Growing Up and Other Tall Tales

Chapter 72

I don't know if it is good if Katherine Mc. Clain shows up at your front door.

Her dirty blond hair is a rumpled mess that falls around her ears, her makeup is barely there and she reeks of long hours at work. She pushes her way through the door with a hello and I let her brush past me because I myself, didn't have the best day at work and if random strangers are to barge into my living room, then who am I to deny them and their purpose in the universe. Behind me, Loki starts barking. I hush him. Following Kathy, is a much better sight for sore eyes: Hye-Rin stands outside the door (and does not Onc the Caveman her way into my place) and smiles at me.

"Hello, Aiden. Do you mind if we come in for a little? We all just miss Lyra." She says softly holding out her hand peacefully and I open the door wider

"You can come whenever you want," I take the hand she offers and she squeezes mine before pulling me close for a small embrace. I place my other hand on the small of her back and then immediately winced when I feel a sharp jab at my shins. I look over Hye-Rin's shoulder at Diana's stormy face.

"I didn't say you could," I tell her when Hye-Rin follows Kathy into the living room

"Quit flirting with my girlfriend," she hisses and I roll my eyes shutting the door behind her

"Not my fault she's out of your league," I mumble under my breath and she decks me over the head for being a little fucking brat

I walk with Diana to the living room where Kathy is sitting with her legs crossed on the couch and a bag of Doritos opened in her lap. Hye-Rin sits at the edge of the couch looking at her friend reproachfully. Loki likes her, because who doesn't.

"As much as I am delighted to have you all here—" Diana snorts and I glare her into being polite before continuing, "Lyra isn't here. Nick is bringing her over, after a party or something."

"We didn't come to see her," Kathy coughs out through a mouthful and then sheepishly gestures at the fridge. I look on unimpressed. She opens her mouth again and Diana cuts in.

"Before she chokes on America's staple diet," she rounds up on me, "I came to say that we are here to talk to you."

I raise my eyebrows and brushed away some of the documents I had been working on clearing space on which I could sit in for my interrogation to begin.

Hye-Rin starts off gently, "It's not an interrogation, don't worry about it. We just wanted to ask you how she's doing."

I narrow my eyes at her. "I think that's a question for her."

"If she answers it honestly," Kathy scoffs, her mouth full

Hye-Rin looks at me pleadingly and I concede. "She's getting better."

"Is she still having nightmares?"

"Not as often but—"

"Is she eating alright?"

"I mean—"

"What about fluids? She needs to stay hydrated."

"Uh..."

A familiar ding echoes across the living room effectively shutting the three girls up and letting me breath. They step away from me and arrange themselves fast into more demure positions that do not replicate harpies zoning in one the weak, defenseless prey that is I. Loki sits up, excited, and then lets out a triumphant bark before running into the dark. There is a familiar gasp followed by a delightfully familiar laugh.

"Lyra." I try not to sound too happy as she walks into the living room looking around nervously

"Is this an interrogation?" she asks carefully when she sees me