Needed You

Chapter Four

Levi: Where are you?

I rub a hand down my face. I bailed on him again. He'd invited me over for dinner, prepared to reintroduce me to his family as a friend, and I had every intention of going, even if it meant seeing Austin again. He deserved it - all week, he'd taken me out for lunch, or brought it to me, even met me on the Wednesday night after I finished so we we could walk aimlessly and talk. He's been so kind, and frankly, it feels nice to have a friend. It feels good to have a reason to smile.

So I had planned to go - had even brought my makeup in my car so I could top up before I went over - but then I got a message from Addison, saying my dad had gotten home early, and sent her home.

She knows to let me know. Doesn't know why she must, but she texts me every update, every day.

Of course, I panicked and rushed home. Forgot all about going to Levi's, because I couldn't think of anything else but Freya being alone with him.

She was fine, playing in her room. He was in an unusual good mood, which I didn't trust. I told him I was taking her to the park, because I couldn't stand to be in the house with him any longer than was absolutely necessary. An hour and half later, Levi reminds me of the promise I made.

Felicity: Sorry. Sitter bailed. At park with Freya. Reschedule?

She smiles at me from the climbing frame when I look up. I return it as she spins down the fireman's pole, brushing off her hands before running around to do it again. She'll want to go home soon. She hasn't eaten.

Levi: Bring her. We'll have plenty food for her.

Levi: Besides, Austin's always way more polite in front of kids.

Felicity: I hope you're not expecting me to take his behaviour in front of Jas as an example?

Freya approaches me, somewhat out of breath.

"Can we go? I'm starting to get cold." I chew on my lip, anxious of my next words.

"Will you come to my friends with me for dinner?"

*****

Despite their difference in age, Jasmine is over the moon to have company in Freya. She's found all of her dolls that she 'got rid of' and the girls are playing in the living room like best friends. It makes me wonder if Jas has any friends her own age - there aren't many girls in her year at school, and most of them are Eastbridge kids, so by their parents indoctrination, they'll avoid her like the plague. More so since she's a Keren, and that name has a rather notorious reputation.

Freya enjoys anybody's company. Besides, she's use to spending most of her time with people older than her. Between me and Addison, she doesn't really associate with anyone who isn't classed as an adult.

I've watched them all night, giggling together. Playing hairdressers - Freya has never sat that still for me to do her hair - give makeovers - Freya thought it was delightful how Jacques and Jas fought when she approached him with lipstick - and just be little girls. Enjoy themselves.

They broke away for food, and true to Levi's word, in front of my sister, Austin hasn't said a single thing to me. Looked at me, sure, and too often and too long for it to be innocent, but that's the extent of it. Jacques is much the same, and frankly, I'm content with that. I'd rather they didn't speak to me. This is just fine.

"How are your ribs?" Levi asks as he sits beside me.

"Getting better. Another week, I think, and they'll be fine."

"You'll have to try a bit harder not to fall down any stairs." I hum, smiling at him.

"We've reached an understanding. Won't happen again." Of course, it will, but I'll do a better job at hiding it next time.