𝙲𝚕𝚒𝚌𝚑𝚎̀ 𝚃𝚒𝚝𝚕𝚎 | John Price

Chapter Four

Daisy and Melody are goofing off upstairs, being their usual loud and obnoxious selves. Unbeknownst to them, John is fed up with the noise, unable to concentrate on the game he's watching. He marches up the stairs, ready to lay down the law, but when he opens Melody's door, he's met with a sight that stops him in his tracks.

Daisy is laid out on the windowsill, her legs propped up, a pair of shorts barely covering her assets, and a crop top riding up to show her midriff. Melody is doubled over in laughter, and when she sees her dad, she can't help but snicker.

"Oh, Captain Price, don't you know knocking is for the weak?" Daisy quips, popping a piece of gum in her mouth.

John's face reddens as he takes in the scene. "Could you two keep it down?" he grumbles, trying not to let his eyes linger on Daisy's exposed skin.

"We're just celebrating life, Captain!" Daisy says, waving her hand in the air.

Melody giggles, jumping onto the bed. "Yeah, Daisy had a particularly rough week with Alex, so we're just letting loose a bit. You know, the usual girl stuff."

John nods, feeling more out of place than ever. "I'll be downstairs if you need anything," he says, backing out of the room.

"Yes sir~" Daisy purrs and giggles as she plays on her phone.

Melody watches her dad leave with a knowing smile. "You know, Daisy, I think my father has a bit of a crush on you too," she whispers, nudging her friend playfully.

Daisy's eyes widen. "What? No way!" But Melody's smug look tells her she's not entirely joking.

"You've changed, Ms Bloom. You're not just my little buddy anymore. You're a woman, and my father is not blind. Plus, you've been throwing yourself at him with those puppy dog eyes since he came home."

Daisy's cheeks burn. "I have not!" Melody laughs. "Okay, okay, maybe just a little bit. But it's harmless!"

The conversation is cut short when Alex, Daisy's boyfriend, calls her phone. She looks at the screen, dread washing over her. He's been distant since she told him about John's return, and she suspects he's jealous. "I should take this," she says, sliding off the windowsill and walking into the hallway for some privacy.

The conversation is strained, with Alex asking if she's missed him and if she's had fun without him. Daisy tries to reassure him, but the call only makes her feel more conflicted about her growing feelings for John.

"Alex, I'm hanging out with Mel. Aren't you still at work? You shouldn't chance getting in trouble just to call me." Daisy tries to keep her voice light, her heart racing. She didn't expect this call, especially after their last argument about John. She can hear the clinking of glasses and muffled conversations in the background, confirming he's not at work.

"Just wanted to check on my girl. You know how much I miss you." His voice is thick with something she can't quite place. Jealousy? Insecurity?

Daisy glances between Mel's door and the staircase, hoping neither John nor Melody will interrupt. "Alex, where are you? Please tell me you're not at the bar again..."

Her words are met with a defensive silence before Alex sighs heavily. "Look, Daisy, I know I've messed up, but I'm trying here. Can't you just tell me you miss me too?" His vulnerability hits her like a ton of bricks. She does miss him, but her feelings for John are becoming a heavy weight she can't ignore.

She takes a deep breath, trying to find the right words. "Of course, I miss you. But I think we need to talk about what's going on. This isn't healthy for either of us."

The line goes quiet for a beat before Alex speaks again, his tone now cool and distant. "Maybe you're right. But not now. I'll call you tomorrow, okay?" And with that, he hangs up.

"Damnit!" Daisy throws her phone against the wall before pacing back and forth. The plaster cracks, leaving a small hole, but she's too upset to care. She leans against the wall, trying to catch her breath, her eyes welling up with unshed tears. "Damnit..." she whispers again, the weight of her emotions pressing down on her.

Melody pokes her head out of her room, curiosity piqued by the sudden silence. "Everything okay, Dais?" she asks tentatively.

Daisy turns to her, a sad smile playing on her lips. "No, everything's not okay. Alex is..." She trails off, not sure how to explain the mess she's in.

Melody's eyes widen in understanding. "Oh, honey," she says, crossing the hall to wrap her arms around her friend. "Come on, let's talk about it."

"I can't, Mel, I—" her voice catches in her throat as John comes up the stairs, his eyes immediately drawn to the tension in the hallway.

John takes in the scene, the crack in the plaster, Daisy's tear-stained cheeks, and Melody's concerned expression. He knows something's wrong, but he's not sure if it's his place to ask. "Is everything alright?" he inquires, his voice gentle despite the irritation he'd felt just moments before.

Daisy wipes at her eyes, trying to compose herself. "It's nothing, Captain. Just girl problems." She forces a laugh, hoping to lighten the mood. But the look on John's face tells her he's not buying it. "I- I'll fix the wall..." she mutters, moving to leave.

John steps forward, blocking her path. "Daisy, if you need to talk..." he starts, his hand reaching out to her.

She looks up at him, her eyes searching his. For a moment, she considers confiding in him, but she shakes her head. "Thanks, but it's personal. I'll deal with it." She gives him a small, sad smile before retreating to Melody's room, shutting the door behind her.

John sighs, running a hand through his hair. He knows he can't force her to open up, but the urge to help her is overwhelming. He decides to give her space for now, hoping she'll come to him when she's ready.

"Give her time, dad. She's going through a lot." Melody smiles softly before slipping into her room to comfort her best friend.

John glances at the wall and Daisy's cracked phone before heading back downstairs with a frustrated frown. From laughing to crying within a span of twenty minutes. What's next?