Living the Future

Chapter 32 - Not a lecture.

“He grabbed me!” I instantly started to defend myself.

“We know son.” My dad said.

“Let’s just cool down.” My mom said steadying her own breathing. “Ok, now is there something you want to tell us?” My mom asked.

“There’s nothing to say. Daisy stayed the night here. There. That’s where she was.” I said and crossed my arms still trying to calm down.

“Josh!” My mom was upset. “That’s where she’s been sneaking off to at night I assume?” My mom asked and I said nothing. “I told you that was more then a comfort from a friend!” My mom yelled at my dad.

“Relax it’s fine. We talked about the risks of the mate bond and growing attached. You don’t want to be like Henry son.” My dad said.

“I wish we weren’t talking about this.” I said as my panic started to rise.

“It’ll be good you’re going to eclipse. It will force that space between you.” My mom said before taking my hand. “You handled yourself well and I shouldn’t have made you let him free again.” I was shocked by my moms words for a moment.

“You need to make up with Henry.” My dad said patting my shoulder.

“I know, I always have to be the bigger person.” I said slightly annoyed.

“Because we raised you to be the bigger person! Now come on. Let’s go to breakfast.” My mom pulled my hand and I stood up. My dad opened the door and right outside in the hall was Henry, Uncle James, and Aunt Hermia. Aunt Hermia pushed Henry.

“Now!” She said.

“I’m sorry Josh. It won’t happen again.” Henry held out his hand and my dad pushed me. I took his hand.

“I understand, it’s ok.” I said letting go and walking past them to the dining room. When I walked in I stopped seeing Daisy standing there with a worried look on her face.

“See Josh is fine.” Andy said and I walked up and kissed her. I let her go and sat down. I could see the shocked looks on Andy and Lydia’s faces as Daisy slowly sat next to me.

“Are you ok?” Daisy whispered.

“I’m perfect.” I said.

“That means he’s not.” Lydia said and I glared at her. I grabbed Daisy’s hand as they served the food.

“What happened? I heard there was a fight.” Daisy asked me still dripping with concern.

“It was more a verbal argument.” I said and looked at Andy and Lydia watching us. “We’ll talk about it later.” I said and she nodded. My mom and dad walked in and went straight to their seats.

“Good morning Daisy.” My mom said.

“Good morning.” She said lowly as food was placed in front of her.

“So what time are you leaving tomorrow Josh?” Lydia asked and I cleared my throat.

“The plane leaves at noon.” I said picking at my food.

“Izzy is going too. It really sucks she didn’t stay longer.” Lydia said and I felt Daisy’s grip tighten for a moment.

“Yes, Hermia is quite upset about it.” My mom said. “Speaking of moms, how’s your mom Daisy? I heard Riley has really given her a run for her money.” My mom asked and Daisy looked uncomfortable.

“She’s been really tired. He’s got a lot of energy and she doesn’t have as much as she did when I was a kid. At least that’s what she tells me all the time.” Daisy smiled and then looked at Lydia. “Oh Liddie congratulations!” She said in her normal cheery voice.

“Thank you! I’m happy.” She grabbed Andy’s hand and they kissed. I looked at my watch and then took a few big bites.

“I have to go, gotta go see your dad.” I said and Daisy looked at me. “I’ll text you after we’re done.” I said and she smiled.

“Ok, I’ll see you soon.” She said happily and I smiled at her. I stopped and looked at the table. I could feel everyone staring at us. I glared at them and got up making my way out the door and down the hall. I opened Uncle Dec’s office door and was surprised he wasn’t in yet. I sat down and pulled out my phone checking up social media. I heard the door and went to stand.

“Don’t get up!” I heard uncle Dec and slowly sat back down. “How are you this morning Josh?” Uncle Dec’s voice was weird. Not his normal voice. I slowly looked at him as he stood next to me. “How was your morning?” He asked again with the straightest face I had ever seen.

“Good.” I said and he burst out laughing.

“You look so scared. So first we are going to talk about Henry.” Uncle Dec went to his desk and sat there looking at me with his full attention.

“What are we going to talk about?” I asked.

“Well it’s come to my attention you both argued this morning. What was the argument about?” He stared at me and I stared at him.

“Nothing.” I said.

“Come on Josh. I heard part of the conversation in the car.” He said and I sighed.

“He thinks Daisy and I have something going on.” I said and then silence filled the office.

“And?” Uncle Dec said.

“And he wanted to talk about it. I’m not sure what you want me to say?” I said and Uncle Dec looked annoyed.

“Josh do you think I’m dumb?” He said as a smile formed on his face.

“No.” I said.

“Then, second we’re going to talk about Daisy.” He said and I covered my face.

“I don’t want to talk about that.” I said.

“Your mom told my wife this morning that Daisy had been sneaking out to see you.” He said and I took a deep breath. I didn’t say anything as I dropped my hands. “I can see how this would be a uncomfortable conversation.” He said.

“Are you going to talk to me about mate bonds? Are we going to talk about forming attachments when her birthday is coming up? Wait maybe it’s about how I might go as crazy as Henry?” I said and uncle Dec looked down and then back up.

“I had hoped you would tell me what was going on long before I had to even ask. I’m not going to lecture you. I think the more I tell Daisy to stop, the more she’s going to do what ever she wants to do. I mostly leave the telling no to her mother anyway.” Uncle Dec fiddled with a pen.

“Wait, you’re not going to lecture me?” I asked.

“Josh, I should. There should be something I say to you, but honestly…” Uncle Dec sighed and put the pen down. “You’re a good kid. She likes you and this is the happiest I’ve seen her in awhile. You understand the risks I assume?” He said.

“I understand.” I said and uncle Dec straightened up.

“Then that’s settled. Just when it comes to Henry, try not to kill each other. James and I got over it, you can too.” He turned to his computer.

“I’m not trying to fight Henry.” I said and uncle Dec nodded.

“Listen, a long time ago your uncle had a thing for your aunt Maddie. They dated for years and on her birthday they didn’t mate bond. Her and I mate bonded and he challenged me a few times. Your father asked her to reject me because it was hard for Lee to watch James so torn.” He told me.

“Dad asked her to reject you? That didn’t upset you?” I asked.

“At the time it did. James slowly got over it and your dad apologized after everything happened with your mom. Which your uncle went crazy for a bit then too. Thank the goddess Hermia showed up when she did.” He looked at me. “But that’s all beside the point. Let’s focus on this work. We don’t have much so you can head out early.” He said and I nodded.