Misty Gray
Pessimisty
James Porter
Before he managed to step out of the front door again, James saw saw the headlights of a car at the security gates and after focusing on the vehicle, he knew Lucy had returned. The closest room to him was the lounge and he was aware there were people present in there. Figuring Savannah and Michelle shouldn't be around for the family drama, he went into the room and asked Alex to take the children to bed. He was at least grateful Shannon hadn't caused a scene with Alex as his own patience was wearing very thin.
Just after the others had gone upstairs, the door was opened and Lucy stepped inside. She remained standing in the doorway, a few feet from him. He listened as she told him the kids had gone out into town and then demanded to know where it was they'd managed to escape out from. It was more than clear how hurt she was by their actions and the worry they'd caused her. "Luce..." he began as he walked towards her. He hated seeing his wife so upset. All he wanted to do in that very moment was hold her and reassure her. He didn't get that chance as the kids and Conor started to enter the house, causing Lucy to rush towards the kitchen. As she past him, James only managed to place a brief, soft hand on her hand before she was out of his reach.
James looked to Syd, Delilah, Mallory and even Conor. "In the lounge. Now!" he ordered them. For now, his voice was controlling and commanding. He wouldn't take no for an answer. James grabbed the front door before Conor could close it and looked to Skye who was awkwardly standing outside as she wondered if she should just return to the Callahans place to sleep. "Skye. You too. Get inside," James called to her, clearing up any confusion on the matter. "You're just as involved in this as the rest. Considering you're responsible for the Callahans' kids, you need to act responsible."
It wasn't James' intention to berate Conor for anything and he was sure that would be a discussion for later. For now, he just wanted him present so he was aware of how serious the matter was and also to make him realise he had all of this to come with Michelle. "Sit down," he told the four youngsters, pointing to the large sofa which would fit all four of them on. He then sat on the opposite sofa so he could see them all at once. His eyes lingered on Syd for a time as he thought of how he'd trusted his son was ready to be trained and even had Lucy fall out with him over it. He watched as Skye quickly placed herself at one end of the sofa, beside Syd.
"I made it very clear to all four of you that you were not to leave this house without my permission," James firmly began. "Yet, you all went ahead and did that tonight anyway. Your mother and I have been extremely worried about you. Your mother is devastated and heartbroken that you would do this to her. Do you understand how betrayed this makes us both feel?!" he asked, his voice raising slightly. "The city is a dangerous place right now. I don't know if it went over your heads, but Jackson's apartment was intentionally blown to pieces and his girlfriend was killed. If the people responsible for doing that had seen you lot out, half drunk and completely defenceless... You're not even old enough to be out drinking yet, Mallory!" James shook his head. Though his voice reflected the trouble they were in, he was still keeping the cold but controlled tone he was known for. "Was I not clear enough?! Anything could have happened to any or all of you. Did you stop and think about that? If you don't care about your own safety, did you stop and think of how it would affect your parents?" James shook his head. "What were you all thinking? Why did you do it?" he questioned them. He would give them a chance to speak up before really hitting the message home. Once again, he shifted focus to Syd. He wasn't as surprised the girls had done it, but he genuinely believed Syd wanted to help him and was ready to learn everything.
Bellz (Lucy) Pyroclast (Syd) ElectricDandellion (Delilah) neverbackdown (Mallory)