Knightly in Shining Armor

Lourdes

For the next four days, I didn't leave the penthouse besides grocery shopping for the boys and me. It was coming up on Sunday in a couple days and I still hadn't talked to Lukas. He left a gift for me, but I didn't have the heart to open it yet. It was still sitting unopened on the vanity.

I was sitting in the entertainment center with the twins, Phillip and Joey, playing a video game. It was a pretty good time, and a great way to get my mind off of Lukas. Plus, I'm quite good at video games, so it was a joy to watch the defeat on their faces.

"Yes! I reign victorious once again!" I jumped up and spun around in a circle as Joey set his controller down in defeat.

"Fluke! I'm calling it! Rematch!" Phillip yelled, pulling me back into my seat by my thighs. I laughed, falling on top of him. I shifted slightly, to take the pressure off my still healing ribs, and rested my head on Joey's legs while the rest of me crushed Phil.

"Oh, give it up, Philly," Bradly laughed, coming into the room. "She's beaten you four times already. No way is it a fluke." I grinned, patting Phillip's cheek before giving Bradly a hug. "You okay?" He whispered. I nodded. For once, I was. Well, until the elevator door opened.

Emelia strode into the penthouse with her hands on her hips. The boys and I immediately stood up at attention, waiting to see her next move. She had a large bag in her hand full of boxes and set it on the ground. I stepped forward.

"Happy late Christmas, Emelia," I spoke up, emptying the silence from the air. She turned to me with a small smile.

"You as well, Lourdes. Thank you for watching over my boys. I'm sorry you had to go through the trouble." She brushed her snow-filled blonde hair out of her face.

"There's no need for apologies, I was happy to do it. I'm just glad they were able to find and trust me, rather than someone else." I looked over to the boys, who were wearily watching their mother. "They were absolute joys to have around."

"That's good to hear," She remarked. "However, it is time to return home. Boys, gather your things please."

"Why not stay the night here?" I asked. "You've already had a flight today, I'd imagine you're exhausted."

"Well..." She trailed off, considering my point. "Alright, I suppose. You are correct. I'll bring my things down to the room, and then I'd like to have a word with my children if you wouldn't mind." She lugged her bag down the hall and entered the first unclaimed room she could find. I shared a concerned look with Bradly.

"I'm just gonna... start with dinner. You boys have fun with that." I shrugged and walked into the kitchen to prepare something or other. I scanned the fridge and decided we had enough pasta sauce for an army of sorts so I decided to make fettuccini alfredo with the pasta maker.

The boys had disappeared into the other room to speak with their mother, leaving me alone in the kitchen. I bit my lip, waiting for the water to boil. I kept thinking about the gift Lukas had left me. I crept down the hall to my room, as not to disturb the Emrys family. I pushed open the door and looked at the box sitting on my desk. It was still wrapped neatly, with the note still underneath it. I hadn't moved it at all. I took a breath and sat down in front of it.

The envelope opened at my touch, and I carefully pulled the letter out. I held my breath as I looked it over. A fourth of the page had been scribbled out, but I was able to read the rest in neat, slanted handwriting only belonging to Lukas.

Lourdes,

I know we've had loads of problems as of late, and I'm sorry. It's my fault. If I wasn't so stubborn, or rash, or anything of the sort, things may have turned out better. I know I've been tough to deal with, and I'm sorry you've had to. I have loads going on in my head and at home that I'm taking out on you for no reason. I don't mean to, it just slips. And I truly am sorry.