Mount Asteria

Chapter Thirty Nine

It was nearly half-eleven by the time they got home. Alexandra, who began to shut-down normally at ten was struggling to stay awake.

Daniel yawned. "I'll order in something. What would you like?"

"Chinese."

"Indian."

"Chips."

In the end it was decided that pizza would be the best option.

"Sorry about ruining your dinner," Daniel said to Alexandra as he handed her a slice of pizza on a plate. "But I didn't have time to argue with Hestia. We were in a bit of a hurry, as you saw."

She smiled weakly. "Don't worry about it. I had fun."

Daniel sighed and began eating his slice of pizza, looking exhausted.

"How's your assignment going, then?"

"It's... challenging... but interesting. And – yeah, you'll enjoy it."

She narrowed her eyes. "You're not exactly selling it."

He chuckled. "You're right. Sorry, I suppose I'm just tired."

She nodded. "You look it."

"Oh, Dannyboy..." a high-pitched voice called out.

Daniel groaned as Alexandra laughed. "Is that Pierre?"

"Yes. He's such a -"

"Talking about me?" Pierre appeared, clad in superman pyjamas, leaning against the door frame. "Ooh! Pizza!"

He jumped on the open box.

"I like your pyjamas," Alexandra commented, eyeing the violently blue, yellow and red clothing.

"Thank you. They're my favourite ones," he replied in his lightly accented but otherwise perfect English.

"I thought you liked your Disney princess ones the best," Daniel cut-in.

Pierre rolled his eyes. "They're only for school term. Wouldn't want to make the girls jealous." He indicated towards Alexandra, who sniggered.

"Speaking of girls," Daniel said. "Where's Hestia got to?"

Pierre shrugged.

"I'll go see if she's nearly ready," Alexandra offered and scampered off. One boy she could deal with. Two were a bit intimidating.

She found Hestia sound asleep on her bed. Concealing a smile, Alexandra returned to the kitchen.

"Hestia's fallen asleep on her bed," she told the boys.

Daniel shook his head. "Poor thing. You must be exhausted too, Alexandra."

"Me? What about you? You're the one who's actually been doing something this whole time. We were just tagging along."

"Would you like any more pizza? If Pierre hasn't eaten it all."

Pierre looked up from his slice. "Hey! Normally in France we make time for meals. You English and Irish are happy just to eat a little here and there. Me, I need my proper dinner before bed."

"Whatever," Daniel said.

"Do you have any baguette or cheese?"

"Go find it yourself. Alexandra?" He offered her what was left of the pizza.

"No, thanks."

"Anything else? Toast? Biscuits? A cup of tea?"

"A cup of tea would be lovely, actually, before I go to bed. I can make it."

Alexandra moved towards the kettle but Daniel got their first and and began to fill it. Pierre emerged from a cupboard, munching on some crackers. He rolled his eyes. "Service here is much better for pretty girls, I see," he said between mouthfuls.

Daniel shot him a look of disdain. "Service is better for anyone who isn't you, Pierre...You can head up if you want," he said to Alexandra, "I'll bring it up to you."

"Honestly, I don't -"

"You're exhausted. Go on. I'll have it for you in a minute."

"He's such a charmer, isn't he?" Pierre's voice wafted up from the latest press his head was in.

She giggled but smiled sleepily. "Thanks, Daniel. I take it black. No sugar."