Page 120 of No Strings

“I’m actually not too sure, he went to Rafter Falls to make sure everything in the storage unit got on the back of the truck, he should be here any minute.” I look down the road but see nothing. I do however hear the rumble of a car, but pay it no mind until it is turning the corner and stopped in front of us. “Oh my god, is that your Grandad’s car?!”

Rhys gets out and leans over the roof of the car. “Yep. We’re driving back Princess.”

“Fuck, I haven’t seen that in, well since you parked her up.” Shane marvels over the car.

“You know your Grandad taught me to drive in this car.” I tell them. They used to kick up such a fuss when I tried to get involved. “Even got me to change… I don’t know, some part, the carburettor? Said you guys didn’t put it in properly.” I hold my head high.

Where our parents failed Shane and I, Rhys’s Grandad and Nanna really stepped in for us.

Shane doesn’t even acknowledge me, too busy admiring the car. Rhys kills the engine and walks over to me, slinging his arm over my shoulders. “Is that right?”

I have a goofy smile on my face while I look up at him. “Yep.”

“Well good thing you know where that is because if this car doesn’t make it, you’re fixing it Princess.”

My goofy smile turns into a smirk. “It won’t break down, you and Shane restored it right?”

“Oh, it’s breaking down.” Paige mutters behind us causing me to snort a laugh.

Rhys looks over to her and glares, but it somehow makes the situation funnier. He throws his hands up and mutters something about women. Walking over to Shane, they pop the hood and inspect the engine.

I focus back on Paige who is now tearing up again. “Oh babe, no don’t do that. As soon as we’re settled come visit?”

She nods, and I hug both her and Sawyer. “I’m going to miss you so much.”

“Ditto.” My own tears threatening to fall.

We pull apart and Paige hands me the paper bag that has been resting at her feet. “Here, I made snacks. Sandwiches, fruit, I baked some cupcakes, and I think there’s a couple packs of chips.”

I look from the bag to her. “Did you know we were driving?”

“Of course I did, you think he planned this by himself?”

Rhys closes the hood and calls out. “Hey! The car was my idea.”

“And who organised everything else?” Paige rests her hand on her hip.

“Semantics.” Rhys closes the distance between us. “Come on Princess, the truck has about an hour’s head start on us.” He pulls me into his hold.

“Just let me say one more goodbye.” He nods, and I turn to quickly give Paige another hug as Levi is walking up to us, “Look after them.” I tell him, as if he hasn’t been doing that the whole time. He simply nods and takes a reaching Sawyer. I bop her nose. “Give them hell baby girl.”

Turning to my brother, I wrap my arms around his neck and squeeze. “I’ll miss you.” I pull back and ask. “We’ll see you for Christmas?”

“Yeah.” He quickly wipes his eyes muttering something about dust. I roll my eyes, but let him have it.

“Princess?”

“Yeah, yeah.” I’m not ready, I just got them back and now I’m leaving them again. He is behind me again, wrapping his arms around my waist and resting his chin on the top of my head.

“This isn’t the last time you’ll see them, I promise.” He kisses the top of my head and steps back, offering his hand.

His hand I took so many times before. The one that has helped me through panic attacks, taught me to fight, and brought me pleasure. But most importantly, the hand that has offered his heart, and a future promised with love and safety.

A hand I don’t hesitate to take.

Epilogue

MORGAN