The Zetta Sonic
S10 - (Winter) Cool Touch

Jayden saw how Alex spent time talking to the doctor. She herself had to admit that Vanessa's doctor was like a mother and a friend to all of them. He was ready to listen to their complaints all the time. Jayden doesn't deny that he likes to talk to her.

After an hour had passed, Vanessa's doctor finally said goodbye. Tiger is sleeping. Jayden and Alex. Jayden decided to meet the boy at the high table. Instead of sitting across from him, Jayden sat to the side. Jason put it on the table after getting rid of the dishes to make room.

“So,” said Jayden opened the conversation, “I wonder what reason you told your supervisor.”

“You mean, what did I tell Mrs Bellsey and Preston to stay here?” guess Alex. “Actually, I didn't say anything. Mrs. Bellsey's taking a leave of absence. He's coming back to his hometown. Preston went to see his daughter in the hospital. I don't need to find any reason this time.”

“How about your mother and father.”

“Well, you know them-”

Their conversation was interrupted because Alex's phone rang. Alex could not hide his surprise. His wide eyes made Jayden immediately peek at the screen of his phone. There appeared a photo of a black-haired man with gray hair with a very short contact name: Father.

Alex throws his eyes at Jayden.

As if understanding that Alex was afraid the relationship was being tapped, Jayden nodded. “It's okay. Just lift. This place is safe. The thing you need to worry about is probably just snoring Tiger.”

Tiger was not snoring.Beside with Emil, both of them slept soundlessly. But that doesn't mean they'll be quiet in the next few minutes. Jayden and Alex both understand that.

Alex's finger did not swipe the screen to receive the call. It took him a few seconds until he finally received the call. When the phone was in his ear, Alex greeted after taking a deep breath. “Halo, Dad?”

[Alex, I just received word from your mother. Preston took a leave of absence.]

“Yes. Daughter hurts. She went to visit him.”

[You bought him a ticket?]

For a moment, Alex was under the impression that his father understood what was really going on. How he bought tickets then convinced Preston to accompany his daughter. Then, he brushed off his own thoughts. “Preston is not used to buying tickets online. So, I bought it. That's faster.”

[He's leaving tonight?]

“Ya.” Alex always finds his talk like an interrogation. His father asked a question, he answered. Mark Hill used to exchange messages more often than call. Often it is not every day, not every week. While the phone from his father can really be counted with the fingers.

[Will he be back in early January?]

“The plan is so.”

[Good. I'm busy this week too. But, I'm sure I can go home on the 26th or 27th. I'll try to stay home until Preston gets back.]

Hearing that, Alex's mouth opened wide. Jayden across from him squinted, curious at their conversation. Alex shook his head, recovering from his confusion. “Ku-I think---I mean, Daddy's busy-Mu-Not like that?” Alex found himself struggling. A feeling of pleasure mixed in confusion filled his mind.

[Indeed. That's why, I said I'd try to stay home until Preston came back. Hopefully there will be no meeting of shareholders between those dates.].

Alex realized there was a pause when his father talked about the meeting. His father was not a liar as good as he was. Maybe, that's a good thing. He realized that he had made a thin smile there. A spontaneous expression without planning.

[Hello? Alex, are you still there?]

“Ya, yes. I can hear you.”

[OKAY. I'll call you back if my flight's for sure. Take care.]

“Sure. Dad also.”

The conversation ended there. Alex couldn't help but smile on his face.

Jayden examined his face and made a confession, “From the look on your face, I can't guess if the phone ended or didn't. Your forehead was wrinkled, but you also smiled earlier. So?”

“Dad will be home?”

“You mean, Macus Anthony Hill, head of ICPA Regis?”

“That's good news, ‘kan?” Jayden smiled, confirming his opinion.

Alex took off a few times. “It's excellent news, like..”

Jayden waited for Alex to say the next sentence, but the boy did not speak. He continued it for Alex. “Like christmas gifts?”

Alex smiles. Head lowered. His gaze was directed at the mobile phone on his lap.

“As long as your father is at home, I think it will be difficult for you to come in and out of here,” Jayden continued. “But, I'm sure that's not what's on your mind right now. What's up, Alex?”

Alex gulped, making sure his voice wouldn't shake when he spoke. “The Christmas gifts I always wanted were them. My family is very small. There was only my father, mother, and me. I always wondered why it was so hard to get the three of us together. Even if we were all at home, we were usually busy with our own events. I see them as a very distant figure.”

Jayden kept quiet, waiting for Alex to continue.

After a few breaths, Alex smiled. “At least, now I know what my father did. Of ICPA. And. Phone just now... I don't know why, I feel so happy. Like a child.”

“Before, did he come home after finding out that Preston wasn't home?”

“Kot more like that.”

Jayden laughed. “I think I know the reason. “During this time, you think he doesn't care about you anymore. So, it's only natural that you are so happy after hearing his return, ‘kan?”

Alex was stunned for a moment, smiling. “Ya, it feels right.”

Jayden gave the boy time to understand his own feelings. The only thing to worry about as long as Mark Hill is at home is a shift in the practice schedule. Jayden did not mind at all if he had to rearrange the schedule for Alex. Everyone deserves to enjoy time with their family. Let's hope that there are no super villains who act during the holidays.

“Hei, J.” Alex broke the silence. “How about you guys? You three will stay here during the holidays?”

“Yups. Emil's house is close. He can visit his parents whenever he wants. Tiger will also visit his sister's house. As far as I know, his parents are gone. They both chose to stay here. I think it's about freedom.”

“How's your family? You never told me anything about it.”

That's not a topic Jayden wants to discuss. “Don't worry about me, Alex. My family is here. You, Emil, Tiger, doctor Vanessa. Even though I fight with you guys often. But.. I can't expect better from you.” Jayden added, “Do not count professor Otto.”

“Ya, yes. I can see you don't match him.”

“She's hiding something. I don't like that.”

“How about Jason?” Alex throws a question with a nosy smile.

The question made Jayden make an expression Alex had never seen before. He avoided Alex's gaze even if it was only a split second. Then, Jayden made a smile that only involved his lips. His hand touched the drone on the table. It felt cold at his touch.

“I think he's the best family member.”

Alex doesn't have to ask anymore, he knows Jayden is hiding something from him. Not intending to pry further information, Alex let the chant close the night.

Later on, we'll conspire

As we dream by the fire

Face unafraid

The plans that we've made

Walking in a winter wonderland