The Girl Next Door's

Conscious

"So, I agree with you that we have no other choice but to jump right in on the matter, right?" ask Deril.

The night has not yet arrived, but Deril feels their conversation will be difficult. Alex couldn't possibly happily let Deril plunge into the crocodile's hole alone. However, if he were to interfere more, Doctor Stephen would be suspicious of them. It doesn't make sense if Alex alone approaches Mika and saves her from the house.

"Do you like Mika that much?" ask Alex.

"Dad, we're not talking about that."

"Not so," Alex leaned back. "Dad was thinking of the easiest way to save Mika."

Deril's eyebrows shot up. "The easiest way?"

"You just marry Mika," Alex replied lightly. "If she were to be our family, of course Mika would not stay in that house anymore. He will be free from his suffering."

"Dad!"

"But, that's also if Doctor Stephen approves of you. She has the most beautiful daughter I've ever seen. Then, if juxtaposed with you, it is not comparable. You have mixed blood. But, your brain and wealth are not comparable to Doctor Stephen."

"Eat him! That's not the easiest way!" deril protest with a reddened face. "The only way is to uncover all the secrets of the next-door neighbors!"

Alex nodded. "Deril, promise me one thing."

"What?"

"Whatever you want to do and whatever the latest news you have, please, you have to tell me. If anything feels awkward and you're in danger, call Dad immediately. I'll always pick up the phone from you."

"I knew. I don't care about my life either" replied Deril. "But if things get worse, I'll call Dad."

Getting support from Alex is one thing Deril needs right now. At least there was an adult in his plan. He also should not be rash and take Doctor Stephen too lightly. Although Mika helped him the other day, it does not explain that Mika is not part of Doctor Stephen's plan.

"Dad, can I talk to Mom about Miss Sonya?" deril asked, starting a new conversation.

"You sure?" Alex asked back. "From your story that says that Miss Sonya said about Mika's condition, doesn't it seem like she has nothing to do with Doctor Stephen? Maybe he doesn't really know what's going on?"

"But I'm not sure about that. Sonya's mom did tell Mika about her condition when she came to Doctor Stephen's house to clean up. What if it turns out, it's a trap?"

"You can pry information from Sonya's mom in the future," Alex still argues.

"It's also if he's telling you the real information" Deril said. "If he conspired with Doctor Stephen to frame me, it would all be over."

Alex shuddered at his son's words. "Deril, you mostly watch detective movies" he commented.

"So, you agree with me again?" ask Deril.

"Your logic is good" Alex replied. He finally gave up. "Dad will tell Mom to stop asking Miss Sonya to come. Anything to make you calm in launching a plan to make Mika your wife."

***

Deril peeked at the house next door from his attic. I don't know how many times he's done that. Deril has been lining the attic window so that it is difficult to see from outside the house, especially if it is outside in a bright state. He should have continued his hobby there. Drawing without regard to time. Their move to the countryside should have inspired him a lot. Moreover, around his house there are many beautiful sights.

Deril can hear the sound of television on the second floor, precisely from Alex's room. It seemed, Alex was relaxing and enjoying his own time. Alex still needs to rest. The next three days, Alex will just stay home.

Deril's hand touched the cold loft window. The night out there feels lonely. The next house lights are still on. Not many people pass by. From his place, Deril can see the owner of the stall at the end of the road has started packing his merchandise. That is, the clock will soon show ten o'clock at night.

'Nothing suspicious, ' thought Deril, after spying on the house next door for an hour. Mika was also not seen passing in the second floor hallway. Doctor Stephen returned from the hospital in time. There seems to be no surgery today.

"I need to get ready for bed. Tomorrow it's gonna be PR too" Deril closed the window curtain on his attic. He tidied up a canvas that he didn't wear. There was no point in forcing his hand to paint, while his mind was far away. It would only make his painting look bad.

"Well!" Deril emerged from behind her parents' bedroom door. Alex was watching one of the comedy shows that ran until midnight. "I'm gonna take a break first, okay?" pampered.

"OK, okay! Good night!" Alex waved without looking. He was busy laughing and hearing the person blabbering on the television.

***

Deril woke up smelling the smell of cooking. It's been a long time since he smelled home-cooked food. These few days, as long as she was alone at home, Deril had only ordered food online or cooked instant noodles.

Without washing his face first, Deril went straight out of his room. He went down the stairs and immediately headed for the kitchen. No doubt about it. His father was already there. Such a sight was not every day that Deril could witness. So, Deril sat in the minibar chair and watched her father cook something.

"Geez!" Alex jumped when he found Deril sitting behind him. "You're! Make Daddy hang!"

Deril grinned exactly the horse. "What's the cooking dad?" ask Deril.

Alex could only stroke his chest. "Fried rice. This is all I can do, "he replied. Then, Alex placed two servings of fried rice onto the minibar table. "Please eat, Young Master!" insinuations.

Deril who did not feel offended at all, immediately grabbed a spoon and devoured the fried rice made by Alex a lot. "Yinyaaakkk!!!" praise him while raising his thumb. "I ate human food!"

"What have you been eating all this time? Wild grass like a goat?" Alex chuckles, then joins Deril at the table.

They ate their breakfast in silence. Everyone enjoys the time they have. Actually, Deril missed the presence of Serena and Diana in this house. Although both of them were noisy, thanks to them, every morning did not feel lonely. His kind mother and his little brother, made his life warm.

"Diana's getting better, Dad?" ask Deril.

"Oh, yes! I forgot to say!" Alex patted his eel. "Yesterday night, I got word from your mother. She said Diana was well aware. He'll be transferred to the usual treatment room this afternoon."

Deril smiled widely. "Do you want to go to the hospital tonight?"

"Can."

***