Gen 4: Chapter Eight

Charissa: I haven't taken a single picture in weeks. I just don't feel creative anymore.

Rissa and I have been talking about our upcoming birthdays. I feel like it's just another day but she thinks the world is coming to an end. I grab my plate and sit next to her.

Dameon: You need a break, Honey, that's all. The boys' after school activities and the girls' constant need for attention is getting you down. It will get better, you'll see.

I hope. 

I kiss her cheek and head off to get dressed. I decide to hit the touristy hot-spot and it is jumping today. I gather quite a crowd with my appearing gnome trick. The ladies seem to favor that one as well as turning my wand into flowers. If Rissa knew how many of these women ask for a private show, I'd be a dead man. 

But only one woman has my heart. I was just closing with a bow when my phone rings. It's Rachel.

Dameon: Tonight? But it's a school night. Uh huh. OK, but you will have to ride your bike since the bus won't drive out there to pick you up. Alright then, be safe. Bye.

I hang up the phone and head home to let Rissa know that Rachel is spending the night at Maria's house.

I pull in the drive to see Gabe practicing his flips on the trampoline. I wave to him and he grins back at me before doing a quick back flip. I hold out both my hands and act like I am not sure what to rate him. I flip both my thumbs in the air.

Dameon: Awesome, Gabe! Keep it up.

His laughter follows me into the house.

Juan: Dad! Dad, Dad, Dad! Daaaad!
Dameon: I am right here, Juan. Stop yelling.
He stands in front of me and gestures to the long row of patches across his chest.
Juan: I have earned a new patch for my exceptional understanding of gardening. Aren't you impressed?
I stare at the newest patch for a moment then put my hand on his shoulder.
Dameon: Yes, I am. But I would be even more impressed if you brought home a "C" paper once and a while. 

Juan: Awww, Dad. That junk they do in school won't help me when I'm in the real world. Besides, that's Gabe's department. He's the heir apparent and all.
I watch Juan cross his arms. It kills me that I can only choose one of my sons to carry on the great Montoya name. I chuck him under the chin.
Dameon: Cheer up, Grumpy Pants. No matter who my heir is, I expect you to do your best. Hey, what's this?

I pull an oversized coin magically from out of Juan's ear. Although I have done this same trick a dozen times, I watch Juan crack a smile.
Dameon: I am so telling your mother that you certainly did not wash behind your ears if this was hiding back there.
Juan breaks into giggles.

Dameon: But I can't have you getting in trouble with Mom so... Voila!
As I hide the coin in my sleeve once again, Juan stares up trying to figure out how I make the coin vanish.
Juan: How do you do that?!
I laugh as I put an arm around him and start walking to the kitchen. Crisis has been averted.

Dameon: Hey, Honey. What's for dinner?
Charissa: You get plain old mac and cheese. And YES, I am still in my pajamas. I have not had one minute to myself to even change my clothes. Do you want to know what those girls decided to do today? I won't even get into it since we are about to eat.....
As Rissa continues her rant, I slowly back into the front room.

Dameon: So maybe help Mom out a bit more, OK? Just pick up your own clothes and make your beds before going to school. That's all I'm asking.
Gabe: I do all that anyway.
Juan: Suck up.
I roll my eyes as as the boys jab each other with their elbows. I hope this rivalry calms down by the time they are teenagers.
 

During the night, I woke up to a chorus of barking coming from outside. Weber was going spastic! He was barking and jumping, spinning around. I had just called for the kids when the sparkles appeared.

Dameon: Welcome to adult-hood, little Weber!

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I am so close to reaching the next step in my career. I realize my gigs keep me away from home most nights, so I spend the mornings with my family. Our girls have aged up and turned into such beauties. Ari favors the pink while Selene is always in blue.

Charissa: That's Mommy's big girl. Good job! Dameon, this is like the third time in a row she has peed on the potty.
Dameon: So Ari is going to have to catch up.
I laugh at the thought of my girls racing to learn toddler skills! I wonder if competitiveness is something all twins deal with? After producing a rose from my sleeve, I hand it to Rissa and kiss her cheek as I get ready to leave.
Dameon: Don't forget. Tonight. 10:30pm. You and me.

I have special permission to perform outside Los Sueños Private Club. I am scheduled to perform there tonight at 7:30pm!

