Protect

Chapter 6.

A soft knock raps against my door and by the smell, I know it's my mom. I slide out of bed and careful to not rustle Ebony, tiptoe to my door. As soon as it's open, my mom thrust a bowl of watermelon at my face.

"You do realize watermelon is mostly water right?" I ask her and she scowls at me.

"Then you make her something to eat," she grumbles and walks away.

I glance over my shoulder before shutting my door and following my mom. I end up passing her while walking down the stairs and she follows me to the kitchen.

"So, watcha gonna make her?" she smirks with a sarcastic tone to her voice.

I ignore her, but turn to the pantry and grab a can of noodle soup. I put it on the counter with slight force for emphasis. Then I grab a pot from one of the bottom cabinets and set it on the stove. I pull the lid off and dump the contents into the pot. I grab a wooden spoon from a hook over the stove and stir after turning the stove top to medium. When all of that is settled and boiling, I turn around and smirk at my mom. She rolls her eyes, but grabs a bowl and spoon for me.

"Thank you." I say and pour some of the soup into the bowl.

"Go bring that up to Ebony, I'll take care of the rest." Mom instructs me and I do as she says.

"Can you put the watermelon in the fridge, I'd like it cold for later." I requested and she nods her head while rolling her sleeves and tying up her hair.

I balance the bowl while walking up the steps. When I reach my room, Ebony is still asleep. So I set it down on the side table and gently wake her.

"Ebbs, Ebbs. I have food." I whisper in her ear and she swats at me.

I chuckle before leaning her little body forward. Her big eyes open which stare at me. A few incoherent mumbles source from her mouth. She opens her hands for to set the bowl in them. I gently do so. Ebony settles it in her lap before grasping the spoon. I watch her eat at a slow pace.

Returning her home, there was a group of police cars parked outside of Beta James's house. I cautiously brought Ebony inside. I hope this isn't about her.

Beta James squeezed Ebony's shoulders while talking to the authorities after she ran up to him. I sat down outside on the porch since it was too crowded inside. An hour passed before the police drove off. My dad stepped out the front door and sat down beside me on the step.

"I see you've acquainted yourself with Cullen's daughter." Dad says, slightly smirking.

I rub the back of my neck in nervousness. "Heh, I guess so."

"Oh really? Why are you hanging out with a girl instead of your friends?" Dad questions and I shrug my shoulders. "I heard about what happened at the park today." He brings up casually after I avoided his question.

"Oh... that. I can explain!" I say, scared that I disappointed him.

"I'm not mad at you, Gavin." He pauses for a moment. "Actually, I'm quite proud. Some of the parents told me about your speech. You're going to be a great leader one day." He congratulates with a pat on my back.

"Thank you, Dad. It means a lot to me." I reply, smiling, feeling relieved and proud.

"So, why are you still here and not at home?" He asks, changing the subject into small talk.

I'm at a lost of words to answer him. Honestly, I know why I'm here, but I don't think dad will understand. Or if he does, will he prevent me from seeing her?

Through my contemplation, Dad mutters, "To make sure she's safe, huh?" Exposed, I nod my head solemnly. "You think Cullen wouldn't tell me about your behavior towards Ebony? How you watch her? How, when she moves, you follow?" He takes a deep breath. His eyes hooded by the growling darkness and he haunches his head.

"Dad?" I question, hesitantly raising my hand towards him.

"Take a walk with me, son." He says, standing up and waiting for me to do the same.

I straighten my legs and when I do, I barely reach my Dad's elbows. My dad is very tall and I'm taller than the kids my age. Yet, I hesitate to leave, checking over my shoulder. I haven't seen if Ebony made it to bed safely. She's always stubbing her toe or needs to eat a late night snack, what if she's upset about the police and new smells?

"Gavin, she's fine. I was just in there, Shaila has her." Dad assures, but I can't make my feet move towards him.

"Can't I just talk to her real quick?" I ask for permission.

"Do what you need," he dismisses, chuckling under his breath, but in an concerned type of form.

"Thanks, I'll be right back." I excuse before dashing inside. I follow Ebony's scent to her room where she's sitting up in bed watching t.v..

"Gavin," she mumbles once I caught her attention.

I give her a hug goodnight, make her lay down, kiss her forehead, and whisper, "See you tomorrow, Ebbs."

I meet my dad outside and follow him down the road to our house. He sat his large, heavy hand on my head before ruffling my hair with a chuckle.