FATHER ALWAYS SMILING

Chapter 05 ~~~~~~

"That's wonderful, and yes, I completely understand. I should be home at eleven, midnight at the latest, just as long as traffic isn't too hectic."

"It's always hard to judge the roads," Zuri replied. "You never know what might be out there in the dead of night."

"True, true. But I should be fine. I believe what I need to take care of shouldn't take all that long. It normally never does. Though as compensation, I can pay you, if you are alright with that, Miss. Ortiz."

"Oh, uh..." Elain glanced at her parents.

Her mother mouthed. "Up to you." While her Dad simply shrugged.

"I don't think you need to, I mean it, school doesn't start until September, and it's not like I have anything else happening in my life."

"I see. Well, if you ever change your mind, let me know. I'll see you tomorrow night, at eight pm. Feel free to come early if you wish. My daughter and I would love to have you for dinner."

"Thank you, but I'll come by at eight Pm. I don't want to impose."

"Very well, see you tomorrow Miss. Ortiz. Good night to you and your family." When Alastor ended the call, he paused, looking over his notes and smiled. Tonight would be a good night, that much Alastor was sure of.

* * *

A few minutes before eight, Elain rang the doorbell in which Alastor opened the door, dressed in a high-end dark blue suit with a matching jacket, vest, and trousers. And an artistic blue tie. "You're early."

"Is that okay?"

His kind smile grew. "Of course, it is. Please, come in."

As Elain entered Alastor's home for the second time, she noticed Amalie peaking out from the living room. Elain smiled and waved. Amalie did a small wave before heading upstairs to what was probably the girl's bedroom.

"Now then," Alastor spoke, drawing Elain's attention. "Let me show you around first." He says as he walks further back into his home. "Though you probably remember the layout of some of the first floor." When she nodded, he chuckled softly—a girl with a good memory, a wonderful troublesome thing. "Well, as you know, there's the kitchen and the living room. And connected to the kitchen is the dining room. Though I've only used it on special occasions or on the rare times, I host a dinner party with some acquaintances, be it from work or social circles." He then led her further back, where she saw a small bathroom to the far left and something she didn't expect to see to her right.

"I didn't know you have a piano."

"Oh? Do you play?"

"I used to, back when I was a lot younger, but when Kaya was born, we had to cut back on extracurricular activities. It's been a long time anyway. I don't think I can play anything at all now." Given that, I can't even use my right arm that much for long periods.

"That's a shame. If you'd ever wish to relearn, I could teach you when I have the time. I play on several occasions, even taught Amalie how to play."

"She plays?"

"Oh yes, and she's rather good too. Though I think she prefers the violin more."

Wow, talk about talent. "So, does that mean you play the violin too?"

"Depending on my mood," he muses.

Well, that's not a "no." Elain thought.

"Anyhoo," Alastor then leads her back to the front of the house, where he opened the hallway front closet and produced a pair of shoes and a long back coat. "Upstairs is Amalie's and my bedrooms, a guest bedroom, my office and a large bathroom. All of the windows are currently locked, as is the back door. There are emergency numbers and contacts by the fridge, as well as my cell number. Amalie goes to bed at nine O'clock. She's not difficult when it comes to her bedtime. She'll sometimes be in bed reading a few minutes before."

She is so not like Kaya. Elain thought, doing her best to hide her relief as the unsuspecting father had his back turned to her as he swiftly placed on his coat.

Alastor then turns, and he readjusts the cuffs of his long coat. "Amalie," he calls as he makes fast strides to the bottom of the stairs. "Come down, my Sweetheart."

Amalie reaches the top of the stairs, and with a tentative glance at Elain. Before cautiously coming down to the first step as her father moves for them to be at eye level. "Remember what I said before? Elain is in charge for tonight. I'll be back late, so be a good girl while I'm gone." He paused, then added as he cupped her cheek with his right hand. "I know she's not Lauren, but you did say that you hoped to be good friends with her, didn't you?"

Amalie nodded shyly. Cute.

"It'll be alright. I shouldn't too long." He then leaned in close and kissed his daughter's cheek before standing to his full height once more and facing Elain as he faintly smiled. "There's food in the fridge. If you find yourself hungry, feel free to have whatever you like. Just be sure to clean up after yourself." He then paused and asked. "You're not allergic to anything, are you, Miss. Ortiz?"

Elain shook her head. "Nope, I'm not allergic to anything at all."

His facial expression looked to be with relief with his smile. Making him look all the sweeter. As though what she said was music to the man's ears. Elain couldn't figure out why this man never remarried. Maybe he wanted to remain focused on his daughter and career?

"Wonderful," he then turned for the door.

"Have a good night, Mr. Hilmarsson," Elain said. "Be safe out there, and watch out for crazy people when on the road. My Mom often says that because you never know who you'll run into if you're not careful."

Alastor paused, glancing at Elain, before laughing softly. "I'll be sure too."