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Ella woke up to a light tap on her shoulder "Ella love, time to wake up." Ella's eyes open to see her Dad, Dan sitting on the edge of the bed. "I don't wanna" Ella moaned, putting her head under the cover. "I know bub but school awaits and Papa is preparing breakfast." Dan stood up and clapped his hands lightly "come on, up and at em. Your uniform is at the end of your bed". Ella rolled her eyes and sat up "You're so mean". Dan giggled and winked at her "And what" he said giving her a kiss on her head before leaving her to get ready.
Ella got dressed in her uniform, brushed her hair and her teeth. She grabbed her tie only to realise it got tangled and a bit undone. Taking herself to her mirror she attempted to fix it and grumbled when she couldn't retie it.
Ella walked upstairs with her tie and blazer in tow.
"Ah glad to see you have joined us" Dan said walking to her and kissing her on the head. "Wasn't like I had a choice" Ella said jokingly and sticking her tongue out giving him a hug. Dan rolled his eyes and giggled.
"Good morning El, how was your sleep?" Phil came out of the kitchen with a plate of toast and scrambled eggs. "I slept good papa, although I got awoken by a heathen" staring at Dan with a smirk. Ella hung her blazer and tie over the couch before taking her breakfast. "Thank you Papa it looks yummy" Ella said kissing him on the cheek. "I hope so, I put extra love into it today" Phil said kissing her head.
Dan sat down at the table with Ella "Have you thought about your 16th birthday?" Ella finished her mouthful "yeah, I want something simple, something in the garden I think." Ella said taking another bite. "Sounds good, have you thought about activities or a theme?" Dan had his phone out to type notes. "I want a dainty theme with lots of pastel colours and cute games, like board games and an art station" Ella said with a smile on her face. Phil walked over sitting down with Dan and Ella "I think that sounds lovely" Phil said with a smile. "Why don't you have your tie on?" Ella looked at Phil with a frown "it untied itself and I can't make it look good". Phil smiled at her "it's okay, we can fix it together" Ella finished her breakfast and grabbed her tie. Phil helped her, talking her though the process as Ella worked it out.
Dan watched the two people he loved the most. Something so mundane was the thing that made him the most happiest. He was so proud of the young lady that Ella has become, and the man and father Phil so easily adjusted to. Dan and Phil truly raised a spectacular and independent person. Though raising a child was sometimes trying, she was his greatest work and his little family is most important thing in his life. Dan and Phil always gave Ella the chance to express and be herself, her personality and likes are a mix of both of them. Dan's wit, smarts and vast vocabulary. Phil's whimsy and love for colour.
Though they shielded Ella from the public eye, she wanted to introduce herself to her parents' followers. When Ella introduced herself as a she/her girly girl, people were shocked but not too surprised. It did although give ammo for Dan memes about being the only dark and moody like person in the family.
Dan and Phil took a big step away from the internet as they got older, they only posted on Instagram occasionally and a video once in a while.
They focused on growing their investments and savings so they could retire and spend all their time on their daughter and doing what they wanted but still contributing to awareness and charity projects. Though retired, this gave Dan a chance to write another two books, one about mindfulness, and a complete biography of his life (save a few things). Phil has been able to write scripts for short films which received interest from directors, majority of which turned into films with positive reviews.
"Good job El! It looks perfect" Phil exclaimed giving her a hug. "Thank you Papa" Ella smiled back at him. "It's about time to head off to school now. I have put your lunch in your backpack. Have you got everything else?" Phil asked her. "Yes Papa, all ready to go". Phil then whispered in her ear "I put a few Haribo's in your bag but don't tell dad" he said with a giggle. Ella giggled back and put her bag on "I'll take it to the grave, thank you Papa" she whispered back.
"Come on kiddo" Dan said standing up and grabbing the car keys. Ella grabbed her blazer before kissing Phil on the cheek "bye Papa" before heading downstairs to put her shoes on. "Have a good day love!" He said loud enough so she could hear. Dan gave Phil a quick kiss "Do you need anything while I'm out?" Phil smiled "Just some milk and some stuff to make dinner". Dan nodded and gave Phil another kiss "I love you" Dan said before heading out with Ella.
Phil watched the two of them walk out with a smile on his face. He never thought he would end up in a place of complete pure bliss. A perfect life, a perfect partner and a perfect daughter. Phil's journey into fatherhood unlocked something in him. He started cooking, cleaning more, and generally slowing down and not worrying all the time. Phil loved being a father and a partner. He loved his acts of service and attentiveness to his family and he wouldn't change it for the world.
He walked downstairs into Ella's room. He rolled his eyes and shook his head fondly, filled with so much love in his heart.
Ella didn't make her bed again.