Seconds *COMPLETED*

Chapter 16

Daniel

"Tia, have you seen my wallet?" I asked, after searching all over myself and in my packed suitcase.

Silence.

I shut the suitcase. I was ready; all set to leave for San Diego. Alone.

I felt her presence on my right as she slipped my wallet into my pocket.

"Where was it? I was searching all over for it." I drew my wallet from my pocket, turning to face her. It was a brand new unfamiliar leather wallet. "What is this? Where's my old wallet?"

"Darien, it was so tattered. You've been using that forever. I told you to change it but you didn't. So I got you a new one."

"But it was a good one, Tia. It is all I need." I opened the new wallet to see all my cards, dollar notes and coins already inside. Where was that old paper? Did she throw it away from my old wallet?

"Isn't this new one good?" Tiara pouted.

"It's better than good, my love. It's perfect." I cupped her cheek with my right hand.

"That's better."

A small smile played at the corner of my lips while I checked the inside of my new wallet again. "Tia, did you transfer everything from my old wallet into this?"

"Everything that was in your old wallet is in your new one now." Tiara answered as she stepped away to check my packed suitcase.

"Fine." I slid my new wallet back into my pocket. So what if that old paper isn't with me from now? I don't need the memories of my lonely childhood anymore. "Alright, Tia, it's time for me to leave."

"Mmm." Tiara's gaze was fixed on my suitcase; she didn't want to look at me.

"I'll call and talk to you and our baby every night." I placed my arm across the back of her shoulders.

"Mmm." She leant her head against my chest; her gaze was still transfixed on my suitcase.

"You'll look after my baby, won't you?"

"Mmm."

My hand slid down from her shoulder to her waist. I could feel a movement and warmth against my palm, where a tiny heart was beating inside her womb. "You'll look after your Mommy, won't you?"

Tiara glanced at me through the corner of her eyes, with a frown.

"I was talking to my baby."

"Mmm." Her gaze shifted back to my suitcase.

"Tia, I have to go."

"Mmm."

I turned to go. She grabbed my wrist, stopping me in my tracks. I turned back to face her.

"You're going there for Rats, right?"

"Yes."

"Promise me something."

I raised my eyebrows, asking her with my eyes what it was.

"Promise me that no matter what happens, you won't let any harm come to your brother by your own hands."

"I promise, Tia." I folded her fingers in mine, sealing the promise. "You know I wouldn't want to hurt him."

"I know but I'm scared, Darien." Tiara stared straight into my eyes, squeezing my hand.

"Look, Tia, there's nothing to fear. I'm going there for his good."

"I don't think he might listen to you. Don't go, Darien."