DNA

Chapter Five

A couple days passed since the man entered the house. It was September 30th. Kiki's birthday had arrived.
Lilium knew the girl was now twelve but she seemed so much younger than that. She was small like Lilium so she looked about ten.
Veta went out and bought the child a birthday cake while Akira decorated. Lilium waited while Kiki got ready for school.
"Mom, the party is tonight at six, right?" Kiki asked, running into the room.
"Yes, my girl. Go have fun in school with your friends."
Kiki left five minutes later. Lilium looked around at the decorations. She then began to think about what school was like.
"Akira?" She looked up to her step mother.
"Yes, dear?" Came her reply as Akira turned to face the younger girl.
"What is school like? I've only ever been tutored by dad and another guy. Is it fun?"
"Oh, yes, very fun. You make new friends and get to read exciting books." Akira smiled brightly at Lilium who returned the smile.
"Books? Do you like to read as well, Akira?"
"Of course, darling! It's fun."
The two spent the morning eating muffins and decorating as they talked about school and books they read in the past.
The back door creaked. Akira and Lilium jumped, scared stiff. Who was at the back door? Why didn't they lock it? Why did they hear footsteps?
The two clung to each other as they waited for the footsteps to grow closer. Was this the man again? What would their fate be? The suspense was killing them. They barely even breathed.
Soon enough, a man came into the living room. Akira and Lilium screamed. He was covered in black. The man jumped and took off his hat and unzipped his jacket.
"You two, it's just me!" The man said as he revealed himself to be Veta.
Akira sighed and Lilium took in deep breaths.
"You scared the living daylights out of us," Akira inquired as she crossed her arms.
"Sorry, love," he paused to kiss her quickly before going on, "you two want to see the cake?"
He lead them to the kitchen. On the island was a big cake with teal and black decorations. There was lettering that spelt, "Happy 12th Birthday Kiki!"
Lilium smiled.
"Cake..."
Being in a lab her whole life Lilium never had sweets. She only got cake a couple times on her birthday. That was August 23rd.
Lilium wanted Kiki to come home but she wouldn't be back for three hours. The clock only read twelve noon.
Lilium sighed and sat at the island.
"Bored?" Veta asked her as he put the cake in the fridge.
"Can I go somewhere, dad?"
"Where, hon? Be specific. You can't go wandering on your own unless it's safe," Veta exclaimed.
"Oh. Well... school. I'm not normal, I know that. But don't you think even a freak like me needs friends?"
It came out depressing but Lilium wanted this more than anything.
"Lil, you're not a freak. My children are perfect. School? Hmm... would that make you happy, my child?" Veta thought out loud.
"Very happy."
Veta looked at Akira who smiled at him and nodded.
"I'll email my friend. He's the principal at Hadverse High. You can start your Freshman year."
Lilium jumped up and hugged her father and then ran to the study. She spent the day researching what you need for school.
Kiki came home at three as planned. They all waited until her friends arrived three hours later. The party was fun and Lilium even liked the children. They ranged from ten to twelve so it's not like they were really little.
The cake was a thick chocolate cake with creamy vanilla filling. The icing was amazing and melted in your mouth. Lilium couldn't get enough of it and eventually ate four pieces.
The night ended and the younger girls ran into Kiki's room for a sleepover.
Veta, Akira and Lilium sat in the living room watching the television.
Lilium was laughing at the movie until she felt something. A slight discomfort in her stomach turned to a moderate pain in a couple minutes. Lilium let out a small whine of pain and Veta turned to face her.
"What is it?" He asked her.
She wrapped her arms around her abdomen and crawled to the couch. She fell beside Veta and whispered, "my stomach hurts."
"You ate too much cake, Lilium. Come on, let's go get you some medication. You can take it and I'll put you to bed. Tomorrow if you feel better we can go shopping before your sister's open house as school."
Lilium followed Veta and took her medicine. He tucked her into bed.
"Goodnight, Lilium."
Lilium decided she could say something to him that she could never say before.
"Dad?" She began.
"Yes, my child?"
"Dad... I love you."
Veta seemed shocked and smiled happily.
"I love you too."