The Deep Dark Stone Path

Chapter 21 - *James*

I wake up on the porch swing cold, in the dark, and alone. After my disappointment fades, I wonder where Dalilah is.  Then I hear a crash and people yelling. I go into the house and see Dalilah on the floor, a broken vase next to her, blood on her arm, and her sister, Audrey, with a very mad and shocked look on her face. I rush to Dalilah and help her up. "Are you okay?" I question. She nods and shoots Audrey a look. I take Dalilah upstairs and clean up her arm. I help her into bed and when she tries to tell me about the argument, I shush her. "Get some sleep. You can tell me tomorrow." I say, cooing her to sleep. She falls asleep in minutes. I go downstairs to find Audrey picking up the broken glass. She stops when I say, "So, what happened?" She glares at me before replying. "We got in an argument." She states flatly. I rub my head. "What was the argument about, Audrey?" She grunts and says, "Dalilah came in from outside and asked where dad was. I told her he was at work and wouldn't be home till late. Then we were washing dishes together and she said I was doing it wrong and I said that she was doing it wrong and then she went to walk off when I tossed her the cup to dry and it hit her, she fell, and got hurt." I had no indication of whether she was telling the truth or lying. I nod and help her clean up the mess. When we are done I go upstairs and get in the shower. Right as I put shampoo in my hair, someone comes in. "Damian? Austin?" I say, trying to figure out who is there. I look outside the curtain and see nothing. I finish showering and get out. I wrap a towel around my waist and head to my room. While I'm walking to my door, I feel like someone is watching me. I turn around and see a shadow move around the corner. I am about to see who it is, when Dalilah pops her head out of her room and says, "You may want to put clothes on before my dad sees you." I blush and go in my room. I put my clothes on and go into Dalilahs room. She is laying in bed watching a movie. Her whole face lights up when she sees me come in. I smile and sit down next to her. We watch tv in silence, before she goes back to bed. I kiss her forehead and go to check on her siblings and they are all asleep. I turn to go back to my room when Mr. Daniels stops me. "Hey, kiddo. Can I talk to you for a second?" I nod and follow him to his room. He motions for me to sit down next to him and the he clears his throat. "I have two things to say. I want you and Dalilah to act appropriate, you know what I mean. Also, I was wanting to know your family situation, if it's not to personal, James."