CHAPTER THIRTEEN

Just as Daniel wanted to begin, Dora suddenly remembered something "mum, dad, I almost forgot, I have to return inside I'll be back". She said as she abruptly stood up and ran inside the house before anyone could react

"Any idea what she's talking about". A confused Monica asked an equally confused Eric and Daniel

"None". Daniel shook his head while Eric shrugged

Monica shook her head too before turning her attention back to Daniel "go on". She prompted him to keep talking

***

Dora heaved a sigh of relief after evening her breath, her back resting on the closed kitchen door "I need water". She said as her eyes went to the fridge

"That was close". She giggled, placing the empty bottle into a recycle bin. As much as she hadn't wanted to be there while Daniel explained what happened, she hadn't exactly lied when she said she did forget something, so she used the opportunity.

Deliberately taking her time, she took a slow walk around the kitchen as she picked out a small tray, jug and glass cup. Then filled the tray to half its capacity and placed both it and the cup on the tray. Then she took it up to her room for Dora just in case she wakes up like she normally does at her home whenever Dora sleeps over. All these she did taking her sweet time so she doesn't have to be there when Daniel's talking or at least she should be back there when he's almost done

She doesn't want to be there because she knows she's definitely interrupt him or say something to make him angry and it could lead to an argument which she's trying to avoid

***

"Then we met again by the lake, and Violet couldn't walk properly due to her injury so I offered to help. She refused at first..". Daniel was saying when Eric interrupted

"Of course she would". He snorted as he held his knuckles in a tight fist

"Eric, let him finish the story okay?". Monica reprimanded him "go on"

"She refused at first but later agreed and we began walking back down to the house when we saw mum waiting". Daniel explained finish just as Dora took her seat beside him

"You took your time". Daniel muttered to her

"Would you rather I sat here and listened to you only to result in an argument or a punch in your face". She rolled her eyes

"Kids!". Monica called their attention

"Where were you?". She asked Dora once she gained both their attention

"I just took some water to Violet so she has it whenever she wakes up at night". Dora replied making Monica smile

"That's thoughtful". She nodded at her daughter

"Daniel explained everything that happened". Monica began looking between both kids

"Hmm, I'm sure he did. Just hope he left nothing out". Dora snickered

"He didn't, right?". Eric said this time his hard gaze on Daniel who gulped before nodding. Daniel may be 20 but it doesn't stop his fear of their father "good". Eric nodded stiffly

"So he mentioned the part where he was rash, annoying, inconsiderate and ?". Dora asked

"I did Dora. I agree I wasn't thinking right when I said that but can you just drop it already?". Daniel sighed annoyed

"Drop it? Can you hear yourself? You didn't just refuse her love Daniel, you fucking abused her love…"

"Language Dora". Monica interrupted

"You said all sorts of cruel words to her. You literally broke her emotionally!". Dora shouted, now standing toe to toe with Daniel

"I feel bad for all I did, doesn't that count?!". Daniel shouted back

"You both should calm down please".Monica said but both kids ignored her

"It's not the matter of you feeling bad Dan, it's you realising what you did was wrong and sincerely apologising. Honestly even as your sister I'm disappointed in you Daniel, you really let me down. If I can feel this way imagine how she'd feel".

"Well I'd rather have you feeling disappointed now than feeling disappointed later. You both might not understand this now but in the future, you'll realise it was for the best. I had to do what I had to do and I wouldn't have taken back what I did. Besides it's best she hates me now then learns to love me only to regret it".

"Daniel you really shouldn't..". Monica started again but was interrupted

Dora snorted in disbelief at his words "in case you haven't realised it, there are other ways of telling her how you feel than the way you did. Why won't you admit you're wrong!!". Dora shouted all riled up

"Because I'm not, okay!!" Daniel shouted back

"Are you…". Dora began but was cut shut by Eric who had been watching their argument and Monica's attempt at putting it to a stop

"That's it! Shut it both of you!!". Eric commanded successfully shutting them both "good, now sit down!". He said looking sternly at them both

Dora and Daniel glared at each other before grudgingly having their seats

"Eric..". Monica started but he shook his head

"Let me Monica, I can handle it". He gently squeezed her hand as he gave a small nod. She stared at him for a second before giving a small smile and also nodding

"Now you'll both stop glaring at each other and listen to me. Okay?"

Eric called their attention to him as his gaze turned stern and commanding

"Daniel, there's no way to put it but how you choose to solve the matter has been nothing but foolish". He began. Daniel who wanted to interrupt and Dora who snickered both kept their mouth shut at his glare

"There are other ways to handle it. One that doesn't involve you throwing a girl's love on her face. No matter how hard you try to justify yourself, you were wrong. I understand where you were coming from, it must have been something you did on the spur of the moment. But it doesn't justify the fact that you hurt an innocent girl. You have absolutely no right to tell a girl she isn't worthy of your love even if you don't like her, you have no right to make fun of her love. That's not how your mum and I brought you up, we thought you better. But today you let us down with what you did". Eric said as his gaze fleeted towards Monica who was staring at Daniel but also shifted to his and nodded with a small smile

Daniel's head fell in shame at his father's words and mother's approval. "I'm sorry dad, mum. I didn't mean to disappoint you". He said sadness in his voice. Even Dora felt bad for him

"As long as you actually realise you were wrong. That's all that matters. I'm not blaming or trying to take sides here, I just want you to realise that while your intention was right your actions weren't. I hope you get it?". Eric said to which Daniel nodded

"Dora". Eric called making her shoulders stiffen as she answered. Eric sighed before continuing "I understand you wanted to play matchmaker and all. You had the best interest of all, you wanted to see your best friend get her love. But your method was equally wrong. You shouldn't have done what you did. Those words are powerful to us. Your mum and I always tell you it isn't just ordinary, it's unique and creates a strong bond. You shouldn't have made her say them. Besides in your mission to unite your friend with her love you didn't care to know how your brother would feel about it. One should never be tied to a one-sided love Dora, you know that well. Yet you ignored that fact, didn't verify your brother's feelings and went ahead. Sure you might have had a suspicion that he felt the same way, but you should have confirmed it before taking action. You shouldn't have acted on the spur of the moment like your brother". Eric said looking between Dora and Daniel

"Honestly I'm not blaming you both. You both had good intentions but your actions were wrong. But because of that, you had put Violet in the middle. She received the backlash of both your actions both emotionally and physically. Though her decision to run into the forest at the spur of the moment was also wrong, you both are majorly the reason for her current situation. You would have to make it up to her and see that she heals but before that you'll have to make up first. Because you can't work together when you are at each other's throat. So now you'll both stand up and apologise to each other". Eric said. He raised a brow at them after some moments when none of them made a move to stand up

Begrudgingly they both stood up but still didn't say anything just stared at each other

"What are you both waiting for? Some miracle?". Eric said rolling his eyes while Monica slightly hit him on his arm

"I'm sorry". They both said at the sametime, then glared at each other. This was something that sometimes happens with them. They'd unknowingly synchronise not only in words but sometimes in action too

"No I'm sorry". They said again and groaned at each other while Eric and Monica tried to keep their smiles hidden

"Don't do that". They said again then sighed

"Okay you go first". They both said gesturing to each other

"I'll go first". They said again and groaned deeper

"Help us". They both said again as they turned to their parents exasperated then glared at beach

Eric and Monica couldn't help but burst into a fit of chuckle while the kids stared at them like they've gone mad