Not A Small-Town Girl

Chapter 34

"As long as you don’t feel tired, it’s fine. But if you are, you can come home anytime," Vivian said with concern.

Audrey smiled and wrapped her arm around Vivian’s. "You always care about me, Mom."

Just then, Joseph and Danielle returned from outside. Howard, who hadn’t seen his daughter all day, was overjoyed to see her. "Danielle, have you eaten yet?"

Danielle had been busy all day and hadn’t had time to eat. Now that her dad asked, she realized she was hungry. "Joseph and I haven’t eaten yet."

Vivian, hearing that her daughter hadn’t had dinner, felt a pang of sympathy. She pulled Danielle’s hand and led her to the dining room. "Sweetie, why haven’t you eaten yet? Thankfully, I had the chef prepare some food."

"Joseph, why didn’t you bring Danielle to dinner? Now my precious daughter hasn’t eaten," Howard said, giving Joseph a reproachful look.

Danielle, seeing Joseph being scolded, spoke up softly. "I wanted to come back and eat."

"Danielle, where do you go every day? We never see you. It’s so late-Mom and Dad must be worried," Audrey said in a delicate voice.

"Audrey, mind your own business," Joseph replied seriously.

Audrey looked a bit hurt. "Joseph, I’m just concerned about Danielle."

"Alright, Joseph, come eat," Howard interrupted.

Vivian served food to Danielle, her eyes soft with affection. ’She’s such a good girl, she thought.

As Danielle ate, she remembered her trip to the border tomorrow. She would likely be gone for days. "Mom, Dad, I have a friend in trouble. I need to go see her. I’ll be going abroad tomorrow and will be away for a while." Howard and Vivian were worried and reluctant to let her go alone. "Sweetie, will you be going alone? Do you want us to send someone with you for protection?"

Joseph, recalling the accident earlier, was also concerned about Danielle traveling alone. "Danielle, do you need me to go with you?"

Danielle saw their concern but knew this trip to the border wouldn’t allow for bodyguards. She might end up protecting them instead.

"Mom, Dad, Joseph, I’ll be fine. Don’t worry about me."

Howard and Vivian knew she didn’t want anyone tagging along, so they gave her some final advice. "Sweetie, be safe abroad. Call us if anything happens, and take care of yourself."

"Danielle, you can also call me," Joseph added, understanding her independence but still wanting to check in.

After dinner, everyone went to their rooms.