Forever & Always

Chapter 29 : Athymy✔️

(n) - melancholy

Pronounced: a-thy-me

•Winter's pov•

After the argument downstairs, I went to the gym in the basement to blow off some steam before returning to my room for a shower and to start up a plan. Even though I was able to get most of my frustration out, I am still very irritated which is why my response to a knock on my bedroom door isn't exactly polite.

My father walks into my room and sits beside me on the bed. I don't say anything and neither does he. Even though he didn't actually say anything to support the conversation, he also didn't say anything to stop it. So I think I have a valid reason to be upset with him.

"You were right." He whispers.

"What?"

"You were - are right. Tobias was out of line. It was not his place to lecture you on something you're best at. I should have stopped him."

"...Why didn't you?"

"Because... I was scared. And thinking. I'll be honest, I wasn't exactly paying attention to the conversation until the moment I said his name. It wasn't even my idea to have that conversation with you. The only reason your brothers and I scolded you was because we were scared. We know how capable you are Winter. We know what you can do, we know that you're the best at what you do.

"But that doesn't stop a father from worrying his ass off when his kids go out onto a battlefield against an enemy that's just as powerful as them. Being a father means protecting your family. I already failed at that when I let your mother and grandmother get kidnapped. Not to mention that I already lost you once, and although it was my decision and I deeply regret it, do you really think I want to lose you again? You don't know how it feels to lose a child. And I hope you never do."

He finishes speaking and I just sit there thinking over his words. Even though the scolding and everything was unnecessary, I can understand where he's coming from. I get up from my place on my bed and hug him.

"It's ok, Bampás. I understand. But you also need to understand that I'm not a little girl anymore. I can take care of myself. You know this, Mamá knows this, my brothers know this. You've all seen what I can do, you know who I am and the things I am capable of. You don't need to worry. Not to mention, I'm not exactly alone on my missions anymore. I have a team who's got my back." I reassure him. He pulls back from the hug with a small smile on his face and kisses my head. After this conversation, I think everything's going to be ok.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I've just gotten out of my 5th period class, Music when I get a phone call. I look at the screen of my phone to see Alexander (third eldest) calling me. Since it's lunchtime, all the students are allowed to wander or leave the school for the time being. I walk out to the parking lot and get in my car so I can have privacy and no interruptions. "Hello?"

"Hey, Winter. Sorry to interrupt your day, but the others and I just wanted to confirm a few things."

"Alright. What's up?"

"You know who kidnapped Mamá, Bampás, and Nonna, right?"

"Yeah. I'll tell everyone about the information we gathered later today."

"Do you have a plan of action?"

"Not yet, but I will soon. I'll let you know when I do. Just make sure everyone is at Havoc's headquarters no later than 5:30."

"Got it. We'll see you then." He says and hangs up the phone. I put my phone away and decide to eat in my car since I'm already here. My lunch isn't anything too exciting, just a healthy wrap.