Page 7 of The Hallows Queen

He laughs with me, reaching a frail hand out. I wrap my arms around him, letting my weight rest on him as we hug. He squeezes me, but there isn’t much strength behind it. When I pull back, I study his face. He’s pale, but there’s still mischief and happiness behind his blue eyes, which makes me feel warm from head to toe. I was worried I would walk in and see a shell of the man I once knew, a lifeless corpse knocking on death’s door, but he’s stillhim.

Dad was diagnosed with lymphoma earlier in the year, and it’s been a tough ride for him. Chemo and radiation have stolen his hair and weight, and he’s highly susceptible to germs, so he’s been confined to the hospital for a while. I’m not completely understanding of the situation. Since both of my parents are doctors, they used lengthy words and technical explanations when speaking about it. I’m sure that was on purpose so they don’t have to say the words “he’s going to die”to me. I understand things aren’t looking good, though.

“I missed you, doll,” my dad whispers, making my eyes fill with tears.

“I missed you, Dad. So much.” I clear my throat to stop myself from crying. “Are they taking care of you here?”

“They do their best,” he answers, tipping his head to the side and narrowing his eyes playfully. “I have to play thedoctorcard sometimes.”

I laugh. “Of course you do.”

“You should hear him, Pen.” My mother laughs from behind me. “He bothers them for every little thing, even going as far as trying to help the doctors teach the interns.”

I shake my head at my father as I laugh, and he shrugs.

Katie steps up behind me, laying a hand on my father’s in greeting. He looks at her and then looks at me, pretending to whisper behind his hand. “They’ll let anyone in here, won’t they?”

I chuckle, looking at my best friend in time for her to give my father a teasing smack. “Good to see you haven’t lost your sense of humor alongside your hair, old man.”

Katie sticks her tongue out, and he booms with laughter.

Their banter puts me at ease, and I’m so fucking thankful in this moment that I brought Katie with me.

Dad pulls my attention, pinching my chin with his fingers. “Did your mother get you set up with the apartment downtown? You got the keys and everything?”

“Yes,” I sigh, pinning him with my gaze. “For the millionth time, you didn’t have tobuyme a place. I was fully ready to lease for a while until I could buy myself something.”

“Okay?” he says, giving me that look he’s always given me when I don’t know how to process being handed something. “And now you don’t have to. I’m your father and I wanted to get you set up since you moved back here for me. Don’t argue with me, Pen.”

Mom laughs from the sofa by the window. “Here we go.”

I laugh, leaning forward to kiss his cheek. “Thank you, Dad. Katie and I are going to spend the next couple days decorating the new place before she has to go back to Washington.”

He lifts a hand toward Katie and points his finger, “Put that degree to good use, Katie. Use the American Express for whatever you need.”

“I have money saved, Dad.” I say, and his face turns stern. I laugh before he has the chance to argue with me, raising my hands up. “Okay, okay. We’ll use the Amex.”

“He’s become a lot bossier, hasn’t he?” Mom teases, lifting a brow at my dad.

He grins, lifting a brow right back. “Because you’re supposed to give the sick man whatever he wants.”

I chuckle, standing up. “On that note, we’re going to head to my new place. Anything I can get for the bossy man before I go?”

Smiling up at me, he grabs my hand. “I’d love it if you snuck me in some ice cream at some point. We can sit and eat the whole carton together like we used to when you were younger.”

I smile, the memory washing through me. Nodding, I lean down and kiss his cheek. “You got it.”

“Did you get everything sorted with a job down here, doll?” he asks, gripping my fingers between his cold ones. “Don’t be mad at me for calling Headmistress Rothchild. I just want the best for you.”

I shake my head at him. “I had already secured the job at Luxington High before you spoke to her. I start next week.”

“Well,” my mother says playfully, “looks like our brilliant daughter doesn’t need your help after all, Dr. Leyton.”

He looks at her, smirking. “You know I love when you call me that.”

“Jesus,” I groan, a scowl pulling my features even as I laugh at their flirting. I step backwards toward Katie. “We’re outta here. Goodbye, family.”

My parents laugh, my father calling out to me. “I love you, doll.”

---