Homebound

Chapter 25

          What can win the heart of every human? A plea of an innocent child. Even though Delilah refuses to be treated like a child, she will use her powers to her benefit. Her father has explained the situation to her that fateful night. Robert had a son with his dead wife. He gave him for adoption, but the adoption part did not happen. The kid has somehow managed to appear into all their lives. However, he didn't handle the news well. He won't be staying with them for a while. He'll be back once Daddy fixed the issue. But, three weeks have passed and nothing. Winter had finally ended, and spring is flourishing. Delilah believes the peaceful blue of the heaven and cheerful flowers are not welcomed in this time of her life.

            Life is bland. She hears Mommy crying when she believes the kids aren't listening, and Daddy is more irritable than usual. Although being informed, Joshua still has the cluelessness of a young child. He knows Asher is away but doesn't comprehend the severity of reality. Delilah is in inner turmoil. She should be happy that Asher is gone. She's told him many times that she doesn't want him in her life. He's obnoxious, loud, and rude. He teases her constantly and always steals her food. He doesn't respect her privacy and always barges into her room. He is the worst presence in her life. Well, was the worst presence in her life.

           The house is quiet without Asher's emo music blaring from his room. It's neater as well. There are no random sweaters hanging off chairs and books cluttering up space. The horrid smell of teenage boy is gone. Everything is normal again. The Barker family is back to four, an even number. That should make her happy. But, it doesn't. She misses Asher. She ignored the aching feeling in her heart the first few days. She dismissed it as pity for him. After a week, the feeling grew and gnawed at her inside. She started to notice how boring her life is without Asher. There was no more spontaneous adventures, DMCs, and intellectual debates. What she misses the most is Asher's unwarranted affection. Despite their verbal attacks, Asher would hug her, lift her off her feet, and spin. He would ruffle her hair and pinch her cheek. He'd always beg for a kis, and he'd bother her until she gave in.

          She can't wait for Daddy to 'fix' things. She needs Asher back in the place he belongs in now. So, she calls the only person she knew that could drive and isn't in bad terms with Asher.

         "Hello?" Joshua's rumble bursts through the speakerphone.

         "Hello, Meller. It's Delilah Barker."

         "Wow, what an honor I have. It's always a pleasure to speak to Miss Barker." His voice is warm and endearing. Joshua quickly won Delilah's respect compared to the other boys. She got along with him more than she did with Asher. He is a cuddlesome teddy bear. He protects her from Asher's ruthless comments, and she appreciates his kindness. He is so charming; Delilah likes to think of him as a punk version of a prince. 

         "I need your help. I need a ride to Mr. Mosby. I have to speak with Asher."

         "I don't know if that is a good idea. Asher is in a fragile state right now. He might lash out on you. I don't want him hurting you."

          "I can handle his beratement; I've done so this long."

          "It will be different now. It will be pure malicious."

          "I can take it. I need to see him. If you don't then I will call Isaac or Billy. If they won't, I'll walk myself. The weather is splendid."

          "It's a far walk."

          "It will keep me in shape."

           Joshua's chuckle meant that she won. "You're a Barker, born and bred."