Chapter 2: Back in Time

•5 years old•

——*Kennedi’s POV*——

 

It’s sunny outside. I love it when it’s sunny because that means I get to play and get as dirty as I want without getting in trouble. You’re prone to be dirty when it’s sunny because it’s dry. There’ll be dust and oh, I used to get dustier than a ceiling fan. 

 

I used to play hard and rough. I had to since I played with boys. There was always Jay & Benny. Then came Sierra, Chase, Manny, and Zoë. We’d all play very hard until the sun started to set, but for some reason, I always ended up the dirtiest. I don’t know how because Sierra was the roughest. 

 

I’d come home with scratches, cuts, and bruises. The only thing Elias could do was shake his head. One day I came home especially tattered. Elias almost had a fit when he saw me.

He’d almost growled at me when he asked, “How’d you get these?”

I answered, “I don’t know. By playing, I guess.” I didn’t look him in the eye. I thought he was mad at me.

 

He’d call Florence to tend to my wounds in a minute, like always. I think he’s scared to do it himself.

“Florence!” He shouted.

 Told ya! It took her a few seconds to get here but she came. 

She exclaimed, “I’m here! Oh my, look at your leg.” 

 She walked over to the medicine cabinet and grabbed the meddy pack. 

 

She stated, “You have to calm down sometimes, you know. Otherwise you’re not going to be able to walk after a while.” She was observing my left leg because it was badly bruised. The bruise on my leg was turning back to its normal skin color. I heal exceptionally fast.

“It doesn’t even hurt, Flo.” I pouted.

 

She asserted, “You’re staying in tomorrow and that’s final.”

“But,” I was about to protest but she cut my words off.

“But nothing. What I say goes. Stay in and act like a princess tomorrow. Say but again and that's your butt.” She raised her eyebrow at me and I knew she meant business by it. I guess I’d stay and clean up tomorrow. I’d act like the perfect little princess she wanted me to be.

 

Elias cleared his throat, “Well now that we’ve settled that matter, I have to go out of town for a couple of days.” 

I asked curiously, “Where?”

He replied, “New York.”

 

Oh, he must have personal matters to attend to while he’s away. I asked, “Can you bring me back a souvenir? Please.” I pouted for extra odds.

He answered nonchalantly while looking at his watch, “Sure.”

 

Florence started dressing my other wounds on my other leg and on my knees, and as soon as the alcohol hit my skin, I yelped.

“Ouch, Flo.” I rubbed my knee. That really hurt.

“Sorry but if you’d play a little gentler, we wouldn’t have this problem.” She scolded me.

“I can’t stay for this. I’ll go pack.” He started to walk out. I think he was feeling queasy.

“I already packed your bags, Mr. E.” Flo said.

“Well, thank you. I will be off now then. Stay safe.” He gave Flo a hug and he kissed my forehead. He was about to walk off, but I stopped him.

I questioned, “New York is a long way from Oregon. Why so far?” 

“Lots of business people in the Big Apple.” He proceeded to walk off. 

 

I was stunned at his reply. So he’s going for business, and what does an apple have to do with that?

“Big Apple?” I was confused. I thought apples were for eating. 

“That’s a nickname for New York City,” Flo explained.

“Oh, maybe he’ll take me one day.” I settled for it. It was weird, but I settled nonetheless.

“Maybe he will. All you have to do is ask.” Flo said. 

 

She was officially finished attending to my wounds. As she was getting up, I got off the stool and ran out the door. I had an idea I needed to pursue. Florence’s words echoed through my mind while I ran outside. I ran out quickly to catch up to Elias. 

 

I tugged his suit from behind and waited for him to turn around. He finally turned around and I asked him very kindly, “Elias can I go with you?”

————*Elias’ POV*————

I felt something tug the back of my suit. I turned around to see Kennedi. She asked me if she could go to New York with me.

“No,” I told her.

“Why not?” She asked with folded arms, and I could see the attitude coming a mile away.

I couldn’t believe her right now, “Are you questioning me?” 

 

She replied, “Yes. Yes I am. Why can’t I go? I promise I’ll be good. I want to the see the green apple, too, Elias.” 

 

Green apple? What on earth is that? I guess she meant big apple. It was such a cute mistake. I wonder if she did that on purpose.

 I asked her, “Do you promise?”

 

She readily made the promise, “I pinky promise and swear across my heart to Selene.”

I debated for a couple of seconds, but I finally gave in, “Then I’ll take you. Go pack your bags.”

 I guess she’d be going with me to my business meetings after all. I had to change my hotel setup in order to accommodate Kennedi. I took care of that while she went back in the house to fetch her things.

“Make sure to pack at least 2 dresses.” I told her.

“Yes sir, Elias.” She saluted me. She ran away after her salute in order to pack. After a few seconds, I heard things falling and I think I heard her trip. I just shook my head. It was the only thing I could do. 

 She came back with two suitcases. It was just two or three days. Why did she need so much stuff? I made her take one of the suitcases back. She was hesitant but did so anyway. Rick put her other suitcase in the back. When she

came back, we left to head for my strip.

And thus was the beginning of her first trip with me.