“Morning! Sleep well?” Lukas asks as he hands me my morning coffee.
“Eventually yeah. Took me a while to stop my mind overthinking.” I murmur as I sip my coffee.
“Are you still up for the hike? You'll want an overnight bag.”
“Yeah definitely!”
My Dad brings the food to the table just as Mum joins us and we all tuck in.
Dad gestures to my plate. “Lukas told me you're plans for today so I thought you could do with a big hearty breakfast to set you up for the day.”
“Thanks Dad. I can't wait to see the view.” I smile.
In the corner of my eye I see Lukas smile as he shoots me a quick glance.
“What view is that?” My mum asks.
“From the top of the Volcano.” I reply. “Lukas is going to take me up there so I can see how much power I can channel.”
Her mouth hardens and I can feel the “no” coming.
“I'd rather I take you up there instead if that's the case. The power in that mountain is immense. It's angry, violent and difficult to control. I don't think you should experience it for the first time without my help.” Her tone is soft but there's a hardness there. A warning from her own experience that I know I should not ignore.
I nod in agreement.
I see Lukas' shoulder droop a little but he bows his head to Gwen to show he will follow her command.
My dad sits in thought for a moment as we eat in silence. I see him watching me and Lukas as he finishes his food. Him and my Mum share a few glances seemingly having secret communication in each other’s mind. After a while my Dad shrugs with a smile at her and she rolls her eyes with a forced smile.
“Change of plans again!” He booms. “Krista I think it would be a better idea for today, for Lukas to take you on a camp out at the springs.” He grins.
Lukas' head shoots up to look at him and my Dads grin gets even bigger.
“What are the springs?” I ask.
“Hot springs. It's the perfect place to de stress and recentre yourself.” Dad explains. “You are worrying yourself somuch Krista. Preparing for an attack that may never come. Take some time for yourself and focus on more positive things for a night.”
“But I need to be prepared. I'm your best defence should anything happen. Your strongest defence against Hades.” I argue.
“But you're also my daughter and I want to see you happy. Not worrying day in and day out. You're becoming more paranoid than Caleb and that's saying something.” He chuckles.
I look to mum and she gives me a look to say she understands where I'm coming from but to go along with Dads idea.
I chew the inside of my mouth as I contemplate what essentially sounds like a Spa break. Or at least the closest thing we can get to one out here in the middle of nowhere. I can't deny that it sounds nice but Lukas and I have never spent that much time together. Sitting in what is basically a hot tub, with him, won't things potentially get a little intense?
“I mean I'm well up for that!” Exclaims Lukas as he gives me a wink.
My Dad has a mischievous, excited gleam in his eye as he smiles at my Mum.
“Come on you two kids go and have fun!” He says as he collects everyone's plates. “Leave the worrying to the adults and go enjoy life and what it offers for a change. If there's one thing I've learnt it's to enjoy a nice break once in while!”
“Oh alright!” I laugh. “I suppose I could do with a break away from the ranch and doomsday prep-ping.”
Dad slams his hands on the table as he stands. “Ha! There we go!” He slaps Lukas on the back as he goes around collecting plates.
Lukas helps Dad tidy up and mum leans over to me.
“I'll take you up the volcano when your back. You're Dad's right. Take some time for yourself. You deserve it.” Her smile is soft and caring.
