Chapter 15

“I’m checking in. What else would I be doing, Vale?”

I crossed my arms over my chest. “At this time of night? Sleeping, actually. Or you know, you could have checked in weeks ago.”

“I was busy. Auri, do you mind if I get something to eat? I’m starving.”

Snorting, I rolled my eyes. “You don’t need to eat anything else.”

My mom came over and elbowed me. She started to sign but my dad turned his back and disappeared into the kitchen. Her hands fell to her side and I heard her sigh. Kissing her head, I nodded up the stairs.

“Go to bed. I’ll make sure he doesn’t eat the sink while he is in there.”

She smiled and kissed me on the cheek. 'Goodnight, Vale. Don’t get into a fight with him, please.'

'I promise. Go.'

“Auri, do you have tea made?”

I shook my head and headed into the kitchen.

“Auri…oh, Vale, where is your mom?”

Pulling out the cold container of tea, I grabbed two glasses and poured him one. I poured one for myself and sat down at the kitchen island. “She went to bed.”

“