Chapter 288 - No Time for Spilled Milk (1/2)

”So... um... I guess I'll wait out here?” Drake said as they neared Shelly's room.

Russ nodded as he stepped forward toward the door. ”Alright... We shouldn't be too long.” He stepped into the room and was surprised at the number of people and business inside. ”What's going on?”

Shelly turned her attention to Russ and the others as they walked into the room as she tugged a blanket from Rin in irritation. ”The hospital is in need of beds, so we've been released early, and this overprotective jackass is trying to stop me from packing.”

”I'm just saying it may not be the safest place outside this hospital tonight!” Rin growled in growing frustration.

”It's not like I'm planning on packing our child up and living under the stars like a wild animal. We'll be going to Jos and Arei's! The room is already prepared and everything.” She nodded her head to Jos, who was knitting her hands in the corner.

Her troubled gaze moved from Shelly to Rin. ”I didn't mean for the offer to cause you problems... I just thought...”

Rin stopped her. ”I know, I know. And I appreciate it, but this island isn't safe right now.”

”I don't care, these are my people and they are in need! I want to help!” Shelly argued.

”And you can, the second that rat bastard uncle of yours if behind bars or dead!” Rin countered.

Poseidon stepped forward raising his hands. ”Alright enough! I have the perfect solution. Use my palace as you see fit. You and your family will be well protected there, and you can come back to help here the second it's safe... though I have to agree with Shelly. Jos and Arei's house is a safe place as well.”

Rin's eyes moved to Jos, regret obvious in their depth before the words even left his mouth. ”I... I'm not entirely convinced of that... not just yet...”

Jos frowned. ”Because... because of me and the curse...”

A heavy frown settled over Rin's features. ”I'm sorry... but yes...”

”Rin!” Shelly growled as she threw the baby blanket in his face.

”It's alright... I understand...” Jos turned toward the door and made her way to it quickly, wishing Arei was there with her at this very moment. ”I'll be in the waiting area if you need me.”

Russ and Shelly both watched as Jos fled the room before turning irritated gazes to Rin. ”Harsh man... You know she can't control it.”

Rin nodded. ”Exactly... again... sorry... but I have to do what's best for these two... more so after seeing that shit tonight...”

Russ let out another heavy sigh as he backed toward the door. ”Heard... Well, whatever you decided then... I would offer you a room at the palace, but I guess that's out as well.”

”Sorry man...” Rin said with a nod.

Russ threw up a hand. ”It's fine, I get it. I'll be back.” He turned back toward the door to follow Jos, almost slamming into her as he stepped out. ”Jos?” He followed her eyes to Drake, the almost mirror image of his father. ”Shit... Um... Jos this is Drake... I guess you could figure that out though...”

Drake ran his hand over his dirty hair as he studied Jos. ”Joslyn, right?” He glanced away awkwardly. ”I've heard quite a bit about you...” Drake held her troubled gaze, noting the way Russ held her arms protectively. ”I want to apologize to you for everything... I wanted... I'd hoped to speak to you and Shelly before I headed back home... but obviously, you guys still don't trust me enough for that... I understand.”

Jos shot Russ a worried look. Letting out a long sigh, she brushed his protective hand away from her arm and stepped forward. ”No, I'll talk to you, it's fine. Um... Outside maybe?”

Drake sent her a warm smile. ”Thank you, I promise you'll not regret it.”

Jos's frown deepened. ”I don't think any conversation started with those words ever led anywhere good.”

Drake laughed awkwardly. ”Sorry, I was hoping it would put you at better ease.”

Russ caught her hand as she stepped forward. ”Are you sure?”