Right Where We Belong

Chapter 7 - Begin Again

I've been spending the last eight months

Thinking all love ever does is

Break and burn and end

But on a Wednesday in a cafe

I watched it begin again

-Begin Again, Taylor Swift

"Oh, sweetie, good morning," Kate beamed. "Dylan, honey, Nina's here."

Her father rushed down the staircase and stopped on track when he saw her.

"Nina!" Her father smiled as tears swelled up in her eyes.

"Oh Daddy!" She ran and hugged him tight.

"How are you, baby?" He asked as he kissed her forehead.

"I'm fine Dad."

Dylan raised his eyebrows.

"I'm trying to." She admitted. "But I'm feeling better now."

"Don't do that again, okay? We were all worried. By the way, I have a surprise for you."

"Really? But my birthday's over."

"Should I make my girl happy only on her birthday?"

She grinned.

"Oh, how I miss that smile."

"When am I going to get my present Dad?" She asked excitedly suddenly forgetting all the bullshits that happened just last night.

"Always so eager, huh? Wait till this afternoon. Actually, this evening."

"Okay." She smiled. "Uh, Dad, can I go out?"

"Sure thing sweetie. Who are you gonna go out with?"

"I'm actually planning to apologize to Ian."

Julianne appeared out of nowhere and coughed. Nina glared at her.

"Apologize? Odd. I thought it was him who owes you an apology."

"He did. Apologize, I mean. But I kinda acted rudely."

"If that'll make you feel better sweetheart. Do you need a ride?"

"Uh, Dad. He's just next door."

And they all burst out laughing at this old little family joke.

She stood there outside Ian's house. She has been for minutes now. She was afraid to come in. She knew not what to say.

"Nina?"

"Jesus!" She exclaimed.

Mrs. Herondale was standing behind her.

"What are you doing there? Come in, come in." The lady ushered her inside – like she did not know the way in.

"Ian?" Mrs. Herondale called out. "IAN!!"

"Mom," Ian answered. Nina guessed he was in his room.

"You have a lovely visitor here." She smiled at her.

"There's food in the kitchen, darling. Help yourself. I'll just go out and water my flowers."

"I'll just get some juice, Tina. Thanks."