EVERMORE ─ marvel

XVII. Home

Two days later...

Chapter Seventeen
Josephine

Dad has been given permission to come home today. I can tell he was happy to leave that stuffy hospital room, I think what he needs is the comforts and normalcy of home. Analiese said so. Her exact words were 'after getting blown up and almost dying, I think he'll enjoy sleeping in his own bed'. She's always been a brutally honest person, and usually I appreciate her comments, but this one I did not.

What I also didn't appreciate, was my heroic actions during the battle being rewarded with a grounding. Baba informed me today that I'm grounded for the next week for leaving the bunker. He said it would usually be longer, but I did help save the whole world, so he's lowering it to a week. Absolute bullshit. I don't argue though, I know it won't do me any good.

Instead of going up to bed, Dad instead chooses to sit on the couch in the living room, mumbling something about being tired of laying down. He turns on the tv and reruns of the Simpsons are playing. He leans back against the cushions and crosses his arms, transfixing his attention onto the screen. Baba and I share a look of concern, not sure whether it's a good or bad thing that he's acting so calm.

"I'll make some dinner." Baba tells me, already heading to the kitchen.

"How about some burgers?"

"Grounded people don't get to pick dinner." Baba responds over his shoulder. While his back is turned I stick my tongue out at him. I think I see Dad smile out of the corner of my eye.

A knock comes to the door then, and with a roll of my eyes, I walk over towards it. When I open it up, I see Daniel staring down at me. I have to blink a couple times to make sure this is real. He's here, in Jabariland, at my house. He's never been to my house before. Not once.

"Umm...hi." I say awkwardly.

"Hi," He responds just about as awkwardly as me. "I'm sorry to intrude...I just—just needed to see that you're okay."

I smile up at him, stepping aside to let him in. He nods to me and walks inside, catching the attention of Baba and Dad. Both look stunned to see him, but not upset. Baba smiles at Daniel and heads towards him, but Dad stays on the couch, trying to hide his face from view.

"Daniel, what a surprise." Baba says, shaking Daniel's hand.

"I'm sorry to barge in like this. I didn't hear any news about any of you after the battle and I wanted to see that you all were doing okay." He says, trying to hide the concern in his tone, the desperation in his eyes. It must have been hard not knowing any of our fates these past few days. I'm surprised he hadn't come here before now.

Baba smiles again. I think over these last few months both of my parents have warmed up to Daniel more, Baba most of all. I think he actually may like him, or at least respect him. Dad will need more time to get there, but he's always civil with Daniel for my sake. I don't think he hates him anymore though, so that's a step in the right direction.

"I was just about to make some dinner, would you join us?" Baba asks.

Daniel's eyes fall to me. "If that's alright with you."

I nod. "I'd love for you to stay for dinner."

Both men smile, Baba heading back towards the kitchen while Daniel goes into the living room to greet Dad. Dad turns his head towards Daniel and the latter halts, but only for a second. The shock in his face vanishes as quickly as it appears. They both shake hands and Daniel says: "I'm glad you're okay, Alex."