Secrets

🚓17 🚓

Alia

A small thud and the hysterical laughter ringing throughout the apartment was what got Hailey and Jay's attention. The two adults were not expecting to see several of the young teenagers to practically be falling off the couches in laughter. Turning my head towards the side at the sound of footsteps approaching the living room, I sent my dad and Hailey an innocent smile as I was laying upside down over the arm of the couch.

"Hey dad, did we scare you?". Seemingly catching all of my friends attention; Jordan, Drake, and Connor, they all turned facing the adults waving their hands excitedly.

Sharing a glance between each other, Hailey shook her head doing her best to not chuckle at the sight of all of us being rather goofy. "Everything ok in here. We want to make sure no one got hurt"

At the mention of the loud thud that happened, Drake started to laugh even harder. Sending the two adults a bright smile we all nodded. "Yeah we're good, Connor just fell of the couch after Jordan scared him". Taking a glance at the boy on the floor who was trying to gain his composure and breathing, it took a lot out of my power to not start laughing again. The poor boy was mid "horror" story and Jordan decided to poke his back causing him to jump in surprise landing on the floor with a thud.

Realizing that everyone was safe and not injured, dad and Hailey ventured back into master bedroom to obviously spend some alone time together and not be around a bunch of teenagers, even though all of us were cool with them chilling with us. Most of the day was spent with us playing board games or a game that dad had randomly bought for the PlayStation in the hopes that it would pique our interest.

It was a relaxing day especially for Connor, Drake and I. It's been a week or two after the incident and from time to time we would have a moment that would flare a sudden feeling of anxiety but the three of us were there for each other. It certainly helped when dad would text Jacob to give him some advise on how to help the boys when they got nightmares.

"Hey Jordan can you give me more apple juice"

Upon hearing her name she raised her head sending me a raised eyebrow in response. "are your legs incapable"

Sending her a bright smile I just nodded my head "if you would like to see me stumble around and most likely fall over like a drunk from hanging upside down for an hour, then it would be a good idea that I don't stand up for a little bit"

Let's just say a little while later another thud echoed through the Halstead apartment followed by another round of hysterical laughter.

---

Looking around the living room of the apartment, I couldn't help the inaudible sigh that fell past my lips at the sight of the small group being fast asleep. It shouldn't be surprising that they didn't fall asleep into the early hours of the next day, sadly I was the one who couldn't sleep properly. I mean when have I ever slept at a normal time, there was always something that kept me sleeping at odd hours.

Softly standing up from the couch that Jordan was taking most of the space of, I did my best to keep my footsteps silent to not alarm my dad or Hailey, both of whom are armed just in case and one who more than likely has more than 1 stored away in a secure and secret lock box. It isn't a wise idea to break into the apartment of a former army ranger/intelligence detective, there is a great chance you won't make it out alive.

Climbing onto the window seat looking out into the street, I leaned my body against the wall ad I stared into the sky. There was a peaceful feeling that washed over me whenever I looked at the stars, almost like it knew I was more of a night person rather than a day person. With my eyes flashing all around the sky to see if I could find or identify some constellations, the sound of footsteps padding into the living room shook me out of my tired daze. Turning my head slightly to see who, a soft smile graced my face at the sight of Hailey making her way over.

Without any words a light kiss was placed on my cheek before she climbed onto the window seat with me, her warm gaze settled the small amount of anxiety that started to creep up. Opening her arms, I instinctively shuffled into her side laying my head on her shoulder. There wasn't a need for words for my alertness started to diminish as Hailey gently ran her fingers through my hair. Another kiss was placed on the top of my head before tugging me closer into her side; a sense of security and love washing over my tiring figure.

Sometimes a mother's touch can calm all the racing thoughts and negative emotions. Placing her arm around my small frame, I found myself falling asleep to the sound of her heartbeat and a familiar feeling that I usually only got from my dad. Enough to bring a light smile to my face. She felt like home. A feeling I never want to go away.

----

The touch of someone's hand brushing through my hair was what woke me up. Squinting my eyes to avoid the sudden blindness I had a chance of receiving from sleeping on the window seat, I made out the distinct color of Hailey's hair next to me. Sounds of voices started to become more coherent the more awake I became, but before I could jump in alarm the gentle voice of Hailey settled my racing heart. "It's just me and your dad, sweetheart."

Tilting my head towards the side, a light smile was sent my way from dad as he leaned forward placing a soft kiss on my forehead. Moving my body closer to Hailey, my dad climbed onto the window seat as well. "Had a hard time sleeping kiddo?"

Nodding lightly I couldn't help the small tug of guilt that ran through me. I didn't want him to worry. One thing I hate is being any kind of nuisance or bother. Realizing that I have been laying on Hailey for hours, I started to lean forward but was gently coaxed back into her side. "well how about when your friends go home later, the three of us go out for dinner and we can invite your Uncle Will. Maybe he can help"

Sighing softly, I couldn't help but bite my lip. "I don't want to bother anyone, I've always had trouble sleeping". Keeping my gaze on my hands, I didn't catch the look that was exchanged between my dad and Hailey as they stared at my tired form, eyes filled with concern at my admission of not sleeping well.

The muscular hands of my father lightly grabbed mine before he titled my head to look at him, his greenish-blue eyes locking with my silver. "Kiddo you aren't bothering us, we just want to make sure you are ok. Sometimes people can't sleep and that's ok, maybe Uncle Will can give us some techniques to try and help. I can tell you are tired Alia"

Not knowing what else to do, I hugged my dad who immediately wrapped his arms around me, a gentle kiss placed on the side of my head as I melted into his fatherly embrace. "I love you dad"

"I love you too Alia, more than anything"