THE WAY WE STAY

Chapter 10

JANE'S P.O.V.

Riley drove me to my place at very late night. It was half past eleven and I bet he has not been resting at all, except for the short minutes when we laid down watching TV this afternoon. I also felt sore all over my body from carrying the twins all day long.

"I'm sorry I caused you so much trouble." He finally spoke as we reached my neighborhood.

"Turn left and it's the one with the white fence." I showed the way. "And why do you keep apologizing? Stop it already."

"I can't, Jane." He sighed, turned the gear to parking position. "We barely knew each other but look at us, I drove you at midnight after letting you take care of my mess. I haven't even asked you how you're doing."

"I'm doing fine." I chuckled. "Can you promise me one thing?"

"Hmm?"

"Stop acting like I'm a stranger who helps you with the kids. I'm their teacher after all. Their safety is my responsibility, especially during daylight when you're busy streaming your guitar and being the cool band that you are."

He replied my sassy tone with a smirk.

"That said, I should get going." I tapped his shoulder. "Thank you for the ride, Daddy."

"I'll do it everyday." He smiled softly. "May I drive you to the school tomorrow?"

"Ah, no need, really. You gotta focus on the twins. Just help me make Cassandra drink her meds."

"Then I'll pick you up from school." He still insisted.

I rolled my eyes in desperation as a playful and friendly gesture, and walked out of the car. Riley asked me to literally go inside the house before he drove away. To avoid another bickering session, I obeyed his instruction. Let's call it a day.

***

RILEY'S P.O.V.

"H-how could you not tell us Cas is sick?" Connor shouted from the fence when I parked my car.

"I wish I could, but it was overwhelming."

"Huh?" Toby rolled his eyes. "You pick up the phone and ask for help, bro. That's the case."

"Can you guys stop yelling? We got neighbors here sleeping peacefully." I unlocked the front door and started whispering. "Also, don't ruin our effort on putting the girls to sleep."

"I heard 'our'." Connor also whispered.

"Are you-" Toby was the one catching the clue."

"Hmm," I nodded. "She's been a huge help."

"Ah..." The uncles both smirked meaningfully.

"Like I said, Cas started feeling unwell since I picked them up from school. Of course Jane was there and going through everything with me." I explained with fast heartbeat.

"Jane." Connor echoed her name while picked up the leftover chips that we shared earlier.

"Relax, dude. We don't judge." Toby giggled.

"Don't you two just literally do that with your whole being?" I sighed. "But yeah I admit I would've been a total loser if she's not here. The way she handled the twins, it's mesmerizing."

Toby and Connor sat with me in the dining table, having their drinks. I knew that was their way of asking me to tell more about what happened. Therefore I did, from the very beginning of it, to five minutes ago when I drove her back home.

"Cas and Cal said that?" Connor furrowed his eyebrows. "Man, we never realized how hurt they've been."

"I guess I've looked away for too long already to realize it." I nodded. "It's my fault. I forgot they're only four."