourists who drop big change in the early evenings before the dinner hour. But today was going to be different. Today I had an appointment with Beth, the proprietor of the large park stage. I was going to get my first paying gig.

Dameon: So, what do you think? Do I get a spot or what?

My heart was pounding with excitement! This could be it, the next step in my career. I watched Beth as she considered.

Beth: Dameon, I really like your act and I know you draw quite a crowd in the square. But, well, my Memorial Day Weekend is full.

My chest felt like a rock had fallen on it. I couldn't breathe. No, this can't be happening!

Beth: Buuut...

Oh Lord, there's a "but". Amen!

Beth: I do have a small show that could use a filler act the following weekend.

Dameon: I'll do it!

Dameon: And then she pulled out this "buuuut" and I knew right then I was getting a gig.

Charissa: Dameon, that is so awesome! This is big. I mean, you got your first gig today and I ... I sold my first painting.

Dameon: You did? Why didn't you tell me when I first walked in?!

Charissa: I couldn't get a word in with all the talking you were doing. 

We both laughed at the situation. Then she put her arms around me and we just stood there, holding on to one another.

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Dameon: Turn. Turn! TURN!

Charissa: I really think you should TURN this off. You are getting way too serious about this game.

I figured she was right but take the time to save my game anyway.

Charissa: I can't believe today is Rachel's birthday. It seems like we were just moving in.

Dameon: I know. Time is flying by. 
Rascal saunters over to the couch and jumps right into my lap.

Dameon: Well, hey there Rascal. So glad you could join us for such a joyous celebration.

Charissa: Dameon, I wish you would cave and just give me a baby.

Dameon: I wish you would just let me marry you.
Although we have both adopted a playful attitude towards this subject, its one that we both take very seriously. I begin to rub Rascal's fur and carry on like she hadn't brought it up.
Dameon: Are you ready to see Rachel blow out some candles, Rascal? I know I am.
I abruptly stand, eliciting a surprised bark from Rascal. Gently, I take Rachel out of Rissa's hands, effectively ending the marriage/child debate.

Rachel ages beautifully into toddler-hood. It's weird to see my father's features in one so small and angelic.

My insides were in turmoil over the "debate" I had with Rissa. I needed to get some fresh air. I snag Rascal's leash and head off for an early evening walk while Rissa dealt with clean up. I had just snapped Rascal off to tend to his sniffing and peeing when I hear someone come out the door of my neighbors' house.

Brandon: Well, hello. Don't see y'all out and about at this time usually. 

I begin to wonder if I should be creeped out by the fact that my neighbor has our schedules memorized. Shrugging to myself I walk up his steps to shake his hand.

Brandon: My name is Brandon, Brandon Woods. I work at the courthouse near the square. I think I have seen you perform a time or two during my lunch break.

We talked for a bit about this and that. But we soon had to go inside to avoid being carried away by mosquitoes. 

Brandon: Well, it is nice finally getting a chance to talk to you. Can I get you something to drink? Coke? Coffee? Sweet tea?

Dameon: No, I am fine. I can't stay long. I was just out for a bit of fresh air. But thank you. I really should be heading back to the house.

Brandon: Hey, before you go. I want to invite you to the Memorial Day services being held at the cemetery. We have quite a few veterans being honored and well ... it's my first time giving a speech.
I finally realize who my neighbor is! Brandon Woods, the future mayor hopeful.
Dameon: Well, we haven't really made plans but I will keep it in mind.

He proceeded to give me his views on all the hottest political issues. I don't follow politics and felt lost at sea while he rambled on. I did find out he was married and had a daughter in elementary school though. When he finally stopped to take a breathe, I seized my opportunity to make a break for it, promising to stop by again for another chat. I scooped up Rascal into my arms and made a bee line for the house!
  

I hang up the leash then walk around the house, noticing how quiet it is. The kitchen is clean, Rachel is sleeping, and Charissa was just stepping into the shower. Since I had a few minutes to myself, I fired up the old computer to compose an email to Granddaddy. I wonder if Rissa has a few pics I could add  as well?

Memorial Day Celebration  (Be sure to read both pages of entries!)