Chloe: Well, as long as you deliver on the performance of a lifetime, then I don't mind you and your wife celebrating your birthdays here.
Dameon: Thank you so much, Chloe. I really appreciate it.
Chloe looks me up and down. I can feel my face turning red from embarrassment.
Chloe: Do you happen to do ... private shows?
Her smile made me think of a cat about to pounce.
Dameon: Uh, no actually. Excuse me while I go set up.

A little after seven, I walk out on stage. Rissa is just sitting down at a table to the side. A grin spreads across my face.
Dameon: Welcome, Ladies and Gentlemen! I am The Mystical Dee, your guide into the fantastical and sometimes unbelievable world of magic. Before we begin our journey ...
I use a capsule to create a flash and some smoke as I quickly pull a cake out and into my hands.

Dameon: I want to invite you all to join me in singing Happy Birthday to the most beautiful, supportive, woman I know. My wife, Charissa Montoya.
I look over to see her laughing and trying to cover her face.
Dameon: Come on, stand up. Here we go everyone! A one, and a two, and a ... Happy Birthday to you!
As the crowd joins in, she sends me "I'm going to kill" you signals.

As the song finishes up, the crowd starts cheering and clapping. Rissa makes the funniest faces as the sparkles start to form.
Dameon: I love you, Babe!
My statement causes the cheering to get even louder. Finally, she spins and the crowd goes quiet. She looks up and stares at her hands then touches her face. Then she grins and starts to wave at the others seated near her. A few people lean over to offer congratulations. After she sits back down, she shoots me a smile that lights up the whole room.

The rest of my routine goes off without a hitch. This is the first time I have performed my "buried alive" trick. Rissa hates that one but it seems to get the biggest response. I finish with a flair then step to the edge of the stage.
Dameon: I thank you all for coming and ...
Someone throws some flowers onto the stage!
Dameon: Why, thank YOU! It is my hope that everyone enjoyed the show. For those of you willing to stay, I will be celebrating my own birthday as well. I invite each of you to join in the miracle of aging. Goodnight!
   

The house-lights come up and I can see Rissa standing up next to the table. As the stage guys start to pull down my props, I offer a hand shake to each of them. It wasn't long ago when I had to do all this myself so I want to make sure they know they are appreciated. I jump from the stage and stride over to where Rissa is waiting.
Charissa: I can't believe you did that! I am going ...

The rush from performing, watching Rissa age up, and the awesome response from the crowd culminate into a huge rush of emotion. I crush my lips to hers without even letting her finish her rant. I sink into the kiss and lose myself in the familiar. As we pull apart, the is another chorus of cheers going up. Rissa just stares at me and I grin at her.
Dameon: Thank y'all for coming to the show. Now ... let's get this birthday under way, shall we?

I hand out some noise makers and party horns.
Charissa: Now it's my turn to start things off. Let's sing Happy Birthday!
Holly sends me a little wave before she starts clapping. I am hoping Rissa doesn't get offended that only women have stayed to celebrate with me.

The sparkles start to appear at my feet. I feel all tingly inside. I get startled as my body begins to shake on its own. The urge to jump comes over me. I feel as if I blackout but it only lasts a second. The noise comes rushing back into my ears and I stare around realizing the change has happened. It is this exact moment when I realize I am half way through with my adult life. I feel insecurities creeping into me.
Dameon: Thank you all for joining in this special moment. But now, I would like some time alone with my lovely wife.
I grab Rissa's hand and stroll out the back entrance.

Charissa: So what was that all about?
Dameon: What do you mean?
Charissa: At first you were all excited about your birthday then after you aged, you suddenly wanted to be alone. Are you feeling OK?
I didn't know what to say. After telling her aging was no big deal, I find myself feeling anxious. I actually believe I am experiencing a midlife crisis!
Dameon: I FEEL fine. But ... I don't know how to describe it.

Rissa looks over at me and caresses the side of my face.

Charissa: Try.

Dameon: Looking back, I wonder if I made the right choices. Our boys are almost teenagers, and I haven't spent much time with them because I have been so consumed with my career. And Rachel is about to graduate High School. Am I ready for that?

Charissa: Don't let these thoughts consume you. I think you have made the best of your situation. I am proud of your accomplishments and to call you my husband. And ...

the sound of a camera clicking distracts us. I look over to see an older woman snapping pictures of us.

Dameon: Dang Paparazzi! I think it's time for us to head home.