Daisy Penelope Bloom, a young American woman living in Liverpool, Britain, across from her best friend Melody Price. Mel's father, John Price, has been away on a year long mission. When he returns, he finds his daughter all grown up, and his daughte...
Melody yawns as she trudges downstairs, stopping short as she sees a lump, which is her father, lying on the couch. She tilts her head in confusion before walking over to him. "Dad? Why are you sleeping on the couch?" she whispers, not wanting to wake him up fully.
John stirs, rubbing the sleep from his eyes. "Oh, hey Mel. Daisy had a bit of a rough night, so I let her have my bed. Seemed like she needed it more than me." He gives her a tired smile.
And as if right on cue, Daisy comes fumbling down the steps, still wrapped up in a blanket burrito. She lands on the floor with a loud groan, "fuck my life."
Melody's eyes widen, and she giggles. "Someone had a wild night?" She asks, unable to keep the tease out of her voice.
Daisy glares at her, her hair a mess. "You know, Mel, I'm surprised you're up so early. Usually it's me that's up before the sun, making you breakfast."
John sits up, yawning. "What time is it?"
Melody checks her phone. "It's almost noon, actually. I figured you two would need your beauty sleep after...whatever happened last night."
"Not a damn thing, Melon," Daisy grumbles as she stays face first on the floor.
John looks over at Daisy, a look of concern crossing his features. "Are you okay?" He asks, his voice low.
She nods, not looking at him. "Yeah, I'm fine. Just tired and a lot embarrassed, that's all." She pushes herself up, the blanket falling off of her. "I should go home. I've already overstayed my welcome."
Melody rushes over to help her up. "Nonsense, Dais. You can stay for lunch, at least. I'm making grilled cheese sandwiches."
Daisy's stomach turns at the mention of food. "Thanks, but no thanks. I think I'll just go home and sleep some more. Maybe take a long bath and just forget about everything for a while. Hopefully I'll drown in the bubbles."
John stands up, stretching out his back. "I'll walk you home, Daisy. Make sure you get there okay." He grabs his shirt and throws it on, not bothering with the buttons. Daisy nods, not arguing with him. She's too tired to fight.
They make their way out of the house, the cool morning air a stark contrast to the warmth of John's bed she'd just left. The silence between them is deafening as they walk across the street, each lost in their own thoughts.
As Daisy and John approach her front door, Alex opens it with a worried expression that turns sour as he sees the older male.
"Alex? You were supposed to go home last time." Daisy tries to keep her voice steady, not ready for another confrontation.
Alex's eyes dart between Daisy and John, his jealousy flaring. "I came back early this morning to apologize... Seems you've been busy forgetting all about me." He takes a step closer, his tone accusatory.
"It's not like that, Alex, this is—"
John cuts her off, stepping in front of Daisy protectively. "I think it's best if you leave now, boy. Daisy's had a tough night, and she needs some space."
Alex's fists clench, his eyes narrowing. "And who the hell are you to tell me what she needs?"
John's jaw tenses. "Her friend's dad, for one. And someone who actually cares about her well-being, unlike you, apparently." The two men stand toe to toe, the air charged with tension.
"John, please don't—" Daisy's voice is a soft plea, but the tension in her body belies her words. She doesn't want to cause a scene, but she's also terrified of what Alex might do.
John's arms are tense at his sides, his posture a clear warning to stay back.
"Seriously, Daisy? We have one small disagreement and you go running to the older man across the street? How much of a slut can you be?" The venom in Alex's voice is palpable, and Daisy flinches.
John's eyes flare with anger, and he takes a step forward. "That's enough, kid. You don't get to talk to her like that. Ever." His voice is a low growl, his patience wearing thin.
Alex sneers, taking a step closer. "Or what, old man? You'll do what? You're just a washed-up soldier, living off your glory days. You think you can just waltz in here and take what's mine?" The challenge in his eyes is clear, and John's fists clench.
"Stop, just stop!" Daisy sobs, clearly overwhelmed and distressed. "Alex, get out of my house. Now!" She finds the strength to push past John and stands between the two men, her eyes flashing with anger and sadness.
Alex's eyes soften, seeing the pain in her expression. He takes a step back, his shoulders dropping. "Fine. I'll go. But we're not done, Daisy. Not by a long shot." With that, he pushes past both of them before storming off.
Daisy hiccups and wipes her tears as she walks through her front door. "Please go home, Captain." She whispers, her voice shaking.
John nods solemnly, placing a gentle hand on her shoulder. "Call me if you need anything, Daisy. I'm always here for you." He turns to leave, his eyes following the retreating figure of Alex. The door clicks shut behind him, and Daisy leans against it, her legs giving out. She slumps to the floor, feeling defeated.
The quietness of her house feels eerie, the echo of Alex's harsh words still resonating in her ears. She takes a deep breath, trying to calm herself down, but it's no use. The only thing she knows to do now is drown her sorrows in a bottle of liquor and do something stupid with her best friend.
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