It's Not a Side Effect of the Cocaine, I Am Thinking It Must Be Love

“Daddy!!!!” Phoenix screams as she runs into her father’s room and jumps on top of him. She starts jumping up and down on his bed to try to wake him up. Patrick wakes up and grabs her little legs and pulls her down to tickle her.

“Ahhh! The Tickle monster got you!” Patrick yells while laughing and tickling her. Phoenix’s shrill screams and giggles are like music to Patrick’s ears. She was his whole world now.

When he finally stops, she sits up and smiles broadly.

“Sing to me, Daddy! I love your voice.” She claims.

His eyes light up. “Sure, Nix. What song?”

“Can we do Thnks Fr Th Mmrs?” she asks quietly. It’s her favorite song.
“Sure thing, cutie.” He says with a wink.

I'm gonna make it bend and break,
(It sent you to me without wings),
Say a prayer, but let the good times roll,
In case God doesn't show,
(Let the good times roll, let the good times roll).
And I want these words to make things right,
But it's the wrongs that make the words come to life,
Who does he think he is?
If that's the worst you've got better put your fingers back to the keys.
One night and one more time,
Thanks for the memories,
Even though they weren't so great,
He, tastes like you, only sweeter.
One night, yeah, and one more time,
Thanks for the memories,
Thanks for the memories,
See, he, tastes like you, only sweeter.
I'm looking forward to the fuuuture,
But my eyesight is going bad.
And, this, crystal ball.
It's always cloudy except for, (except for),
When you look into the past, (look into the past),
Ooone night staaand,
One night stand.
One night and one more time,
Thanks for the memories,
Even though they weren't so great,
He, tastes like you, only sweeter.
One night yeah, and one more time
Thanks for the memories
Thanks for the memories
See, he, tastes like you only sweeter
They say I only think, in the form of
Crunching numbers, in hotel rooms
Collecting page six lovers
Get me out of my mind
Gets you out of those clothes
I'm a liner away, from
Getting you into the mood
One night and one more time
Thanks for the memories
Even though they weren't so great
He, tastes like you, only sweeter
One night yeah, and one more time
Thanks for the memories
Thanks for the memories
See, he, tastes like you only sweeter
One night and one more time
(One more night, one more time)
Thanks for the memories
Even though they weren't so great
He, tastes like you, only sweeter
One night yeah, and one more time
(One more night, one more time)
Thanks for the memories
Thanks for the memories
See, he, tastes like you, only sweeter

“Daddy, what are we doing today?” She asks once they finish the song.

“Well, Uncle Pete is coming over and we’re all going to hang out today.” Patrick tells his daughter, with a small smile playing on his lips.

When Pete comes over, they all head to the arcade room to play video games and dance and sing obnoxiously to their punk playlists.

“Daddy, I’m pooped. I’m just gonna go to bed. You and Uncle Pete can keep playing. Love you guys. Goodnight Daddy, Uncle Pete.” Phoenix kisses them both on the cheek and closes the door. She grabs the chair she pulled near the door, stood atop it and grabbed the key from above the door. She locked the arcade room door.

One thing Patrick always hated about his house was that the bonus rooms all locked from the outside, and he forgets to keep a spare key with him to unlock them.

“Phoenix! Why did you lock us in here?!” Patrick shouts out.

“You guys are staying in there until you tell each other what needs to be said. You both know what I’m talking about.” Phoenix takes out a book to read while she waits.

Inside the room, Pete pauses the game to ponder what Phoenix could mean.

“What could she mean, Trick?” Pete asks.

“Nix, what do you mean?” Patrick tries to ask.

“I told you both that you need to tell each other something. Figure it out.” Phoenix says mischievously.

“Oh.” Patrick says, frowning. “I know what she means.” He sighs out.

“What?” Pete questions.

“Look. I guess I have to tell you. I’ve always wanted to, but I’ve been too afraid.” Patrick tells him, looking at the floor.

“Trick, I’m so confused right now. Just tell me what’s going on.” Pete tries to reason.

“Pete, I’m in love with you. I have been for years. You’ve always been there for me. Through everything. Especially when SHE left me. You’ve helped me with Nix, and I can’t thank you enough. I just want to be with you but I understand if you’re majorly creeped out.” Patrick explains while he walks slowly over to the couch and hides his face.

“Patrick, are you kidding me? I’ve felt the same since I saw you. I love you too Trick!” Pete yells as he jumps on top of Patrick.

“Daddy! I heard him say he loves you too! Pete, does this mean you’re my new mommy?!” Phoenix cries out as she pounces onto them both.

Patrick’s face deadpans. “Phoenix, I told you-“

Pete cuts him off. “Sweetie, if that’s what you wanna call me, that’s fine.”

Phoenix clings to him. “I’ve always wanted my mommy back. Thank you. But I was kidding. I’ll call you Daddy Pete. I just know you and Daddy will be together forever! You guys are best friends forever! That’s how I know!”

Patrick looks at Pete, “Yeah. Best friends forever.”