Delilah
Delilah’s mom had just died. Things weren’t going too well at home. Her father had developed an alcohol addiction a few weeks back. She had been secretive with her friends telling them a bit of what was going on. She was constantly pushing for more sleepovers not being able to handle the stress at home. One day at the sleepover she told her friends about what was going on and said she was thinking about running away to her uncle's place.
They all offered her their support and the best information they had. Their only request was that she would keep in contact with her after she ran.
On the car ride home she was thinking about all the exits she had found over the years and the best places she could go to run without her dad noticing. As soon as she got home she went to check on the animals behind their house and took care of them and brushed their hair one more time
She was going to miss the animals a lot but she didn’t have the time to dwell on that. She went to her room and started packing all the necessary things she would need. She would never forgive herself if she forgot something important. She went to the corner of her room where a desk stood with her favorite creature inside. It was her pet hamster she had had since she was 7. There was no way she was going to leave him here. Her father appeared in the room just as she was stroking her pet hamster, Ryan.
“I’m going out you know what you're supposed to do I’ll be back later.”
Her father said leaving the room. No goodbyes, no friendliness. He just left. Delilah had gotten used to that however.
‘Well this is the perfect opening. I can grab food then i’ll be out of here.’ Delilah thought
After a few minutes she had all that she needed and started to go outside. Just her luck it had started snowing
‘I better hurry I don’t want me or Ryan to freeze out here.’
As she continued walking she saw people walking around like nothing was wrong.
‘Lucky them not seeing anything wrong. I wish I could go back to my peaceful life but apparently that's too much to ask.’ Delilah thought as she continued walking by.
She saw animals walking past getting for hibernation season.
Then finally in the distance she saw a huge glowing mansion.
‘It’s been years since i’ve seen this place. I wonder what has changed.” Delilah thought walking past the gate to the door of the house.
Delilah knocked on the door then heard chattering inside of the house then heard footsteps going towards the door.
When they opened the door they saw a ten year old girl waiting outside.
When uncle Jesper saw her he recognized her immediately and hugged her.
“Hi uncle Jes how are you?” Delilah asked
“I’m good. What are you doing here? Are your parents here as well?” Jesper asked
“No they aren’t. I ran away.” Delilah replied
Wylan seemed to be looking at her as if he didn’t know what to think about her.
Jesper nudged him.
“Why did you run away Delililah? You know it’s not safe to be on your own right?” Wyland asked
“I ran away because things aren’t going well at home. And I know It’s not safe but if it were minor I wouldn’t have left. Can I stay here for a while?” Delilah said
“Of course you can kiddo.”
“Thank you uncle jes and uncle Wylan! Let me guess you want me to tell you what's going on first right?”
“That would be appreciated.”
“Ok… do you have anywhere we can talk in private?” Delilah asked
“We can go to the library.”
“Alright.”
They then walked to the library servants all on their brakes and eating in their quarters.
“Where should I start? I have quite a few things to tell you about. Or do you want to start with asking questions and I’ll answer them?” Delilah said stroking the hamster in her lap
“Start wherever you're comfortable with“
“That’s helpful,” Delilah said sarcastically “I guess I can start with something to settle both of your nerves. Uncle Jes, mom and dad played a trick on you years ago. You're not my biological dad. Your brother is actually my dad.”
“Oh thank god, now wylan won't kill me.” Jesper muttered
“I wasn’t going to kill you, jesper. I was mad at you for a bit however. I am sorry for how I acted. However if you do cheat I will be extremely pissed at you.”
“He was totally plotting to blow you up.” Delilah said evilly stroking the hamster
“No, I wasn’t don’t trick him, Delilah.” Wylan replied
“Oh alright fine. Now where should I start? I actually want an answer because I don’t know where I should start off.” Delilah said seriously
“Where’s your mother?”
“She's dead. And has been for a few months. Did you not know that?”
“No… we didn’t. We’re sorry for your loss. What about your father?”
Deliah just shrugged and replied with “I’m sorry to say this uncle Jes but he's very rarely sober anymore and he acts like a jackass.” Delilah said fidgeting with Ryans ears
Jesper looked down and said “I see.”
“I think that’s all that needs to be said but do you have any other questions?”
“Not at the moment no.”
“Alright. Can you show me where I’m staying so I can put my things away?”
“Yeah of course follow me.” Wylan said
“Aright. And thank you so much for letting me stay. Oh and uncle Jes?” Delilah said
“Yeah kiddo?”
“Are you going to try talking to my dad at all?”
“Yeah probably.”
“Ok just be careful. He’s… not the same.”
“I’m sure it’ll be fine.”
“I’m not sure about that…. He’s different.. Colder harsher if you would. He’s not very kind..”
“I can handle my brother.” Jesper said
Dalilah simply nodded squeezing the life out of her poor hamster
“Just be careful uncle Jes.”
“Of course I will.”
“You're notorious for not being careful honey. And you better not go to a gambling hall on your way there.” Wylan said giving him the look
“I won't. I won't.” Jesper said, grabbing his coat.
“Are you leaving already?” Dalila asked
“Yes. I’ll be back home by dinner.”
“How can you be sure you'll be back so soon?” Delilah questioned
“I just need to have a talk with my little brother.”
“It could still take you longer than you think it will, something unexpected could happen or you have to deal with traffic.” Delilah stated
“It’ll be fine.” Jesper said, patting her head then turning to kiss wylan on the cheek.
“Mhm. Oh and dad should be at the bar by the way.” Delilah suggested
“Good to know.”
“Be careful uncle Jesper.” Delilah said while hugging Jesper.