#bergen_county

"But it's for the best"

Mmmph ("I can't help but worry even though it's not helpful")

Frank nods. He understands. Personal experience.

a bit of a smile there. It helps to meett someone who gets it

"Love you, da" She lays a head on his arm

"Love you too, Fishie."

A groan, but a happier one, "I know you're heading on that trip right after this. Hope you'll text me now or then?" A compromise "or I might even pick up the phone and..talk"

"Mmphm."

"Well, at least call mom" Mmmph

Eyebrow. She loves talking on the phone.

"Okay, FINE.. call me, annd I'll tell her how great you're doing."

Frank relents. "Your mother and I have kept in touch when I was over the road before."

"Was that so hard to say? Really da, I think you enjoy seeing how many snipes you can get me to chase someitmes' But she smiles 'Fine fine. Couple stuff not my biz"

He lifts a brow. "You knew I worked over the road, -and- was married to your mother before you were born. How did you think it worked?"

"I remind you, this started out with me wanting you to give ME a call too. Debate over, I win, that was fun, how do you think Jessica is enjoying her Pennons?"

"I am sure it is going well; she has good staff. We will learn more when we hear from her."

"Assuming she also remembers how to text or call " Siv has finished up her ice cream "You gonna visit her after the trip?"

"I wasn't planning on it."

"mm well okay" And she leaves it there

After a few moments, Frank says "I know you visited her recently..... you think I should visit?"

"MMm.. I think she's got things in hand, but that does not mean you're not welcome"

He nods. "I'll keep that in mind." He, too, has finished his ice cream.

She's ttempted to tell dad about the dragon but... Dad might rush up to SOLVE things

"Does remind me, I need to hit some books, here annd at Earth Runes"

"Books?"

"Got some researrch to do"

An eyebrow. "Hm." But he leaves it there, too.

"Have you liked Penons over all?"

"Yes."

"Good. " She seems to take some happiness from that

"You?"

"to my surprise, yes. Though let's see how that river race goes "

"I'd have thought you'd enjoy Pennons especially."

"One of my favorite holidays" She says after considering it

"But you're surprised you enj.... oh. I see." not without sympathy "I am glad you are finding the enjoyment in it."

"I feel almost guilty not being miserable. Weird huh?"

"I don't think so. That is, I think the feelings are understandable."

"mmph" ("Feels disloyal, even I know they don't want miserable")

His beard twitches.

"Huh?" She pulls out "oh, did I do it? the speaking mm thingg?" Surrprised

"Part of a caring relationship is trusting those in it." He reminds her "Disloyalty, betrayal....."

"Do what thing?"

"We'll the talking thing other trolls do without.. you knnow,talkin"

Head tilt. "Yes. We're talking."

"Hey" She cheers a litttle "may I should just let it flow... and, you're right. Piper's brilliant and talented, annd Jonas is with her"

He watches his daughter a moment, then nods. "Yes."

"So.. they'll be fine" A deep breath. She will try to make herself believe it

"You have not been disloyal to them by enjoying yourself here."

"I know that in my head" She admis

Admits*