Chapter 318
Josiah Yvette broke free from Zach and dashed to Josiah, kneeling before him. Her brows furrowed, lips pale. "How are you? Where are you hurt?" She noticed him moving his hand from the back of his head and took his hand. "Let me see." The sight of blood sent panic surging through her. "You hit your head?"
Before he could answer, she whirled around, glaring at Zach. "Get the car here now! We need to go to the hospital—immediately!" Turning back to Josiah, she gripped his arm. "Can you move? Can you stand?"
"I can," he managed, rising with effort. Chester and James, also injured but mobile, had joined them. Zach had already brought the car around. Yvette linked her arm with his. "Hurry, get in."
"Alright," Zach replied.
As Josiah bent to enter the vehicle, he stopped Yvette. "Yvette, you don't have to come. I'm not going to the hospital."
"What?" she exclaimed, bewildered. "You're hurt, and you refuse to go to the hospital?" It suddenly struck her—just before the accident, he'd mentioned needing to take care of something.
Yvette's frustration exploded. She stamped her foot. "Don't tell me you have something else to deal with!"
"Yes," Josiah confirmed with a nod. He glanced back at Chester and James, who were getting into the car; naturally, they would stay with him. He then turned to Zach. "I'm in a hurry. Arrange another vehicle and ensure Yvette gets home safely."
"Don't worry, Mr. Flynn," Zach replied.
"Josiah," Yvette called out, tightening her grip on the car door handle. "No matter where you plan to go, you can't. You have to go to the hospital—right now!" Tears brimming, her body trembling, she stood her ground.
Josiah, short of time, glanced at Zach, who immediately understood and pushed Yvette aside.
"Let me go!" Yvette protested, struggling, but Zach held her firm.
"Drive!" Josiah instructed.
Yvette could only watch helplessly as the car sped away. Only when it was far off did Zach release her. "Sorry, Ms. Young."
Yvette glared at him furiously. "You better tell me where he's going!"
Zach shook his head. "Ms. Young, it's best you don't ask."
"Don't ask?" Yvette narrowed her eyes, guessing wildly. "He's not meeting Sienna, is he?"
Zach fell silent. It must be Sienna. For her, he was willing to risk everything.
The clock ticked slowly past eleven. Sienna frowned, glancing repeatedly at her blank phone. Josiah wasn't coming tonight. She sighed, hoping Joyce would sleep soundly; otherwise, she'd be disappointed. Even if Joyce did sleep well, she knew she'd wake feeling down. A pang of annoyance struck her. Josiah shouldn't have promised Joyce anything. It was so hard to soothe a child's disappointment.
"Sienna," Rosie's voice broke through her thoughts. "What's up?"
"Nothing. You were thinking about Mr. Flynn, weren't you?" Rosie smiled.
"No," Sienna quickly denied, shaking her head.
Rosie smirked. "Oh, so it's because of Joyce, right?"
"Yeah," Sienna admitted, handing Rosie pistachios.
Rosie popped one in her mouth. "No matter how you slice it, you can't completely cut ties with him, can you?"
Sienna paused, looking up. "Just like you and the Flynn family, they took you in and helped you, but they also hurt you. That's the truth," Rosie said, sighing. "If you could just hate them without reservation, it would be simpler. I totally get that feeling." She spoke of her own experience with Daniel, his abuse and infidelity. But ultimately, she felt she owed him, even if unintentionally, his personality had twisted after their wedding night; he was a victim too.
The two women sat in shared understanding.
"Try this…"
"There's no more coffee. I'll go make another pot."
"Okay."
Sienna had just stood up when a knock sounded. At this hour… Knock, knock, followed by a deep voice, "Sienna." It was Josiah, back. She glanced at the clock—half past eleven.
"Sienna," Rosie called. "Why aren't you answering the door?"
"Oh!" Sienna rushed to the door. There stood Josiah, in a black coat, head down, grinning. "Sienna, I'm here!" His sparkling eyes reminded her of Joyce wanting praise.
"Come in," Sienna hesitated, then stepped aside.
"Okay!" Josiah entered, surprised to see Rosie. "Rosie!"
"Mr. Flynn," Rosie greeted, rising from the sofa. "Sienna, I'm feeling tired. Can you help me to my room? I'm ready to sleep."
"Alright," Sienna nodded, hurrying to hug Rosie. Rosie laughed softly. "Keep Joyce entertained tonight and watch the fireworks together. See you next year!"
"Yeah, see you next year!"
Outside, Josiah peeled an orange on the couch. Seeing Sienna, he clapped his hands and jumped up. "Joyce's asleep!"
"She went to bed early," Sienna replied.
Josiah nodded. "Then I'll go grab her."
"Why wake her?" Sienna stopped him.
"To see the fireworks! I promised her, and I can't break that promise," he said earnestly.
Sienna raised an eyebrow. "But we're in the city. Where are we going to see fireworks?" Fireworks were prohibited in the city.
"Don't worry," Josiah reassured her. "I've got everything arranged."
He tiptoed into Joyce's room. The little girl slept soundly. He carefully scooped her up. Joyce snuggled closer.
Exiting the room, Josiah motioned to Sienna. "Could you pull back the curtains and turn off the big light?"
"Sure," Sienna said, slightly confused, complying with his request.
Josiah glanced at the clock. It was almost time. He looked down at Joyce. "Can we wake her up?" He shook his head. "Never mind, we'll just go with it."
The sky suddenly lit up.
"Sienna, look!"
Sienna gasped. Brilliant fireworks burst, spelling out "Joyce" in stunning colors.
"What are you waiting for? Grab your phone and take a picture! I need to show it to Joyce tomorrow. I didn't lie to her," he said excitedly.
"Okay." Sienna quickly took a picture. The colorful lights reflected on her face. Beside her, Josiah cradled their daughter, smiling warmly. "Merry Christmas, Sienna."
"Merry Christmas," Sienna replied, smiling.
Josiah leaned down, resting his head on her shoulder. Sienna frowned, instinctively pushing him away. "Come on, let go!"
"Thud!" She accidentally pushed him to the ground. But even falling, he held Joyce tightly, protecting her.