Author's Note: I apologize for the lack of updates. I've been traveling and internet access was super limited
Bonds
Timeline: Present
Location: Mr. and Mrs. Layton's house
Diner was a quiet event. Lucille made a sheperd's pie. While Hershel helped his mother clean up Roland sat with Flora in the living room. She was trying to show him how to work her new laptop, a task that had baffled Hershel himself.
"Oh no, Mr. Layton, you want to click here to open a new tab," she takes his hand to redirect him.
Roland laughs, "You'd think that doing a puzzle a day would keep this old mind sharp, but nope. A new shiny gadget got the best of Roland Layton."
Hershel smiles, "That would make both of us Pa."
"Times are changing I suppose," Roland hands the laptop back to Flora and clears his throat. "Do you have any plans for these developing times?"
"Not for the moment."
"Well, I'll be off to university next year," says Flora.
"That's fantastic," says Roland. "Have you thought of a program, dear?"
"I'm still looking, but I think a business degree…maybe."
"Well, there's no rush, I'm sure Hershel has told you that many times. But isn't it great to have an idea? And who knows where it will take you? Why, I remember Hershel originally went with the intention of being a lawyer! Could you imagine that…."
Flora listens eagerly, shuffle closer to the man who might as well be her grandfather. Roland has such an easy time engaging her. Hershel is filled with warmth at the sight. Lucille walks in and stands beside her son.
"He was always great with children," she sighs.
"Yes, he is." Luke adored Roland as well. But Flora…there were times she seemed more relaxed with his father than Hershel himself.
"What's his secret?"
Lucille shakes her head and leans into her son's ear. "Talk with her Hershel. Listen to her and for goodness sake's trust the girl. She's nearly an adult."
This was true. Flora would be eighteen next year. She would be moving onto the next stage of her life.
As exciting as it should have been, Hershel only felt unsettled by the prospect.
/-/-/
If diner had taken place in a quiet serenity of light conversation and laughs, the car ride home was dead silent. Flora's chattiness had all but ceased the moment they'd pulled out the drive way.
"Is everything okay?"
"Yeah," Flora nods, "Everything's fine, Professor."
"Ahh, good."
They pass a couple blocks before Flora speaks up. "Are you alright?"
"Of course."
"Well…okay."
He slows to a stop. The Laytonmobile's motor sputters, waiting for the light to change. "You don't seem convinced."
"You just seem a little sad sometimes. Ever since Luke left…since the whole incident with Claire."
The light turns green. They sit for a moment before going through.
"I'm alright though, Flora, there's no need to worry."
She nods.
"I love you."
He smiles. "I love you too, my dear."