#anywhere

"Dad? You're calling me?" Siv says surprised

"That's what phones do." Reasonably. "Everything going ok?"

"Yeah, it's good. Is my GPS not working? I'm just not used to you calling"

"Just wanted to touch base. Wanted to hear your voice, not just read the words."

"Dad? " A loonng pause "Do you have cancer?"

"No, Siv." Gently. "I'm fine."

"OKay, you understand why I'm asking right?"

"Because you're ..what IS going on?" Siv says a bit more firm "I am fine. I have no date for the dance but I'm fine."

"No date?" She can hear him frown. "I'm kind of ok with that but I know everyone is going... Want me to come find you one?" He's -probably- joking...

A laugh "Oh dad. no. Wouldn't be fair to Bancroft. We are sort of seeing each other. It's okay. I'll be fine. Thank you." A realization "hey, dad, why did you want to touch base , anything you're not telling me?"

"Your mom and I are at the Farmhold. Hope to be back by dinner but you'll be at the dance so...Just touching base. Love you, Siv."

"Okay, but, ..." A tilt of her head then "I Love you dad, and mom. And.. I get the feeling you're ... you iknow what? I'm not going to do that. I'm not going to mope about. I love you and trust you and if you need me I will be there! Okay? And if you don't, then I love you both and support whatever you do. I think that's what I'm supposed to say, and you've done it for me so fair is fair. " A pause "Keep your GPS tracker on to ease my nerves?"

"Will do. Proud of you."

Happy smile at that "Thanks, and ...well, I hope you always will be. Bye, dad."

"See you soon, Siv. Have fun tonight." And when she disconnects, he calls and talks with Jessica.

-------