Viridescent Flares

21

"Shit. I never thought it'd be this cold in here," Lauren hissed, trying to keep herself warm by hugging herself as we waited for Daniel to pick us up.

It's past twelve and the sun is hot in the sky but not enough to fight the cold temperature in London.

"I told you to bring clothes against the cold," I said, pulling her closer by her waist as the other was holding the cart containing our suitcases. "We'll buy you some gloves later."

Apparently, she didn't have her own pair of gloves and I only have one and I would've gave it to her but she insisted for me to wear it instead. Now she has her hands under her arms, hoping that it would be protected from the cold. We all know it would be no help.

A black van pulled in front of us and Daniel got out from the driver's seat, welcoming us with a longing hug. "God, I missed you two too much. How are you doing?"

"Cold," Lauren replied shortly, Daniel catching up quickly and he helped me with our suitcases as I told Lauren to get in the van.

While loading our things, I noticed how tired Daniel looked. His eyes didn't spark the same way, his skin wasn't blooming anymore, and his stance wasn't bringing the same aura he had before. I felt bad for letting him take care of Dad when he's far from being his responsibility.

"How long have you been waiting?" Daniel asked once he's in the van, looking at us through the rear view mirror. He turned the heater on but Lauren still held on my hands. "I was preparing some food for you."

"You could've told us. We would've just taken a taxi," I said worriedly, knowing how busy the man was. "But enough with that issue—we're already here. How are you doing, Daniel?"

"Are you really asking about my condition when your father's worse than mine?" He joked, chuckling as he sped away.

"I know that he is, but I'm concerned about you, too, you know?"

"Well, I'm fine. I just didn't get enough sleep last night since Sir Darius and I nearly fought about his alcohol," he informed us. "I started keeping it on the basement but last night, he wanted the keys and I didn't want to give to him. I know it'll lead to nothing."

"What did he do?" I asked, seeing myself from Dad when I was broken back then.

"He went to the club instead." Daniel shrugged, keeping his eyes on the road. "I waited for him until he's home and now he's still sleeping in his room."

"Is Dad, you know, hurting you?"

"No. He knows me and I know myself that that's the last thing he wanted to do even if he's pushing everyone away. I understand him though. He only needs someone to be there even in his worst attitude and seeing that I owe your family my whole life, I'm more than willing to look out for him—just like he did when I was younger when Dad passed away."

"How about Mom? Did she hurt you, too?" I questioned, hearing the stories of how my mother have been to my siblings.