A CAST OF PAIN (Closed For Editing)

Chapter Thirty One

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"Dear, how are you doing?"

"Fine, Mum. How are you and Dad?"

"Good," was her simple reply.

Lawrence sighed, sitting up. Cody stood up too. David turned to look at him.

"I'm in need of some air," he announced to nobody in particular.

"Can't sleep?" Paul asked.

"Hmm." He hummed. "Wanna come?"

"Nah, too tired," Paul answered.

"Dave?"

Dave, engrossed in Joey, played quietly. "No thanks."

"He didn't bother Larry since he was on the phone.

"Okay, I'll be back."

"Don't take long."

"I won't, P. Stay back, Cody," he said softly. "It's past bedtime." He finished. Cody stamped his paws to protest.

"No, stay," his voice held finality, and the canine's ears went down slowly. Lawrence walked out, gently slamming the door.

"Jessie's not a baby, Mum. She can take care of herself."

"I know, but I'm sure you must bully her a lot there."

Paul groaned.

"Where is she, by the way?"

"In another room."

"Alright, but how's your holiday going? How's the family there?"

"Well, Mum, so far so good. And the family's great, very hospitable and kind."

"Paul cleared his throat and smiled.

"Don't let it get over your head, Paul," Larry whispered.

Paul cleared his throat.

"Who's that?"

"It's Paul, Mum. His head needs some puncturing."

"What? Why?"

Larry laughed. "Mum, calm down, he's okay."

"Then why does his head need puncturing?"

"Because, Mum, his head is swelling with pride. So, his head needs puncturing."

David gave a short laugh.

"Lanre, here you go again with your jokes. You had better apologize to him," she scolded.

"I will, Mum."

"Okay, glad you're okay."

"Yes, Mummy. But watch out, Mum, 'cause with the way they're spoiling us here, your son will be fresher by the time he's home."

"Alright dear, and my daughter too, okay?"

"Yeah, yeah, Mum," he rolled his eyes.

"Mum, Mum," he called suddenly.

"Yes?"

"You won't believe it."

"What?"

"Guess who Paul's sister-in-law is?

Paul had been listening quietly for a long time now. Larry had been his roommate in school. The loudmouth that he had been then had irritated him, as Paul had loved quiet places and quiet people too. But Larry had been the total opposite. He could say he was the most annoying person ever, but they had gotten closer over time. Larry turned out to not only be helpful but a good friend in terms of helping with certain fees and feeding when his uncle, who had raised him, wasn't willing to.