FATHER ALWAYS SMILING

Chapter 15 ~~~~~~~

"So, Paul's back to work as well then?"

"Yup, he has been for a while. A bit of a shift in the schedule, but that happens from time to time, plus he was super apologetic to me when I told him what happened but was also super worried for his "co-host sister." But that's nothing new for Paul."

He chuckled at that, but his eyes seemed to drift as though he were suddenly far away. "It seems that many of us have come upon issues as of late."

"Is it something to do with Amalie?"

"In a way, yes. But, for now, I'm more than capable of handling it. Anyhow, it would be best if you get going. You look like you're running on fumes."

Vivan gave a modest laugh. "Yeah, that's true. I might nab a coffee before I head to my car to keep me up before I head home."

"If you'd like," Alastor began. "I would be more than willing to bring you something to eat when I head home. Amalie's mentioned to me that you've been struggling in buying food that has natural ingredients."

"Oh, Al, you don't have to do that. Besides, you have Amalie to think about."

Alastor's smile twitched as he took a step forward to look up at Vivan since even with her heels, she was at least six feet in height. "Are you saying I can't do both? That I'm not capable of care for my friend as well as my daughter? After all, we've dealt with together?"

"Uh," was all she could respond with, just grateful that there was no one in the hallway that they occupied because of the amount of context people would need and just automatically assume crap. "No, I know you're more than capable. I just don't want you to push yourself too much. What will happen if you get yourself sick? You need to think about yourself too, not just everyone around you."

Alastor gave a low chuckle as he took a step back. "I'm only teasing, but I can't help but think about those whom I've grown close to, and I only want the best for them. Including you, Vivan."

Vivan smiled before placing her manicured hands on his lean shoulders. "Alright, alright, I get it, tone down the saintly charm."

He gave her a puzzled look with his smile. "'Saintly charm'?"

"Ah yeah?" she placed her hand on her hip and pointed at him with a finger gun with her free hand. "Seriously, Al, people think you're some kind of Angel in human form with how caring you are. But like I said, you still gotta' think about yourself!"

"So, is that a no to bringing you dinner?"

She thought about it for a bit. "For now, it's a no. I mainly feel like I'm putting you on the spot; tell you what, why don't you and Amalie come to my place for dinner this Saturday? Though... are you okay with vegetarian food for one night?"

"You know I'm more than willing to try something new, even if I am strictly a carnivore. However, if it's okay with you, I'd like to bring some vegetarian recipes and some produce for it. Would that be alright?"

Vivian brightened at this. "Yes! That would be great! There's this bean soup I've wanted to try to make for a while now. If you'd like, I can send you the recipe."

His smile became cherry. "Sure, I don't see why not. Although," he held up his pocket watch. "Should you be going home now?"

"Oh my god! Right! Yes! I can't believe I forgot!" she then rushed past Alastor to the underground parking lot. "Thanks, Al! I'll be sure to text you those recipes later tonight. You'll do great today! Glad to have you back!"