My was she ever closed up, and not just about him, but everything and everybody. That’s the kind of action that turns a person’s soul sour. Until somebody is brave enough to try and crack it open. He could see through her tough exterior, trying to act as if nothing was wrong. Living with the thought of “If I don’t think about or talk about it, it’s not real, and it’ll go away.” That’s not true, just isolates you more. Sighing, he looked at her. “I might not know you like I use to, but don’t kid yourself Amelia. I know that deep down inside at your core, you’re still the same.” He stated, his tone plastered with honesty. 

Listening as she spoke on the phone and then informed him that Lily was sick and coming home, he nodded and checked his phone, just in case. No calls. That was good. Soon enough, there was a knock at the door, and Amelia went to go meet her, and then held the girl in her arms. She looked miserable. Poor thing. 
The girl barely knew him, let alone that he was her father. To her he was just her mother’s friend. He figured now wasn’t the best time for them, and considering Lily probably just wanted her mom, as most kids do when they’re sick. He’d probably just head home. 

Climbing up the stairs, he peeked in each of the rooms until he finally figured out which one was Lily’s. Peeking his head into the room he starred at the site and smiled. “Hey, I’m going to head out now, just wanted to let you know before I did.” He said, his tone soft and quiet. “I hope you feel better, Lily.” He said and then peeked his head back out and walked down the hallway, down the stairs and out to his car. 

Sitting in the driver’s side, he pulled out his cell phone and dialed Jess. She picked up after the 2nd ring, “Hey Jess, It’s James, Just wanted to let you know I’m heading back home now, I’ll be over to get Kaylee very soon.” The woman happily assured him she’d be ready. Hanging up the phone, he drove the 15 minutes to Katie’s and Smiled as Kaylee ran out of the house and got into the backseat. “Did you have fun?” He grinned, looking through the mirror as they pulled up to their house. Kaylee smiled happily. “Yes, I did! I ate there too, so it’s okay.” She stated, grabbing her backpack and stepping out of the car. 

The two trailed into the house and then took off their shoes. Kaylee threw her backpack in the entryway’s storage area. James looked at her, “Okay missy, go get ready for bed. I’ll be there in a minute.” He said sternly, watching the girl dart up the stairs and into her large bedroom. After changing into her pajamas, and brushing her teeth she climbed into her bed and pulled the covers over her body. 

James finally came in and sat next to her, softly stroking her cheek. “I love you little lady.” He grinned, leaning over and kissing her head. Kaylee smiled contently. “I love you too,daddy.” She said and then curled up and fell asleep. James sighed and stood up, shutting the light off and then the closing the door. 
Walking down to his bedroom, he flipped the light on and changed into some more comfortable clothes. Since the whole thing with Amelia, he never had time to change out of his work clothes. After getting clean and comfortable, he crawled into bed and laid down, starring out the large window into the darkness. What a day it had been. Letting the exhaustion take over, he fell into a deep, deep sleep.