Drive [h.f-t. & j.l.] (COMPLETED)

Chapter 28 - State Of Mind

state of mind - the faim
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josephine's pov

My heart is beating fast as I look at my dad, a thousand emotions flickering over his tired face. He blinks a few times before finally opening his mouth.

"Josephine... you're home." He says quietly. I stand awkwardly on the doorstep of my home. The sky is just beginning to lighten before sunrise. Dad looks like he hasn't slept in weeks. My dad swallows hard, trying to compose himself. "Are you... okay?" He asks, and I feel a small wave of relief that he's not yelling at e. Well, at least not right away. I slowly shake my head.

"No. We're not okay." I say, and my dad frowns as he takes in my words.

"We?" He asks, and just then, Hero steps forward out of the shadows.

"Morning, Detective." He says, and Dad immediately tenses, his eyes getting colder. Before he can say something, I step in.

"He's with me." I say quickly, making my dad focus his eyes back on me.

"I can see that." He says, and I almost wine at the tone in his voice.

"Can we... can we talk?" Dad hesitates a bit, but his eyes soften when he takes in my state, wild hair and desperation in my eyes. Finally, he steps back, allowing me and Hero entry. We follow Dad into the kitchen. It's strange being back. I haven't been gone for that long, but it feels like a lifetime ago. Dad stands with his hands on his hips, facing away from me. The quiet seems interminable.

"I'm... glad you're back, Josie." He says quietly, and I step towards him.

"I've missed you so much. I've really been... wanting to see you." I admit, meaning every word, and I can see my dad's shoulders drop before he finally turns back to face me.

"Oh, Josephine. You could've come to see me." He says, and at the sight of the sadness caused by me, in his eyes, I had to avoid his gaze, dropping it to the floor.

"After what you said last time, I wasn't sure you'd let me in." I admit quietly, and suddenly hands were placed on my shoulders, and I looked up.

"I was sure." He says, a small smile twitching on his lips. "If it took thirty years, I'd have waited for you to come home. I never gave up on you. I need you to know that. I was afraid of pushing you away more, but I kept in touch with your teachers. I... even drove by Priyas house a few times, hoping to talk to you... but I didn't have the guts. I didn't think I could see that look in your eyes again." He says, and I feel my throat tighten, my eyes burning.

"Dad..."

"I was there last night too." He continues. "I was about to walk up when a car drove up, and I saw him." Dad gestures angrily at Hero, stepping away from me. "The look on your face when you saw him... I'd never see you so happy. You never looked that happy around here." My dad looks down, shaking his head. "I should've guessed he was one of them." I hesitate, unsure about how to introduce him. Hero steps forward, offering a handshake.

"Hero." He simply says, and Dad shoves Hero's hand away.

"How dare you show your face in my house! After all you've done! The danger you put her in!" He jabs a finger in my direction, and I wince. "I'll have you and that whole crew of yours locked up!" He says loudly, almost shouts, but Hero just raises one eyebrow, not intimidated at all.

"Oh yeah? You haven't had much luck so far." He says, and I close my eyes for a moment, shaking my head.

"Try me, kid. With one call, I can have a hundred cops here in a minute!" At this, Hero scoffs.