Malediction

35 - Twist

Dad had gotten home in the early hours of the morning, surrendering to bed until about midday when he dragged himself up much like I had. He looked as I felt, drained, tired and overworked.
Together we sat at the dining table eating bacon, eggs and toast. We were quiet, enjoying the silence and the dull tone of the cartoons on the living room television.

"What are you doing today love?" He asked, munching on his butter coated toast

I shrugged "Hanging out with Danny"
There was no point lying or dancing around the truth, he would find out someway somehow anyways "What about you?"

"Even though I'm sure I could go back to bed and sleep for a solid 24 hours straight, the adult thing to do says I'll get dressed and make it to Luke's soccer game in time for the second half" He smiled, his eyes sporting dark circles

"Have you ever thought about taking some time off dad?" I mused

"I have" He sighed "But I don't like the thought of letting my patients down"

"I get that, but you need time for you, for your family too, not saying you don't spend time with us already, I mean you're an amazing dad, but you give a lot of yourself to work. If you had some time off, you could even have a few date nights out with Mum, I know she would enjoy that"

He narrowed his eyes on me "Has Mum said something to you, did she ask for you to persuade me?"

"No, she didn't, Why? Has she been asking you to take time off too?" I took a sip of my orange juice

"Great minds think alike it seems" He winked "You are both so similar sometimes it frightens me"

"I've always thought of myself being more of your personality, not hers" I opposed as I leaned back in my chair

"In some ways. You are laid back like I am, you're a home body like I am, we both don't seem to have an ill-temper, but as for the rest" He leaned back like I had, combing his fingers through his unkept hair
"You are determined like she is, selfless and kind, you always want to help and you always follow through with what you begin. I'm lazy in that sense, I struggle to do as I say, I struggle to finish what I start, like that old mustang in the garage" He laughed

"Which is exactly why you should take a week or two off" I enforced while I stood, collecting his empty plate with mine

"I'll see what I can do Em" He sighed as he stood "Have a good day, I'm going to shower and head out"

"Okay" I called as I began to wash our dishes up, the warm water on my fingers soothing.

Just as I was shaking my hands dry, purposely wetting Mollie who sat at my feet, my phone began to ring from my bedroom

Racing down to answer it, I reached it just in time before the caller hung up

"Hello?"

"Emilia, hey it's me" Skyler's voice greeted on the other side

I had momentarily forgotten about what had happened between Mathew and Danny last night, remembering instantly when Skyler's tone hit my ears that their had been many witnesses

"Hey, sorry I haven't text you, I not long woke up" I half lied

"I figured you would have had a 'busy' night, and needed to sleep in, hence why I'm calling now" She breathed "So, tell me what happened and I'll tell you what happened when you left"

I hadn't thought of an excuse for my friends yet as to what had happened once Danny and I had left early together. Now my brain was scrambling for a viable one.