“Why don’t you all go and clean up? You’re all looking a little rough around the edges. Olivia and I will be fine down here for a while.” Keira suggested, her tone daring her sons to argue with her. They looked across to me with concern. I smiled, realising she was right; rough around the edges was an understatement. They all had thick stubble, Kyle’s usual stubble having almost grown into a full mountain man beard, and they all needed haircuts, and a long shower. I knew they had been taking it in turns to rush home and shower when they could, but they had literally rushed through as fast as they could, and definitely not done it everyday as they usually would. They had been changing clothes from a huge bag full they had brought, and kept in my hospital room, so everything they wore was crumpled. They definitely did not look like their usual, well groomed selves, and I was eager to get them, and me, as close to our normal as we could.
“Keira’s right guys, go. Take your time. We’ll be fine.” I agreed eagerly.
“Ok fine, but we won’t be far, so just call if you need anything.” Cole said, as he stood, then the others all got up too, but none of them moved. They all just stood over me, hesitant to leave.
“Oh for heaven’s sake boys, you’re only going to your rooms. Stop being dramatic!” Keira cried, making me smile.
“We’re going.” Kyle all but growled. “Just make sure you stay with her.”
“Watch your tone Kyle Roberts! You’re not too old to be grounded, young man!” Keira snapped, and I had to slap my hand over my mouth to stifle my giggle when Kyle actually looked contrite.
“Come on guys. Livy will be fine.” Kade started out of the lounge, beckoning the others to follow.
“Jees Olivia. You need to tell them all to back off, Honey, or you’ll never get any peace.” Keira sighed once we had heard them head upstairs.
“I know, but I can’t. They were so scared they lost me, and then I haven’t exactly let them see me being strong since I woke up. I can’t blame them for being a little OTT after all of that. If it had been the other way around and I almost lost any of them, I’d be worse. They’ll calm down once things start getting back to normal, and I stop freaking out on them on a regular basis.” I hoped.
“I’m sure you’re right.” She agreed with a nod. “Grant should be back soon. He went to collect Evie from school. I’ll warn you now, she is going to be really excited to see you. We kept her from the hospital because we knew it would scare her, but she’s been desperate to see you.”
“I’ve missed her too. I can’t wait to see her.” I had become pretty attached to the little 5 year old cutie in the weeks I had lived there, and it had been way too long since I got to hold her.
“I’m just so glad to have you home, where you belong.” Keira sighed as she looked across to me with so much love and warmth. She had such a big heart, and I was so grateful I got to be part of her family.
“LIVIA!” The scream came through the house as the front door smashed hard against a wall, having been thrown open violently. I flinched at the loud noise, but managed to stop myself from covering my ears. I was learning to adapt to Evie’s excited screams and squeals.
“Brace yourself.” Keira uttered, as Evie came flying into the lounge, still dressed in her thick red winter coat, hat and gloves.
“You’re here! You’re really here!” She squealed as she literally threw herself at me. I hurried to catch her, but still reeled a little at the impact of her smashing into me.
“Hey munchkin. I missed you.” I told her as I wrapped her in my arms and held her tight.
“I missed you too. Are you all better now?” She asked as she squeezed me back hard.
“Go easy, Honey. Olivia might still be a little sore.” Keira cautioned, but I didn’t mind. A few of my bruises were tender, especially across my chest where the seat belt had impacted when the car wrecked, but the pain was worth it to feel Evie close.
When she pulled away from me, she looked up and all around the room.
“Where are the boys?” She asked, confused.
“They just went to shower and change, sweetie. They’ll be here soon.” Keira replied, then she turned to me and smiled. “She’s been missing them too. She’s barely seen any of them for weeks.”
“Evie? Come and take off your coat!” Grant called from the hall, and Evie hurried off.
“I’m sorry I’ve caused so much disruption for all of you.” I whispered, realising with everything that had happened, the whole house had been turned upside down.
“Don’t you dare, Olivia. None of what happened was your fault. You’re home and safe now, that’s all any of us care about. We love you, Honey. You’re a huge part of this family now.” I felt overwhelmed by her kind words, and not knowing how to reply to such kindness, I decided it best just to show her, so I leant forward and hugged her hard. It was the first time I had hugged her and it felt good when she held me back. The smell of her sweet perfume, and her dainty arms around me reminded me of my Mom, and I found it so unexpectedly comforting.
“Thank you.” I whispered before I pulled back and took a deep breath to hold in the emotions bubbling up within me.
Footsteps approaching had us both turning on the sofa to watch as Grant strode in. He was dressed casually in jeans and a sweater, neither him nor Keira having worked a day since the night I was taken.
