The Deal

13- Chocolate Cake

Neil looked over at his phone when it rang. Lauran, his sister, was calling on face time. He looked back at the two who were sleeping beside him before getting up and reaching for the phone.

"Hey," he answered.

"Hey. I saw your snap, what happened?" On the screen he could see her stuff a spoon full of food in her mouth.

"Nothing... Why would something be wrong?" he asked, forgetting what he had uploaded.

"Because you said you were looking after two sick people. What's wrong with Lara?"

"She says she's got a headache. I think it's the whole not wearing glasses thing."

"And your girlfriend?" Neil lay back down on the bed, dropping his free hand onto JJ's waist.

"Ear infection." Lauran winced. "I know. She was crying before and I felt so bad because I couldn't do anything." She shrugged her shoulders.

"It is what it is, Neil. There's only so much you can do. I remember when I had it last year. Absolutely killed me. I had it in both and I just remember not finding a comfortable position and I kept Kevin in bed all weekend while I cried and he just held me because he couldn't do anything. It's not much but having someone there to hold makes things better." Neil sighed. "Which brings me to my next point. Why are you not holding your daughter?"

"Beats me. They have this weird bond. And plus Lara wanted to cuddle with JJ because apparently she's more comfortable. I say its the boobs." Lauran laughed as she looked at her brothers confused face.

"She's really pretty though."

"What?"

"Your girlfriend. She's really pretty. Like really pretty. How the hell did you manage to get her? Obviously not from your looks you fat shit."

"Hey I had abs before," he mumbled. JJ groaned beside him. He looked down at her and watched as she raised a hand to her ear. "Jay..."

"Hmm?" She groaned again and slowly turned around, tears in her eyes.

"It's okay, honey, I got you." He gently pulled her to his chest and she wrapped her arms around him tightly. Leaning down he kissed the top of her head. "I got you," he whispered. He looked back at the phone screen. "Is it okay if I call you back later. I'll just-"

"It's okay, Neil. You talk," JJ whispered. "Is it almost eight yet? Need to call the gp."

"Quarter to. Almost." He looked down at her again. Her eyes were open and she had one hand on his chest, feeling it rise every time he breathed in. "Shall I make you some tea? Breakfast?" She shook her head. Lauran sat at her table and sighed. "You gotta eat something, cara."

"I've been having your soup since I left. Finished the whole bowl." He quickly glanced over at Lara who was still asleep.

"You were saying, Le?"

"Nothing. Just wondered how an ugly shit like you managed to get a beauty."

Neil glared at his sister through the phone. "I have you know that she likes my face. She called me handsome." His sister scoffed.

"Don't push it," JJ mumbled, "I said lovely not handsome. Two different things."

"You're meant to be on my side here, Jay." She mumbled something that he didn't understand.

"Ma wants everyone to go to her house on Sunday after church. And she's using me to persuade you into bringing your girlfriend."

"I'm not sure about that Le... I'll ask her about it and see. And I know Ma and Stephanie are just going to try and pry and find out everything."