Dancing in the Dark ✓

19 | sasha

"You guys really didn't have to come again."

I stood at the door, reluctantly allowing Leilani to brush her way past me, with an apologetic Deandre and amused Theo following closely behind her.

"Nonsense," Leilani huffed. "Your dad works on the weekends. Knowing you, being home alone with Joshua would drive you up the walls." 

"Leilani jiějie?" Joshua squealed from the living room. 

"Joshy!" Leilani screeched back, the both of them leaping into a lung-crushing hug. 

Deandre winced and rubbed the back of his neck. "So sorry for just barging in." 

I sighed with a small smile. "Don't worry, Lei was right. I appreciate the company. Thanks for coming over on your day off." 

"This dude's gotta take more days off," Theo joked. "For someone being sought out for stunt roles..."

I gasped softly and turned to Deandre. "Congrats!"

He grinned. "Nothing set in stone yet, but after Lei's video reel of my stunts and racing went viral... yeah." 

Theo nudged him. "Who knows, the both of you might head to L.A after graduation together."

"Sasha jiějie!" Joshua called. "Can we go to the park?"

I frowned. "You just recovered --"

"Pretty please?" He pleaded, pulling some puppy-dog eyes. 

I hesitated, which caused Theo to guffaw and led me by the hand towards Joshua. "We're coming."

"Hold on," I tugged Theo's arm. "I've got to bring his water bottle and a towel too. And some medicine and wet wipes, just in case. Go grab your winter jackets, Joshua." 

"Yes, mom," Leilani and Joshua chorused, then burst into a fit of giggles. 

It was then I noticed how my hand was gently clasped in Theo's hand, and I embarrassedly slipped my hand back. "Give me a minute."

Unfortunately for me, Theo trailed me into the kitchen and watched as I filled up Joshua's empty bottle. After an awkward pause, he cleared his throat. "Maybe I could help with that, so you can grab Josh's medicine?"

My defence mechanism kicked in. "Really, don't worry, Theo. I've got it." 

"I know you do, but you don't have to do everything all the time, Sasha. Let me help, since I'm here. Please?"

I was prepared to fire back a retort, but one glance over my shoulder and catching his expression, softened my resolve. I groaned. "Alright, fine. What's up with me not holding my ground today?" 

I rummaged through the cupboards, expecting him to laugh my remark off, but when I straightened after finding Joshua's medicine, Theo was frowning at the water bottle. 

I snorted. "What's wrong?" 

He met my gaze and smiled bittersweetly. "You've got a towel for Josh yet?"

I stared at him for a moment longer -- he was usually honest about whatever was on his mind. "I'll go get it." 

Once we had packed the necessary things, we set off to the park, with Joshua and Leilani leading the way. Deandre and Theo hung back behind me, engaging in quiet chatter, overpowered by Joshua's comments on the bareness of the trees, and the blueness of the sky, and Leilani's equally enthusiastic responses. 

At one point, Joshua whirled around and stumbled. My heart leapt to my throat but I managed to catch his arm, and steadied him. 

He grinned sheepishly. "Thanks, jiějie."