Chapter 75: Close Call, Over and OverAs I sat looking at my two girls I thought I heard a strange noise.
It sounded like Dad was in trouble.
I raced towards him my heart pounding. I couldn't believe I was too late. No!
Sweaty palms and shaking badly I handed over the Death Flower. I'd never done this before and I was putting everything on the line, trusting that Carl had got his facts straight on his forum.
The Grim Reaper sounded surprised and looked at the flower for what felt like hours. I waited nervously. I didn't dare take my eyes of him.
Then I knew it was going to be o.k. Dad's name wasn't on Grim's list.
Suddenly a cloud came over the sun and Grim became terrifying.
Then the brightest light imaginable blinded me for a second.
I grabbed dad away from The Reaper and held on to him for dear life.
"It's alright son, I'm ok," Dad murmured.
A bell tolled, then The reaper left. I was never so pleased to see the back of anyone as I was The Reaper.
I went in to check that Dad was really ok. He was a bit tired but he was desperate to to see Leilani and to wish her Happy Birthday.
He hugged her tightly and told her how much he loved her.
They spent a few minutes chatting and laughing together and then Leilani looked up at Dad.
"Grandad," she said very seriously, "what's it like being so old?"
Suddenly Dad fell to the floor.
I raced in and told Leilani to quickly go sit at her art table. I couldn't hold back the tears. I was in shock. It had only been less than an hour since Dad had nearly died.
I handed The Reaper another precious Death Flower. I didn't think it was going to work again.
Leilani kept her eyes down, not looking at The Reaper like I had asked her.
Upstairs Kennedy was in full labour. Alone.
I stood protectively over dad.
"You're not having him," I bravely sobbed.
Upstairs directly overhead, Kennedy gave birth.
I couldn't see Grim's list but I had to go and make sure Leilani was alright.
"Oh my! What's happening to granddad?" she shrieked.
"It's ok, keep your eyes on me sweetheart. Grandad will be himself in a minute." I hoped with all my heart I wasn't telling a lie.
Grim got really angry towards dad. I guess he doesn't like to be cheated once, let alone twice, in a day.
All those years of training kicked in and dad calmly gave Grim a tranquilizing handshake.
Upstairs I had a wee darling daughter to meet, but I wasn't about to leave Leilani alone with The Reaper. My poor girl, what a birthday. I had a bad feeling that this day wasn't over yet.