"What were you thinking?" Luca asked, walking into Xerxes office unannounced. He wasn't upset but curious about something he had done. Although he needed to be more straightforward with his questions. X had done a lot in the last few days... months, to be exact, and had more to do before he could think about the vacation he had planned for the family. First, he had to get the gala out of the way, and there were a few more things besides that he had to do, but the list was too long.
"What exactly did I do?"
"Sister Ida, you got the woman to throw in her cloak. Father Thomas isn't too happy about it; he looked at that woman like his daughter, and Damya says he's not too happy she decided to get it up." He spoke as X sighed, shaking his head. He knew it was going to be an issue and planned to talk to Father Thomas before her house was ready, but other things got in the way. However, the man would live, and Ida didn't seem too happy being confined to the church. She didn't choose her life. He chose it for her.
"I thought it was time for the woman to venture out on her own. I could understand if she chose that life for herself Dad, but Father Thomas chose it for her. Plus, it's not like he is sticking to the script of being a holy man. Catholic priests aren't supposed to marry or have sex, but we both know he isn't sticking to that oath."
"That's something you must take up with him, and nothing about our family is sanctified. Help ones in need level us out. Ida was a young black girl living on the streets of Munich. Nazi territory, and you know how that would have gone if Father Thomas didn't take the girl in—"
"I understand, but at least the man can be happy. She has lived half her adult life following in his footsteps. It's time to let her fly on her own... plus, have you not seen the woman's daughter? She's another Yejide, and they get along perfectly. I'll talk to Father Thomas by the end of the day, but I could use your help at the moment." Luca let out a deep sigh, sitting in front of his desk. Without a word, the man reached over, grabbing a stack of papers. Quickly, he came to a halt, dropping everything he had as Xerxes stood swiftly.
"Dad—"
"I'm fine! I wasn't expecting to see your sister's picture on top. It's been three years since the last time I could hug, kiss her forehead, or tell her how much I love her. My last memory of her was a conversation we had the night before the gala. She was happy about trying for another baby and talking about making an album with Lola, but all I can remember is her smile. How bright her eyes were... her laugh I loved so much. The shit she and Eli used to do to get under my skin. I miss my baby... Yang Lee took her from me and almost took you."
Xerxes stood there staring at his father. He didn't know what to say or do. Truly, this was the first time Luca showed vulnerability in front of him. Normally, he would walk away to keep his children from seeing him cry or punch something. However, Xerxes have seen him emotional, but only when his mother was before him. So, slowly, X touched his father's shoulder as Luca quickly gripped his other hand, pulling him into a hug.
"I don't say this much, but I need to. You... my children, grandchildren, and your mother are my world— I lost two, but the rest of you aren't allowed to leave before I do. Purple, black, and silver."
"What?"
"The colors for the gala. Purple was your sister's favorite, and Ty liked anything silver. Black will level it out. Make sure to get their faces on a banner along with the pictures we will see on the stage. I want people to know how special my children was... are to me. Talk to Father Thomas and let him know this was Sister Ida's idea. I have to take my leave— I'm about to be tortured by your Aunt Nova, Violet, Giselle, and your mother-in-law. Pray I don't kill one of them." He said, causing Xerxes to laugh, hugging his father one last time before he left, leaving him to pick up his phone and text his siblings and Riley.
