Page 19 of Lassoed Love

Xavier speaks up, breaking the silence. “Quite a change from city life, huh?” he remarks, gesturing to the tranquil surroundings.

I smile softly, the memories of my childhood flooding back. “You forget, I once used to live here.”

“Never thought you’d pack up and leave either,” he remarks, his tone taking a sombre turn. The entire mood shifts, and a heavy silence settles between us.

Amidst the introspection, a realisation hits me—I’m finding it increasingly challenging to dislike the man. After all these years, maybe, just maybe, he’s not the guy I painted him out to be. The infuriating thought intrigues me, and for a moment, I question if Imogen was right.Damn her.

The thought of Imogen spurs on a feeling of animosity, but it’s quickly overshadowed by the realisation that I’ve been so enveloped in our conversations and the scenery that I haven’t spared a thought for Dad. It’s a sudden shift, and the realisation brings a mix of emotions—grief, anger, and an unexpected yearning for closure. A feeling of anxiety creeps its way up my throat, I try my best to swallowthe bubble forming in my throat. Deep breaths Isla—take a deep breath.

The weight of realisation rattles me, and I shake my head to clear the thoughts that threaten to consume me. I inhale from my nose and release my breath. Without giving myself a chance to dwell on the sudden surge of emotions, I decide to break away from the serene moment.

“I, uh, I should go,” I stammer, avoiding Xavier’s gaze. I take a few steps towards the path that led us here.

Glancing nervously at my Apple Watch, the digital display reads 10:04 am. Time had slipped away unnoticed. The last time I checked, it was only 8:30. A message pops up from Claire and panic sets in as I read it.

Shit.

“What? ...Wait, let me walk you up, at least—” I cut him off, my words coming out in a hurry.

“No, no, it’s fine, really. I need to go. Thanks for… Uh, today,” I manage to mutter.Arrgh. Why do I do this to myself?

As I briskly jog away, I hear Xavier call my name out loudly, in a harsh tone, but I don’t look back. The urgency to get back into the comfort of my home propels me to pick up my pace. My heart pounds in my chest, matching the rhythm of my steps.

As I continue my run back home, a peculiar mix ofemotions swirl within me.

I can’t help but wonder if, in some strange way, he was the unwelcome distraction I needed to clear my mind. His unexpected presence has injected a surge of chaos into the mundane rhythm of my daily routine. A whirlwind of conflicting emotions swirls within me—irritation at the disruption, curiosity about his changed demeanour, and a nagging feeling that perhaps there’s more to Xavier now than the high school memories I’ve clung to.

It’s a peculiar mix of annoyance and a tinge of something I’m reluctant toadmit.

10

Friday night rolls around, and as expected, our family dinner is a lively affair. Mum’s in her element, bustling about the kitchen, while Dad pours our drinks. Olivia and Bradley are already seated at the table, and I take my usual seat. I’m so fucking tired, all I want to do, is crash in bed. I don’t even have an appetite, but for Mum, I’ll sit and eat.

Liv, the youngest of us Mitchell siblings, jumps straight into her latest tales from university in Sydney. Her eyes shine with excitement as she recounts her adventures, and I can’t help but roll my eyes at her exaggerated enthusiasm.

“Oh my gosh, you guys won’t believe what happened last weekend!” she exclaims, her excitement palpable. “We decided to explore the city, and we ended up getting lost in this maze of alleyways. But then we stumbled upon this hidden café, and let me tell you, the coffee was to die for!”

Mum interjects, placing a dish on the table, “Oh, Liv, you always have the best stories.”

Dad takes a moment from his meal to ask, “So, yougot any more classes?”

“Nah, I’m all done now for the year. I’m waiting for my final transcript to arrive, and then I’m done. Not sure when the graduation ceremony will be, but I’ll let you know,” Liv replies.

“That’s excellent news, sweetie. Let us know as soon as you find out,” Mum says.

“Will do. Sooo, any news round here?”

“Not much. Same old,” Dad grunts, while Mum chimes in, “Oh well, the Animal Hospital down near Springbrook Reserve has reopened, and the new owner is Isla Thompson.”

Curiosity sparks in my sister’s eyes. “Oh. Isla Thompson? That name rings a bell. Who is she?”

Before anyone can answer, I cut in abruptly, “It’s not important.” Yeah, right.Keep telling yourself that, Xav.

Liv raises her hands in mock surrender. “Woah, easy there champ. You don’t always have to be so grumpy. That’s his job,” she says, pointing a playful finger at Brad, who cracks a smirk.

“Ha, ha. You’re hilarious,” I deadpan.

“So, have you found a girl yet? I’m sick of being the only young female in this family,” Liv scoffs.