Chapter 23

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Leaving home

I didn't speak a word

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I didn't speak a word. We all sat in the limo in silence. I looked at the window watching everything and life fly by. While mine has just felt as if it had stopped. For the first time in years, I am fighting my hardest to not cry. To not show emotion. To not cry in front of my Vince or my brothers. To not look weak in front of them. I hugged myself slightly trying to comfort myself as best as I could. I closed my eyes to try and stop my eyes from going glassy. I really wish I had a pair of my own sunglasses like the boys. So at least then I wouldn't be fighting myself so much.

I jumped when I felt a hand on my shoulder. I looked back to see milo, Luke and the rest looking at me with concern. Vince looked worried and Bruno had a massive frown on his face. Louis stared at me with his eyebrows furrowed and his eyes glued to me watching me like a hawk. "I'm fine". My voice was soft and hoarse. I cleared my throat. "It's ok not to be fine". Alex smiled at me giving me a reassuring look. My eyebrows raised in more of a disbelieving but wishful look. I shook my head and scowled. "I said I was fine". I brought my hoodie over my head then turned my back against them so they couldn't see my glossy eyes. "When we get to the hotel we need to pack our things because we will be leaving in an hour. We will be home in the morning". I didn't say anything the boys all nodded and did a chorus of yesses. Something felt small and sad about leaving London. It was a place what held so many memories of dad. And now I am expected to just let that go?

We went to the hotel and I packed up all my things quickly then went into the lounge to wait for everyone. I didn't pack a lot, the boys packed probably twice more than me. Milo and Alex walked into the room with big smiles. "Ahh, I can't wait to go home! I miss my bed". Milo exclaimed slight groaning. Alex agreed then him and Milo talked about something. I couldn't be bothered to ear on the conversation. I didn't say anything I just ignored him and looked out to the London city view out the window. I hate the thought of leaving... it feels so painful... it feels like I am losing everything.  "Do you think I will ever come back"? I whispered. I didn't expect anyone to hear me or someone to answer me. it was more of a question for me. "Yeah, dad does business here and ever so often has to come here. Dad would be more than delighted and probably happy for you to come along whenever he comes here". I looked Alex with a smile. A genuine smile. A smile that showed my dimples. A smiled that showed thanks and gratitude. Louis, Luke and Bruno came in with their bags slightly groaning in the annoyance of how tired they were. Bruno sprung immediately to me and side hugged me. I couldn't help but wince as his muscular arm jabbed into my shoulder. "You ok"? Bruno panicked letting go instantly. My guard came up taller and stronger than ever. "Yes, I'm fine". I snapped his face dropped and I then felt bad. "I just didn't expect it.". I mumbled. He nodded then kissed my temple. I stiffened at the gesture but let him do it. This boy is lucky he is my twin. I didn't even let Ryan hug me let alone kiss me on the forehead. And I had known him for three years. I have barely known these boys for a week.

Enzo walked in with his large suitcase his narrowed look and his overpowering aura. "papa wants everyone to check over the hotel to make sure no one forgot anything. he does not want to have a repeat of last time". Enzo narrowed his eyes at Bruno and Bruno rolled his eyes and huffed.. "It was just a mistake". He groaned. "Well, it's a mistake that will not be repeated ". Enzo clicked his tongue making everyone in the room shift nervously. But I just stared at him with a blank emotionless look. "So, everyone get searching and scan every damn room". I put my bags down and everyone immediately left and started searching the apartment. I looked over the kitchen and looked under the couches and cupboards. I knew I didn't leave anything behind. I was sure I didn't forget anything. It was more the boys. Vince came into the room smiling at me. I nodded but continued my search but was stopped because he caught my hands and gave them a small gentle squeezed. "Hey, baby girl". I scrunched my face up confused at the nickname. "um hi"? My voice probably sounded really bratty. "Are you sure your ok? If you want to talk baby I am here, always. I will always listen to you, baby girl". His words warmed me and all I wanted was to hug him and never let him go. His words meant more to me than a million presents. It meant more to me than anything. "Thank you". I whispered gently squeezing his hands. He looked like he wanted to hug me. we were both fighting ourselves not knowing if we should or not.


But then the boys came in saving us both. They all didn't have anything in their hands but soon Luke walked in. "Hey, I'm not sure who this belongs to but I found it lying around". Luke called waving an old worn-out teddy bear what looks like it had been through hell and back in the air. "Bubbles". I yelped in panic snatching the teddy bear away from Luke pulling it to my chest protectively.  They all looked shocked but all held traces of amusement. I took the bear away from chest feeling my cheeks redden. What fifteen-year-old has a teddy? What fifteen-year-old brings a teddy bear on a trip.  "I mean um thanks... I err— ". I scrambled off trying to find a believable excuse and lie to why a fifteen-year-old would have a teddy bear. But the best I could come up with was. "it's not mine"! I quickly shot with wide eyes. Milo chuckled then ruffled up the top of my hair. "Whatever you say, baby". I huffed then fixed my hair. "Bastard". I mumbled under my breath. "HEY, none of that". Alex scolded. "That's too big of a word for a baby". Milo cooed at me poking my cheek. Earning a snicker from all the boys and for me to slap his hands away. Vince looked at the scene in front of him fondly with also traced amusement. 

Vince walked up to me smiling down at me softly." Got everything baby girl"? I wanted to kill the boys for calling me a baby. But when Vince did it felt like I was suddenly with dad again. That dad was back. I stared at him with wide sad eyes before quickly nodding my head. "err-yeah.. sorry". I shook my head then we all grabbed our bags. Bruno grabbed my bag. Even though I felt uneasy about it my shoulder is still throbbing so I would do anything to ease the pain. I didn't want it to get worse in any way.

**

We were now on the way back to the mansion... back to America...away from London away from dad. Away from the only life, I know. Away from Margaret and Mike.... I should feel relieved that now I am away from mike and Margaret. That now I can move on. That now I can forget it all.

But instead, I just feel like a scared, broken and alone girl who is still waiting for the demon to come out and haunt me at night.

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