"Yes, Elle. I know Dad is sick and can't do it. But we can protect ourselves," Derrick added.
"Ugh, Everyone and Dad! Please! Can we not talk about him all the time? This is about something else!" Helen burst out, suddenly forgetting she was supposed to be nervous. "I wanted to tell you about my new boyfriend, but you just had to ruin the mood!" she said, exasperated.
Derrick let out a sigh of relief, then blinked in surprise. "Oh…" But when her words sunk in, his head whipped to her in a swoosh. His face held shock. "Wait. Boyfriend? Who is he? When did this happen? Is he good? Is he treating you better? Are you happy?" He bombarded her with questions, his tone now curious but still protective.
