Tears stung in Vanya's eyes as Doctor Hargreeves scolded her again.
"You're useless, Number Seven. I don't know why I even bother." He sighed. "Why don't you go and practise your violin, and leave the real work to your brothers and sister?"
"But Dad -"
"Don't call me 'Dad', you know that. And no buts. The violin is all you are good at, so you might as well become exceptional at it." He turned away, and a tear snaked down her pale cheek.
She closed her eyes, trying to compose herself, and felt someone move in front of her.
"Stop telling her she's useless." Diego snarled. Vanya opened her eyes again, and watched her 'brother' tense as Hargreeves turned back to face them.
"Number Two, in the fourteen years you have been in my care, you haven't learnt to keep your mouth shut. I suggest you try learning now." He glared at the boy, then left them.
"Diego . . ." Vanya murmured. "You don't have to . . . Defend me all the time . . ."
"Yes, I do." He turned to face her, and gently wiped the tears away. "C'mon." He took her hand and pulled her out of the house.
"Where are we going?"
"You want to get out, right?" Diego raised an eyebrow.
"Out where?"
"Just away from this goddamn house."
"Well, yeah, I do."
"Then follow me and don't ask questions." He smiled mischievously. Dr Pogo watched the two teenagers leaving the houses grounds from his room. He sighed to himself.
"Maybe she can teach him to be more responsible . . . And maybe he can show her that she's not alone . . ." He took a sip of his coffee and turned to Mrs Hargreeves. "What do you think?"
"I think you might be right, Pogo. I just hope Diego can control himself while they're out there . . ."