Survival Under Protection - Book Two (Sequel)

41- Fear

SEDONA (Derrick's place)

EVELYN's POV:

"Sam and Bolt are here with me, Zane. You don't worry about a thing here. All you need to do is be honest to the task for which you are leaving Sedona, and going to Beaufort." Libby cooed to Zane as she held both their hands.

"But what about father? It's more than a week that he showed any movements at all. And he still needs oxygen and life support! What if there is another attack here in our absence?" Zane spoke in distress, and these were such rare moments that I found him so vulnerable. He was fine since last 2 days, even completing the work related to our business that Bolt and Sam were supposed to do. I guess he was way more connected to our father and I was.

It was 2'o clock in the afternoon and my brothers and I were ready with our luggage.

We all were standing in father's room, giving him a goodbye. It had been 9 days since he had been in the coma. And even though the doctors were treating him round the clock, they showed no hope.

Libby pulled the boys in her hug and she looked tiny between the big boys, and yet she seemed so tough. I had always seen her tough and strong. But I had rarely seen Zane and Ried, this emotional and quiet, specially, Zane.

Even though he knew about leaving Sedona since last 3 days, he was having a meltdown now. Interestingly, he wasn't vulnerable infront of anyone but Libby. After all she was like a mother to them, I mean us.

I often forget that I too am a part of this crazy family.

"Brother, I have packed the clothes for both of us, including your favorite shirts, watches, and shoes. I hope I am not missing anything. I know you didn't have the time for that while you went to meet all our partners and a handful of loyal investors left, in the morning." Ried said to Zane, as they pulled back, with his hand on his shoulder.

And where was I? I was still standing near the room's door, feeling reluctant to step inside father's room. Reason? I rarely felt close to my father. His presence made me alert and timid. And even though I didn't want him to get ill like this, no one can deny that my words got him to this state. So I felt comfortable standing away from him.

Sometimes I envied my brothers. They cared so much for each other, like best friends. Also, they were so close to father, Sam, Bolt, and Libby. They even shared their tender age with our mother. But I was always like an outsider in this family. I wonder why.

Because it's natural and normal for the girls to be distant from their father and brothers, idiot!

It's funny how my inner thought scolded me. I sighed to myself. Maybe I am expecting too much of love and attention from my family, a broken family.

"What are you thinking, young lady?" The call-out from Libby broke my train of thoughts. I shook my head in denial as Libby drew out her hands for me.

I walked to her, and she pulled me in her arms, "call me from there, ok? You will be safe in Beaufort, my child. Your brothers are there with you."

Libby's last sentence made me smirk, and she might also have got a hint, as she turned to the boys, "you have to take care of her, no matter what. It's an unknown place, new people, and she needs you now the most... I am talking specially to you, Zane, do you hear me? Both of them are your responsibility now."

Zane looked at me and then scoffed at Libby, "Ofcourse I hear you, Libby. But I think our sister is quite used to staying in an unknown place, and new people. So much that she averts her own family. I am sure she will be better than fine there."