Twisted Strings [MONSTER EDITING - Read at your own risk]

Three Minutes

"He's okay," Linda reminded me again, "it's just fatigue. He was neglecting eating. I think he is very worried about the inspection."

"Thank God!" I hugged Linda, taking in her warmth, "I was worried sick the whole time!"

"I know honey," she patted my cheeks lightly, "the nurse said he can leave tomorrow morning, as soon as he wakes up. We need to monitor his diet and make sure he eats properly."

"Did you win the round?" Elliot interrupted, looking excited.

"We don't know yet. I guess we will find out." I was filled with relief, but I had completely forgotten about the results.

"I am to blame for this as well Violet, I will make sure he doesn't overwork himself."

I turned to Linda, "No way, none of this is your fault! I just so wrapped up in practice that I forgot about the inspection. He always turns crazy this time of the year."

"I am sorry we missed your performance."

I placed a hand on her shoulder, "You can watch the recording later, with Dad," I then pushed Elliot to her, "I think you guys should go back home now. We will bring Dad. Do I need to buy any meds?"

"Yup, he said give him Moralfill." Elliot added. I made a face at him, trying to decipher what he was trying to say.

"Yeah, I am sure, that was not the name of the medicine. Anyways, Oliver knows, he said he will come back with it."

"He did?" I murmured absent-minded.

"I will take Elliot home and cook you guys something quick. Your babysitter called too, I should collect Clay and Drew. Keep us updated, okay?"

"Thank you, Linda, I don't know what I would have done without you."

She smiled and ushered Elliot away. I watched her leave, and suddenly felt something I hadn't felt in a long time. I wished Mom was here. Then Linda wouldn't have to run around for us. She was not our mother, but she had to do things that Mom should have done.

Even if Dad was fine, Elliot and I were both scared out of our minds. She didn't even know what has happened here! I felt a hole in my heart, realizing that I missed her. Or maybe it was her presence I missed. Presence of an adult, who would know what to do in situations like these. I wished she was here, holding my hand, guiding me through this fear, telling me everything was okay.

"Hey, is your Dad okay now?" It was Lana and Rhodes. I stepped away from the wall, tearing my mind from thoughts of Mom.

"Yeah, he was just worn out. We can go home once he wakes up." I explained briefly.

"I am glad, I will quickly call Lars and Stella. They may have an update on the results too." Lana disappeared with her phone, leaving me with Rhodes. I expected him to continue with the silent treatment, but that was the thing about Rhodes, he could never stay mad at anybody long enough.

"I can't believe you didn't tell me, when your Dad got sick before."

"I know, I am sorry."

"He's not just your Dad, he's Uncle Max. He makes me breakfast almost every day. How can you hide something like this?" He demanded, his face red.

I gave him an apologetic look, "I know, it was wrong of me. I won't do that again."

"How did Oliver know? Are you suddenly friends with this guy and I don't know?"

"That's a long story."

"I have plenty of time." He crossed his arms over his chest and demanded.