the daughter - damon

kid

"I look after him, because his parents can't. His mum left, and his dad works hard. I'm happy to be able to do it. He's a very intelligent and funny child."
"You missed my lap dance for Si because of him."

That's my dad. Even if he would be about to kill himself, I'm sure he would find a good joke.
"Oh, you know, ...", I sighed. "If you keep making smutty comments, and if he keeps enjoying it, I'm sure you two are a thing."
"Well- it wouldn't bother me", he greatly smiled. "But I just feel so embarrassed now in front of him. All the time. He's just so- so intimidating."
"I felt that when I met him."
"Oh boy, I'll remember that moment my whole life. My little daughter meeting my boss. She almost fainted, I'll say this everywhere."
"You wouldn't even dare", I laughed, punching his arm with my small fist. "Well, now, I'm going to bed, I'm really tired."
"Oh, yes, looking after kids is REAAAAALLY tiring."
"You didn't even do anything", I joked.

He smiled, kissed my cheek, and I left.

The next day, my dad just woke me up, banging on my door.
"Mmhhh ?" I asked.
"Si is calling me ! What do I do ?!"
"Answer...", I turned my pillow to find the cold side.

Ten seconds after, I heard a sad knock, and a voice full of deception :
"It's for you..."
"For ME ?!" I almost screamed, jumping off the bed.

I brusquely opened my door, breathed a bit to calm myself, and confidently answered the phone :
"He- he- hello Sir- no Simon."

Fuck, I had stuttered.
"Hello Hope, I'm sorry to bother you that early, but I was wondering if I could let Eric at your place for this morning. I have an important and urgent meeting that wasn't even planned", he seemed annoyed.
"No, it won't bother me, of course not."
"Perfect, I'm here in ten minutes."
"Okay, but don't drive too-...", he had hung up.

I gave the phone to my dad, finishing my sentence in a murmur :
"Fast..."
"What did he say ?!"
"He's gonna drop Eric off. An urgent meeting or whatever."
"Goo- good."

We quickly got all dressed up, and heard the bell ring. Once, twice, thrice. I slowly opened the door.
"Oh, Hope, you can't imagine how happy I am that you're here. I know I can count on you, so if you wanna go to the park or just walk a bit outside, I don't mind."
"I'll ask him anyway", I said, looking at Eric who was hugging my legs.

He glanced at Eric for a second, then looked at me in my eyes, and sincerely said, once more :
"Thank you."
"I'm always happy to help", I smiled back.

He then hurriedly left. I spent the morning playing with Eric, reading him books, telling him stories, and observing his four-year-old boy manners. If I had gone to school, I would probably be studying kids and childhood. Round noon, I hadn't seen Cowell yet, nor my dad. I found some chicken nuggets in the freezer. I wondered for five big minutes which vegetables to pair them with. I finally opted for peas. I mashed them to an approximate paste, and hoped Eric wouldn't strangle with these.

He apparently liked that meal, because he ate it so quickly. I then mentally insulted myself for having forgotten the starches. Anyway, I then gave some chocolate to Eric, and he seemed to love it.

Finally, my dad got out of his room, right after the child had fallen asleep in a deep nap in m bedroom. He had obviously been crying, and maybe writing too.
"Is Eric still here ?"
"Yeah, he's getting some rest."
"Fine."

He sat on the couch, in the living room, whilst I served him some mashed peas and chicken nuggets. He definitely behaved like a kid sometimes. Someone then knocked on the door, after I had cleaned the kitchen. I opened it. It was Cowell.
"Hi Hope", he smiled.
"Hello Simon."
"Is Eric okay ?"
"He's taking a nap."
"I just-..."
"Come in. Do you want tea ? Coffee ?"
"Nothing, it's okay."

As I closed the door, he noticed my dad sat on the couch. He went to sit just next to him. They both acted like two teenage boys having the love of their life right beside them.
"I just wanted to thank you, first, and then, I would like to give you something."
"Oh no, I don't want anything."

Out of his right pocket, he took a cellphone and handed it to me.
"No, I can't accept this."
"You really should. There's already my number in it, in case Eric would need someone. David, are you okay with this present ? I mean, she's your daughter."
"Yeah, I was actually thinking about giving her one of these", he (fake) smiled.
"Also, are you free this afternoon ?" he asked me.
"Yeah, I think. Not tonight though."
"I- I was actually wondering if you could come at my home, because if you look after Eric, it's better-..."
"It's better for him to be in his comfort place. I do understand. Also, we'll let Dad alone. I think he needs to work on his mental health..."
"Okay...", Cowell grumbled as he stood up.
"Dad ?" we suddenly heard a little voice.

Eric had woken up, and was standing right in front of us.
"Baby !" Cowell kindly said. "Do we go ?" he then turned to me.
"Yeah- yeah..."

a/n : hello everyone !!!!
how are yall ??
thank you so so so so much for having read this chapter (shorter than usual, sorry for this)
have an amazing morning/afternoon/evening/night
az :)