The Walks of Life

Chapter Twenty-Four

A knock sounded at the monastery door. Haden looked up from his book and felt his heartbeat quicken. They hadn't heard from Veronica again in a week but every time someone knocked, he couldn't help but feel the butterflies begin to turn in his stomach.

"It's just the mailman," Lloyd said from his chair, as if sensing his sons nervousness.

"Oh."

"Haden, do you still have feelings for her?" Lloyd asked carefully.

"I-I don't think so," Haden stammered. "I-I'm sort of with Delilah now."

"Hmm, so I gathered," Lloyd shuddered remembering the night he caught them in bed. "I really wish you wouldn't do that here."

"I'm an adult, Dad," Haden groaned. His cheeks had turned bright red at the memory.

"Yes, but it is our home too," Lloyd grumbled picking up the newspaper he had been looking at and threw it at Haden. Haden smiled and smacked the paper away. "You didn't answer my question."

"How am I supposed to answer that? Of course I don't feel the same way anymore," Haden sighed. "That doesn't mean it doesn't hurt or still make me nervous."

"I get you," Lloyd nodded. "Haden, I know Delilah is here for protection but it's very obvious that she doesn't trust us. It makes me less inclined to protect her."

"Dad, you've always protected people regardless of their response," Haden admonished Lloyd.

"Eh, you're right," Lloyd sighed. "I'm just old and grumpy."

"You got that right," Haden smirked. Lloyd gave him a look and then laughed.

Another knock sounded at the door. This time both of them jumped to their feet. Haden took a deep breath and walked towards the hall. Lloyd put hand on a his shoulder stopping him.

"You don't have to," Lloyd said slowly. "She hurt you and you can forgive but that doesn't mean you have to let toxic people stay in your life."

"We were young, Dad," Haden shook his head. "Maybe she had grown up."

Haden walked towards the door leaving a sad and nervous Lloyd in the living room.

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Veronica looked around the monastery yard carefully. She had knocked but no one had come to the door yet. She couldn't help but feel a little miffed and the way she was being treated. She hardly thought she deserved it. She was about to knock again when the door opened. Veronica looked up into the green eyes of Haden.

"Veronica," Haden acknowledged her slowly. "You wanted to see Aiden."

"I did, but your father rather rudely turned me away last time," Veronica huffed. Haden narrowed his eyes at her but bit his tongue.

"You can see him briefly," Haden spoke evenly. Whatever he was feeling was hidden well.

"Why do you get to decide-" Veronica began but Haden cut her off quickly.

"You gave up all rights to him," Haden said sharply. "You're lucky I'm even letting you see him."

Veronica scrunched her face in annoyance but did not retort. Haden stepped to the side to allow her to enter. She tossed her head in annoyance as she passed. She walked towards the stairs but stopped when she realized she didn't know where to go. Haden walked past her without a word and led her to Garmadon's meditation room.

"Grandpa, can I have the room," Haden asked the aging Sensei. Garmadon lifted an eyebrow at him but exited the room anyway.

"Where is he?" Veronica asked sharply.