Chapter 444 - Four Hundred And Forty-four : I Only Got You
The third point of view:
Niklaus has always hated hospitals and today proved him right. He was running once again - into a hospital like the other times. He was honestly tired of bad news like this, why was it always his wife, Reina? Who did she even provoke in her past life to deserve this treatment? Well, if she was already this
pertinacious,?he didn't attempt to imagine what she was like in her past life - if there was one.
Panting, Niklaus halted in his step the instant he came into the waiting room and saw his children. As if they shared some sort of psychic connection, all of his kids turned as well and their eyes met.
"Daddy!" Ailee was the first to shout out and run towards him.
Joy like no other exploded in Niklaus' heart as he caught his daughter in the air and held her close to his chest. He was so relieved. Highly relieved. They were safe. Nothing happened to them.
When Judy had called to inform him that they had been rescued, he didn't dare to believe him. For all he knew, Judy could be lying to him so as not to cause him a heart attack once he received the bad news.
But now, they were safe, and in his arms. He didn't dare to imagine what he could have done if something bad happened to them. His kids and wife were his family right now.
"Thank God," He breathed, squeezing his daughter so tight he almost cut off her breath?- not that Ailee minded.
Ailee hugged her father's neck tight as well, she had been so scared. Although her mother Reina was strict and was honestly, quite annoying sometimes, that didn't mean she wanted her to die - especially not in front of her.
"Where were you daddy!" Ailee burst into tears for the first time. She had been so scared - the scene had been traumatic for her.
Niklaus' heart broke at the sight of her daughter crying - it was the first time he had ever seen her shed tears. And to think his strong daughter was crying because of the bad scenario broke his heart further, he should have been there for her - for his family.
"I'm so sorry," He ran his hand through her hair and then pulled back from her to wipe the tears from her eyes, "Don't worry, I'm here now. Nobody would hurt you, not with me around, you hear me?"
Ailee nodded, putting on a brave front by smiling at her father. She hadn't meant to cry but when she had seen her father, her emotions just let loose; Ailee wanted to cry, complain, and lay on his shoulder.
It was at that moment that Niklaus saw his son, Allen as well and he simply hugged him. Unlike his twin sister, Allen was not the expressive type, and knowing that his son took after him completely, Niklaus comforted him the way he would want to be appeased.
"You did a good job," He patted the boy on the back, "You defended and protected your mother and siblings in my place, that's what a real man does," Niklaus broke apart from the hug, ruffling Allen's hair and his boy surprisingly didn't dodge his hand - he always claims to be a big boy or something whenever he does that.
When he was a bachelor, Niklaus swore to give his children the best of love whenever he had one. And now, he did, he would spoil them with everything he lacked from his father, Adam.
And one of them involved compliments, his father rarely gave him those since most things he did were not up to Adam's expectations. Unless he followed Adam's coordination, his own plans were inferior and foolish. No, that would not be the same with him - that was a promise- his children would do what they love to do.
"Neon, come here," He instructed the boy who had tried to make himself invisible.
Yes, It was true that Neon wasn't his biological son and that their close relationship was shattered upon the arrival of his own kids, that still didn't change his affection for him. The fact remains that Neon was his first son - in his heart. He was the little light that brought him back around at that time when his world had collapsed - when he thought Maya had died. So he wouldn't forsake him now.
"What happened to your face?" Niklaus asked, even though he had a faint premonition Miguel was responsible.
"He courageously stood his ground against the enemy," Isabella made her appearance, "If there's anyone who should be thanked, I think it should be Neon. He was braver than all of us put together, today,"
"Isabella,"
Niklaus breathed, glancing up at his daughter.
"Ailee, help take care of your brother Neon's face. You can ask around, you should be able to find an ice pack or something, alright,"
"Alright," Ailee was glad to help
"Good work, Neon," Niklaus patted him on the back as Ailee offered him a hand which Neon took and they left.
"Thank you," Niklaus said to her and was about to hug Isabella as he did to the others when she put up her hand.
"What?" He frowned, wondering if he had done anything wrong.
"I'm a grown-up, I don't need that. My reputation would be ruined," she claimed, proudly.
"What reputation," Allen snorted by the side.
"Well, even if you're twenty-four or fifty, you're still my kid. Now come here," Niklaus ordered, stretching his arms wide open.
"No, Niklaus, that is so embarrassing -"
Isabella was still saying when Niklaus pulled her towards him and hugged her tightly.
"And you finally did it," She groaned, yet rested her chin on her father's shoulder, feeling comfortable, loved, and protected.
Meanwhile, Ailee and Neon sat on one of the benches in front of the pharmacy reception, applying an ice pack to his face.
"Ouch!" Neon yelped, when she pressed a little too hard on his bruised cheek.
"Sorry," She immediately apologized and began to blow hot air upon that injured area of his cheek to alleviate the pain.
Neon watched with deep concentration as Ailee puckered her lips, fanning him with her breath which was kind of ticklish, but he liked it. He liked the attention she was giving him. Which was why he asked her, "Ailee?"
"Huh? What is it?" She mumbled, all of her attention on his treatment?
"If Allen and I fall into a river, who would you save first?" he asked, heart pounding with anticipation for her answer.
"What kind of question is that?" She scowled at him, "Of course, I'll rescue you,"
Neon's heart filled with happiness, yet he asked, "Why? Why would you save me instead of Ailee?"
"Because," She clasped his face gently, saying, "Allen is an asshole and mom can give birth to more assholes, but I only got you for life,"
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