“Hey bro,” Temp says. “Are you eating with us?”
Cassie nods and sits down. “Yeah, Sion’s asleep, so I thought I’d join you.”
I look at Cassie; apart from worried, he looks sad and tired. “Are you sleeping Cass?”
“Not very much. I spend a few hours here and there in the chair, as I don’t want to leave Sion in case he needs something,” he replies as food dishes are handed to him.
“We can take turns sitting with him. You need sleep as well Cass,” Titus says.
Cassie sighs. “I might take you up on that at some point. I know we’re all needed at the fair tonight, but I don’t want to leave Sion alone.”
“I can sit with him if you want,” Ma offers, “or John can if you want to go out tonight.”
“No one will mind if you want to stay home though,” Adhan tells him.
Cass nods. “Thanks, I’ll check on Sion after we’ve finished dinner and if he’s still asleep I’ll come with you. If you’re sure Jodie, John.”
“I’ll sit with him. John is on babysitting duty tonight,” Ma replies.
Nora smiles at Pa. “Really Grandpa?”
John nods and smiles. “Yep really.”
She looks at Cam and Nix. “You can both go to the fair tonight if you want.”
“If you’re sure, Doobs, John,” Nix says, looking at Pa.
“Yep, we’ll be fine,” he looks at the boys. “Is that alright with you two, or would you prefer someone else stays?”
“Nope, we’re good with you John,” Xander says.
Ebby and Sly smile and look at Enoch.
“Yep, we’re good with John.”
CHAPTER 25
After dinner, leaving Ma and Pa at the manor we all head to the funfair, Cassie with us.
I’m walking behind the others as Cass is walking slowly. I stop and wait for him.
“You can go home, you know that right?” I say gently.
“I know. I want to be here, but I might slip off and see Madam Cleo at some point tonight.”
“Hopefully whatever she tells you, will cheer you up.”
“Sorry, I don’t mean to be a downer,” he says, shoving his hands into his jacket pockets.
I nudge his arm. “You’re not, but we can see you’re unhappy and it’s not all concern for Sion’s health.”
He sighs. “I’ve other stuff going on as well.”
“Talk to your brothers, or me and if we can help, we will,” I assure him.
He gives me a quick smile. “I know, thanks, Ernest.”
We join the others and stop walking as Elliot and Madam Cleo come over and join us. I leave Cassie standing by Temp and Titus and go and join Adhan.
