This directed their gazes back on her. Drake instinctively feigned ignorance, following the gaze of the kids.
"Well, guys, I think it's time to go now– Come on, let's get going. I'm sure we do not want to get locked in the early morning hectic traffic " She hinted, draping them along as she head out of the house.
" Aunty – But–Dad" They stuttered with Melissa always cutting in which unables them finishing their statements.
"We can talk to Dad after school, okay– " She stuttered and howled back at Drake who stared at their back with a sense of relieve as they exited
"See you later, bro. Just don't worry about the kids, I'll take care of them"
"Alright, Lissa– See you later guys. Daddy loves you!" He answered and hovered over to the kitchen afterwards to which he pulled the fridge open and poured himself a glass of chilled water, gulping it all down in a single shot. He stared through the window as their car pulled out of the house and heaved a sigh of relief. He appeared exhausted and drained of all energy as he lounged in a chair over the dinning table due to his unableness to take any rest from last night because he couldn't help taking another risk – he's not so sure when her assassin will strick again.
Drake, for once knew he couldn't keep the truth away from the kids for so long as he reflected on Delia's condition but he couldn't help than to buy himself sometime since he couldn't bring himself to tell them what was happening.
He spontaneously lapsed into silence – The idea of Ben's custody chipped in which instinctively alerted him of the source of Delia's attack.
Delia had already mentioned how deadly Hansel, her ex husband could be when it comes to issues of his interest but he still couldn't place fingers on any evident leading to him as a part taker of the crime no matter how hard and critically he examined the incident. Yet, the sign of this alone shows the storms clouds were gathering and he had read the signs to which they need to brace themselves up for the worse and fierce battle ahead if this case was concern. Because he knew Delia wasn't a type who will just let go of her children when she had the strength and power to care for them especially from a cruel father like Hansel– She might definitely fight till the last drop of her blood and he must be ready to support her in any point in time. With the thought of this in mind, he rose to his feet and shuffled off to his room. Just when he opened the door to the master bedroom which got a large ample closet space and a large closet engulfed with serenity of that of a forest when walked at first light and allowed it's awakening green hues into your soul, which bethe sense and exhibited calmness and feeling of optimism– His phone rang, raging it's unwelcome echo through the walls of the room. He closed the door behind and picked up.
"Hello, sir– Sorry I missed your call, was attending to a client" A feminine voice came through.
"Nothing to worry about, Rose. Since you called now; just do this for me– Cancel all my meetings for the day. I won't be available at the office today, need to attend to something very urgent. " He stated to which she noted and the line dropped.
After pulling off his clothes, he sauntered into the bathroom and within a second, the sound of the droplets of the shower was heard. Fully refreshed, he trod out and was met with another ring from his phone– He got nearer and glanced at the caller; it was Ben. Not hesitating, he slid to answer mood and Ben spoke first.
" Good morning, sir– Is my mother awake? "
"No, Ben; she was still unconscious when I left the hospital. Coming to take a 5 minutes nap after which I'll go back to see her with some items."
He answered, slipping into a white round neck and a blue shorts. Ben spontaneously became alarmed by his mother being alone without anyone watching over her in her unconscious state. He instinctively knew it's going to be a death sentence if not addressed.
"You mean my mum is alone?" He pressed. Drake was instantly taken back by his question. As if on an impulse, Ben swiftly added.
"I'll be with her while you take some rest then, bye" He hanged up before Drake could say anything.
"Hey, wait, Ben?– Ben!" He called but the line was already dropped.
"Gosh, just as stubborn as his mother " He mumbled, returning the phone back to where he had picked it from. With that, be slammed into the bed with close eyes– He opened it again and adjusted himself properly as he buried himself into the cozy comfort of the bed. Soon, sleep overshadowed him, causing him to snore softly.
************
Ben spontaneously dropped the phone into his pocket and swiftly pulled his jacket off the hanger as he briskly sped out of the room. His eyes danced with anxiousness written all over his face. With horse steps, he hastily descended the stairs. Hansel who stood all dressed in a black coat over a pair of black trousers and a long sleeves in the middle of the hall, swiftly turned towards the raging sound of the stairs.
"Where are you going in such a hast?" He asked on noticing Ben's appearance. "Ain't you supposed to be dressed for school?"
He instinctively glanced at him with indifference just when he got down the last stair.
"I'm going to look after my mother" He coldly offered an explanation. "Look, dad, " He begun, turning his full attention on him. "I've thought carefully over this and I've decided– I want to be with mum and there's nothing you can do about this "
Hansel sneered, a faint chuckle exuded his lips as he swiftly glanced away and returned his gaze again, dropping the cup of steaming coffee down on the table.
"I'm really talking nicely to you right now. Do not challenge me– Get in there and dress up, I'm gonna drive you to school today." He said in an even tone.
"No, dad" He shared a sour glance. Hansel's face spontaneously grew dark with rising anger as he stared him in the eyes.
"It seems you're not listening to what I'm saying" Ben went on with undeterred determination.
" When did you learn how to talk back at me?, huh– You think I can't control you anymore?"
"You wanna beat me, don't you? Fine, do it then– Now you can only hurt me"
"You're just like your mother, ignorant fools!" Hansel blurted out in rage.
"Don't you dare talk about my mother like that, dad!– " He mumbled with rage as he stared with a clenched fist and his heart palpitated.
"I know she escaped you because of this your selfish ambitions– You can literally hurt me all you can but I'll make sure this is the last time you hurt my mother; Mark my words.."
With that, he stormed out of the house without turning back. Hansel stared at his back diminish from the door with sheer evil and anguish.
"You'll regret every bit of your decision, Ben– I'll make sure you do." He mumbled.