In this together

Chapter 14: Guests and Jobs

(Lucia's POV) 

A knock comes from the door as we all settle to eat. Willow annoyedly shuffles over to see who is disturbing our meal. As the door opens, it reveals a tall, slim figure, dressed in all black and dark glasses covering his eyes. I jump to my feet, knowing exactly who this guy is. I hold my hand out and start shaking my head. 

"Oh no, uh uh. Get out of here, you have no reason to be here." He stands in the doorway and Amelia slowly stands up. A small voice suddenly rings out. "Steve?" Amelia and I turn and see Amity standing in the middle of the room. Steve removes his glasses and gives a lopsided grin. 

"Surprise!" He makes little jazz hands as he steps inside. "I hope I'm not intruding." I step closer and glare at him. "Lucia," he nods "Long time since I've seen you... or should I say, kicked you out of the manor." I scoff and turn my shoulder.

"What are you doing here?" Amelia asks while holding onto my arm for stability. "Yea? Did big blight get all upset and send you to collect her and Amity? Cause that's not happening bud." He laughs at my comment and shakes his head while waving his hands. 

"What, do I look like a Border Collie to you? I came to check on the girls." He turns to Amity, "The twins told me what happened and I wanted to check on you." He looks between the blights, "Both of you. Alador is quite upset and has a few of us looking for you two. Fortunately, none of them know you as well as I do. I just wanted to make sure my girls were safe." He looks at me, "And seeing that they are with you puts my mind at ease and gives me peace." He gives me a somber look, to which I return. 

"Do you want to stay for breakfast?" He smiles and looks at the youngest Blight. Holding out his arms, he speaks as she gives him a tight hug. "As much as I want to, I can't. Your father has me watching the twins today." We all give him a confused look and Luz is the first to ask. "What do you mean, watching the twins?" He rubs the back of his neck and sighs. "After Amity and Amelia left, he grew furious because the twins refused to cooperate or give any clues as two where you two were. They also refused to reach out or contact you because they didn't want to risk him finding you. As a result, they are not allowed to go anywhere without one of us by their sides." Amity's face washes over with guilt and Luz runs her hand on her back. 

"This is all my fault." Steve looks at her and gets on his knee, "Amity listen to me, You have no control over anyone's actions. What the twins choose to do is on them just like it's on your father for what he has done. None of this is on you. You did what you had to do." Before either one could speak, his phone begins to ring, signaling that it was time for him to go. "I really am sorry I can't stay. I promise to try and visit." Everyone says their goodbyes and Amity sits at the table with Luz. I go to sit on the couch when he taps my should and motions for me to follow him outside. 

We walk in silence for a few seconds before we reach his car. He clears his throat and hands me a card. "I know you and I don't get along for past reasons but I trust you." My eyes widen at his words. I always thought he hated me and put on a show for Amelia. "I know you love her Noceda," I turn bright red and turn away but before I can defend myself he speaks. "Don't say I'm wrong, otherwise I wouldn't have had to kick you out so much. What I am saying is, I know you love her and you would do anything for her. You have shown that and I respect you. I have protected those girls for twenty-five years and I watched them grow up to be strong women, but know it's your turn. Please Lucia," He puts his hand on my shoulder and squeezes it, "Keep them safe for me." 

He holds a stern but caring look and I give him a nod. "I won't let anything happen to them, I promise." He nods and holds out his hand. I connect our hands and we shake them. "In case you need me, that's my card. Use it in case of an emergency, okay?" I nod and he sends me a quick salute. "I'll see you around trouble maker" I smirk at the old name and wave. As he backs out of the driveway, I head inside to find Luz sitting next to Amelia and the two knuckleheads washing dishes but Amity is nowhere to be found. I sit next to my sister and pull out my phone, checking the time.