My Daughter

I arrive home from a longish period overseas and am welcomed by my family at the airport. My wife and two daughters have taken the day off to meet me and I am also excited to return home. After kisses and hugs I am curious about the fourth greeter, my eldest daughter’s boyfriend. Crossing the car park to our family car, I notice the body language and touch between Georgina and her friend. I also, for the first time, notice there is a markedly different contour to her anatomy.
My god she looks like a woman and what’s the story with this hopeful that she has in tow!
I wonder about how this could have happened so quickly, perhaps its because I’ve been absent for the last couple of years.

16 years ago a little bundle of joy arrived and I remember thinking that she was the most beautiful creature in the world. I could cup her head in my hand while she lay along my fore-arm with her tiny feet kicking my bicep. Earliest words included “daddy” and during the next 13 years, Georgie and I spent so much time together as a father and daughter team. We rode our motorbikes, flew planes, fixed cars and travelled the world. Things have changed with a growing daughter, changes I barely noticed, however, on reflection they have now arrived in one big obvious chunk!
“Daddy you can’t come in because I’m getting dressed.”
“Daddy I can’t come flying tomorrow because I’m staying at Kelsey’s.”
“Dad, I can’t ride with you today, I’ve got my period.”
“Dad shut up you’re embarrassing me.”
“David, meet my dad, Bruce.”
I had a few blanks that needed filling in and turn to Rachel. She has waited for this day, the day I would realise that I had to let go of my little girl and say hello to a young adult.
“Contraception, but she’s only…”
“Bruce, she’s sixteen and how old was your first girlfriend?”
“Yeah but...”
My arguments are weak and uninformed.

I am wearing motorcycle leathers and preparing for a regular Saturday ride. Georgie is home, which is unusual these days, she eyes my preparation closely.
“Can I come?”
“Where’s David.”
“Away with his mates.”
“You will have to borrow your Mothers leathers, nice day for it though and Steve and Nigel are coming too.”
I’m surprisingly comfortable with my newfound reserve status.