In Control (HIATUS)

Ch 25: Happy Birthday

Ryker pov:

Things have been tense since we last saw my dad. Although we're somewhat happy we helped her escape, we're all still tense at what happened a couple months ago. I've been doing my best to help my mom and keep my sister distracted.

Arthur only intensified his training, I don't think he's the same after dad choked him out. Of course him and I both know that wasn't really her but it doesn't ease that pain of seeing her like that. There's even nights where I hear him crying and blaming himself. I usually sneak into his room and sit with him, letting him vent it out to me.

My sister was upset we didn't come back with dad but she understood. Now she's upset because her birthday is here and dad isn't. She's never missed any of our birthdays. So far she's already missed my brother's and mine, we're 16 now. It was weird to not have her there.

"Hey, you okay?" Lyla asked me. Looking at her I see a worried expression on her pretty face. Smiling at her I try to assure her I'm fine.

"Yeah, just thinking. Athena's sad that our dad's not here." I told her. Grabbing some plates and a cooler I have her follow me to the backyard.

"Jeez, that's gotta be rough on her." She grabbed some snacks and followed me. We're setting up her birthday party right now.

Looking around I see Athena and Hades playing together. I could tell my sister was upset but it seemed that Hades kept her pretty well distracted. Setting my things down I take the items from Lyla and spread them out to look nicer.

"Not much we can do." I shrugged, my hands tightening around the bag of chips in my hand. I pop it open and groan in frustration.

"I'm sorry Ryker." Lyla took the chips from me and poured them into a bowl before pressing a kiss to my cheek. I smiled despite the heartache I felt.

"It looks great, that's for helping sweetheart." My moms voice spoke up behind me. Turning around I see her calm and collected gaze, she's been so strong throughout all of this.

"H-hello Mrs. Whitlock. You look nice." I laughed a little and Lyla's reaction. She had a weird fear and intimidation thing about my mom.

"You can call me Amilia kiddo." She smiled and laughed at my girlfriend's reaction. I still can't get over that word, girlfriend. Lyla and I became official after the trip to see my dad. I thought life was too short to not take my chances with her.

"Right. H-how are things?" It made me giggle to see my normally calm girlfriend stressed out about nothing she needed to be stressed out with.

"As good as they can be. Excuse me for a moment- Damien put her down!" She moved past us with a shout. Looking behind we see my uncle holding Athena upside down by the the ankles over the pool with a smirk.

We laughed and went over to the fireplace area to sit down and relax. Everything was set up, we just needed to wait for the others to arrive. I vented to her a bit and she listened, holding my hand in hers gently. Sooner or later more and more people showed up to the party. My smile grew when I saw Artemis come over with her arm in a sling.

"Artemis! Are you sure you should be up?" I pulled her into a massive hug, relishing in the warmth she gave. She laughed and pat my back with a smile.

"Oh Mon Cher, I am perfectly fine. I just need to rest my arm and shoulder." She smiled at me. I felt bad because she took the worst of the fight with my dad. It was impressive but also scary, she nearly lost her arm because of it.