Chapter Two Hundred and Forty Eight - After Court

"Where the f**k have you been?" Adian barked as he entered the kitchen followed by his faithful sidekick.

Still dressed in what I used to call my invisible combo, I fought responding to Basil's mischievous smirk, unwilling to anger Adian more.

Straightening my posture, "I needed to breathe so I took a stroll out and ended up at a cafe and then the park," I responded as calmly as I could, when Adian cut of my explanation, his voice thundering through the kitchen and I'm sure the entire apartment.

"The park?" He yelled, "the f**king park?" Glaring at me, Adian didn't stop there. "You walked from here to the f**king park?" Shaking his head, he walks out muttering loudly. "Does she even realize how far, the f**king park is?" I heard him saying, his voice trails off.

"That was one long walk." Basil smirks taking a seat at the counter where I sat, giving me curious look.

Nodding, "yep, that's why I took so long," I responded with the same mischievous smirk.

With elbows on the table, Basil props his chin, his eyes fixated on me, intimidating me as usual.

Copying him, with my elbows on the table propping my chin, I stare at him, "can I tax your brain a bit?" I asked because the only thing weighing on my mind, is my father's trial and whether my testimony made it worse.

"I'm waiting," his smile encourages me to continue our conversation.

Conscious of Mrs. Harris moving around in the kitchen, I continued since she is aware of a lot more than I am, concerning Ameila and my father.

"What I said in court, did I make matters worse for daddy?" I inquired softly.

Still staring, Basil tilts his head to side and continues to stare at me cautiously. "I'm not a lawyer but I think, just maybe the judge has something to work with concerning your state of mind when you were younger." Basil explains, giving his two cents on the matter.

Frowning, "He asked for your files didn't he?" Basil asks and I nodded slowly, wondering where he was headed with this line of questioning.

"I kinda got the impression the prosecutor didn't want you answering to many questions nor did he want you revealing too much but with the files, the judge will get a clearer picture of everything that occurred when your mother died." Basil's explanation comforts me a bit but still, I was afraid to hope since I have been disappointed for so very long.

Getting of the stool at the counter, "thank you," smiling I tiled my head in the direction where Adian went. "I should check on him." Reaching out, touching Basil's shoulder, "I'll see you in a bit." I said as I walked briskly out of the kitchen and head to the bedroom for more drama.

Hearing voices, i peeked into Emmy's room to see her chatting away and pointing to the television screen and explaining what is happening in a episode of, Sophia the Princess to a very attentive Adian.

Standing at the opened doorway, smiling at the pair that sat on the floor watching TV.

Frowning, I suddenly start wondering if having a television in Emmy's bedroom is a healthy thing for her?

Reminding myself to discuss it with Adian, I walked further into the room and knelt two feet away.

"Can I join you guys?" I asked softly.

Adian didn't look at me but at Emmy, waiting for her response.

With a finger tapping her chin, Emmy stares thoughtfully back at Adian.

Seriously?

Are they considering having me join their father, daughter time?

Sitting on my heels, i wait for Emmy to decide, only to be caught off guard when they both burst out in a fit of laughter.

Of course, they're playing with me!

Stretching out a hand towards me, Adian invited me to join their circle and without hesitation, I allowed him to draw me closer and encircle me in his arms, resting his chin on my head.

After that one episode I watched with them, I turned to Emmy, "okay missy, you need to take a bath, it's almost dinner and we still have to get a visit from the tooth fairy." Standing up, I reached down to pull Emmy up.

Pointing to the bathroom, "organize and I'll be back in a few minutes," after instructing Emmy, I reached down and helped Adian up and we walked out Emmy's bedroom, hand in hand.

Wrapping an arm around my waist, "I'm still upset with you for scaring the sh*t out of me, earlier" Adian cautioned me as we entered our bedroom.

Throwing off my hoodie and taking of my sneakers, I joined Adian who instead of undressing sat on the bed, his expression gloomy.

Even though I promised Emmy to join her, I had to give Adian sometime also, "what's bothering you?" Joining him on the bed, I reached out and ran my fingers through his short hair.

Throwing his head back slightly with his eyes closed, Adian smiles in appreciation of the soft gentle massage, I was giving him.

"You should attend to Emmy," Adian whispered softly, "she shouldn't be allowed to take a bath alone." Adian thought he was reminding me but I could never forget Emmy's alone in the shower.

Standing up, I leaned down and kissed him lightly on his lips, "yeah," I agreed. "Take your shower and I'll be back in a bit." I promised, running bare feet out the door.

Emmy stood in her underwear, concentrating on the bathtub as it fills up.

"Hey," I turned of the tap and stooped beside her, "don't forget, you're to never enter the bathtub without Mel, Mrs. Harris or I." I gave the same firm warning I have given her many times before.

This bathtub is extremely large for a child and I don't want to think about, worse case scenario.

"Thought I'd find you guys in here."