Midnight doesn't last forever. [slow updates]

• Chapter 17.

-Erica-

“Good morning daddy.” I squealed, placing a light kiss on my father’s forehead. The happiness I was feeling was just hard to put down in words. He smiled back at me and then shifted his eyes to have a long look at Tyler. Tyler was a photocopy of my dad, the same blue eyes, blonde hair with darker streaks of brown and that heart melting smile.

“Daddy.” Tyler pulled dad in a hug. “How are you feeling?” He asked. Instead of saying something, dad just nodded. When we had talked to the doctor this morning about dad’s health, he had said that he would have some trouble in speaking for a little while because he didn’t have much energy left in him and that is why he was kept on a 24x7 glucose drip.

The door opened with its signature creak, sending an uncomfortable shiver down my spine. We all faced the door to see mom, Frank and Harry. Mom and Frank were holding hands while Harry was standing behind them with the widest grin that reached his eyes. I looked to dad and saw his smile falter on seeing mom. It seemed like his memories came flooding back. The ugly and good memories, altogether.

While mom and Frank didn’t move from where they were stood, Harry took the chance to nudge Frank a little and move past the couple. He took dad in a hug as well, and sat on the stool by the bed, meanwhile the lovey dovey couple went outside.

“I got this for you John.” Harry said showing the bouquet he had got. Dad gave a genuine smile and nodded, placing a hand on Harry’s. He then mouthed a thank you and looked between me and Tyler. Clearly he was thanking Harry for taking care of both of us. Harry blushed and nodded back.

“I will be back.” I smiled and went outside to make a call; instead I was greeted by a fuming Frank and an embarrassed mom.

“What’s going on here?” I inquired.

“N-nothing.” Mom stuttered and I raised an eyebrow at Frank, tapping my foot impatiently.

“It’s none of your business Erica.” Frank said getting irritated.

“Heck yes it is dude, this woman getting embarrassed here is my mother and you are stranger to me so yes it is my bloody business.” I said losing my temper. Frank was taken aback by this kind of response and for a second even I couldn’t believe that I had said all that. Maybe this new found courage was because I had my father back with me, and also I had Zayn.

“What’s with all the commotion?” Harry came outside, closing the door behind him.

“Even I am very curious to know.” I said eyeing Frank.

“It’s nothing, just leave us the f-ck alone.” Frank yelled.

“No one talks to my girl like that.” Out of nowhere Zayn appeared and grabbed Frank from his collar. Oh my God. I clasped my mouth with both of my hands and looked at Harry with a pleading look.

“Zayn, stop!” Harry piped in; trying to back him off and Zayn did as said. Mom stood there with her eyes fixed to the ground, I wonder what Frank had done to her. She didn’t even speak without Frank’s permission.

“Now Frank, tell me what’s up or you’ll see the wrath of me.” Harry said, his eyes turning red. Oh God, these boys and their hormones.

“Stop it all of you.” All of a sudden mom shouted, “Zayn and Harry, you are no one to interfere in our matter and Erica, as far as you are concerned, you’re not family anymore.” I was shocked to hear this from her. Frank was smirking and I wished to slap that smirk off his face.

“I’m not family anymore? Mom, or should I say Christina Burke, you are not family anymore so you and your dog doesn’t have any right to visit my father.” I yelled, tears falling from my eyes. Zayn held me from my shoulders while Harry just shook his head.