SHAWN’S POV
He stood in front of his car as he waited for her, ignoring the screams of the students and flashes of cameras on his face.
A few minutes later, he saw her walking towards his direction with her friend. Their eyes met and he waved at her. He watched her hug her friend before hurrying towards him.
“Hey, good afternoon. You made it.” She said as she got to him.
“Yes, I did. You were not expecting me, right?” He asked as he got into the car.
“Honestly, I kept an open mind just in case you disappointed me again.” She replied, fastening her seatbelt.
“I understand.” He nodded and started the car ignition.
“Have you closed from work?” She asked.
“No, but I’m done with the work I have.” He replied.
“Thank you.” She suddenly said,
Shawn turned to look at her in confusion. “Why are you thanking me?” He asked, his confusion vivid on his face.
“For coming to pick me at school and taking me to the hospital to pick my dad.” She replied.
“You are welcome.” He replied, returning his attention to the road.
The remaining part of the journey to the hospital was spent in silence. They soon arrived at the hospital and after checking in at the reception they walked into Mr Dion’s room.
“You are both on time. As you can see, Mr Dion is strong and ready to leave.” Doctor Amanda said, as they got into the room.
“Hey, Dad.” Tiffany said excitedly and rushed to get father’s side.
“Good day, Sir.” Shawn greeted.
“Thank you so much, Shawn.” Mr Dion said, patting him on the shoulder.
“You are welcome, Sir.”
“Your parents were here earlier. They kept me company for a while.” Mr Dion said as he got off the bed. He was looking bright and healthy unlike the previous day.
“That was thoughtful of them.” Shawn replied. Situations like this were new to him. He didn’t know what to say or how to react.
“Here is the discharge history. Sign here, and Mr Dion is good to go.” Doctor Amanda said and handed Tiffany a document.
Shawn went through the document with her and after confirming everything was okay, Tiffany signed it.
“You are free to leave with them, Mr Dion.” Doctor Amanda said and turned to Tiffany. “Ensure he practices the routines I told you earlier.” She added.
“I will. Thank you, Doctor.” Tiffany replied, and with that, they walked out the room with Mr Dion.
They had just gotten to the reception when Tiffany stopped to greet a man with a bandage around his shoulder.
“Good day, Sir. You might not remember me, but I am…” Tiffany was cut short by the man.
“Tiffany Dion. The daughter of Mr Dion, one of Vancouver’s finest business men. You are also a student of Shine high school. I think that is where our paths crossed and at the hospital too where Derek was admitted.” The man replied.
“Exactly, Sir. Why do you have a bandage around your shoulder?” She asked in concern.
“Oh, I was attacked a few days ago. I’m here to change the bandage.” The man said.
Suddenly, the man and Tiffany walked towards Shawn and Mr Dion.
“Good day. I am Detective Copler. It’s a pleasure meeting you both.” He said, extending his hand for a handshake.
Shawn shook his hand and so did Mr Dion.
“Dad and Shawn, Detective Copler is handling a case that took place in my school.” Tiffany introduced.
“Is that so? I hope you are making progress on the case?” Mr Dion asked Detective Copler.
“Yes, I am. I have to run along now. See you all some other time.” Detective Copler said and walked away.
“Let’s go.” Tiffany said, and they continued on their way.
TIFFANY’S POV
They got to the house and her father invited them inside for coffee.
“I’m glad you are fine, Dad. I was so scared and unsettled when I heard you slumped.” Tiffany said, as she nestled close to her father on the couch.
“You don’t have to worry, princess. Daddy is fine as you can see.” Mr Dion said and patted her hair.
A few minutes later, the maid arrived with their cups of coffee.
“Excuse me, Ma.” Tiffany called out to the woman. “I want to ask you for a favor.” She added.
“Okay, ma.” The maid said, giving a slight bow.
“I don’t trust my Dad to adhere to the doctor’s instructions, which is why I want you to please help me ensure he pays heed to the instructions.” Tiffany said.
“With all pleasure, Ma.”
“Princess, I am not a toddler to be looked after.” Mr Dion whined like a baby.
“At this point, you are, Dad. And you know I won’t give up until I’m sure you will do as the doctor said.” Tiffany said and stroked his beards playfully.
“Now, that reminds me of how your mother used to stroke my beards.” Mr Dion said and sighed in nostalgia.
“I am my mother’s daughter, then.” Then she turned to the maid and handed her a paper. “These are the routines he should follow. Please, ensure he doesn’t skip or miss any.” Tiffany said.
“I will, Ma.” The maid said dutifully as she took the paper.
The next few minutes were spent drinking their coffee and cracking jokes. As dusk drew nearer, Tiffany decided it was time they leftherself and Shawn.
“Dad, we have to leave now.” Tiffany said and got up
“You both did well by keeping me company. I am grateful to you and Shawn.” Mr Dion said and got up too.
“It was a pleasure, Sir.” Shawn replied as they shook hands.
“I will walk you to the door.” Mr Dion said and took the lead.
Tiffany, knowing that no amount of persuasion will make him stay back, followed suit.
“We are leaving now, Dad. Take care.” Tiffany said and waved him goodbye.
“Bye, Princess.” Mr Dion said as Shawn drove out of the compound.
“You have a great bond with your father.” Shawn said as they drove home.
“Yeah, I do. What do you expect? He is my only parent. I grew up knowing only him.” Tiffany replied.
“It’s a beautiful sight to see, yunno.” Shawn said, smiling slightly.
“Thank you. I think you share that same Bond with your mother.” Tiffany blurted.
Shawn turned to stare at her and then chuckled. “Yeah. I think so.” He replied and returned his gaze to the road.
“I can’t wait to get home and rest. It’s been a hectic day.” Tiffany said and yawned.
“Can you stay by yourself for a day or two?” Shawn suddenly asked.
Tiffany abruptly turned to stare at him. “Why are you asking?” She asked in surprise.
“Well, I will be traveling for a conference tomorrow. It might take a day or two.” Shawn replied.
“And you are just telling me now?” Tiffany asked, offended.
“I got to know about today at the office.” Shawn replied.
Tiffany relaxed a bit afterward. “I will have to go and stay with my dad until your return…”