Chapter 16

Drew

My first week again at work was a killer. My household has been on my case, telling me how a lot I must take care of myself, however I didn’t realise how a lot I would let myself go during the last couple of weeks. I haven’t eaten healthily, and I haven’t been in a fitness center as soon as. Probably the most train I’ve had was when Harper and I rode the horses. I’m knackered.

“What’s the plan for tonight?” asks Carl.

“I’m taking Harper out for dinner. We’re assembly my brother and Alice.”

“Issues are going properly? With Harper, I imply.”

“It’s early days. She’s nonetheless at her dad and mom’ home, however we speak daily. She does remedy each second day, and he or she’s taken up using once more. Tonight would be the first time she’s socialising with anybody aside from me and her dad and mom.”

“All constructive steps, pal.”

“Yeah. Lastly. We’ve got a protracted street forward of us, however for the primary time, I can see us shifting nearer to normalcy.”

“Nice information. I’m right here when you want something. Tonight, I’ve a date. If I’m alive on Monday, then I’ll let you know all about it.”

“Good luck.” I pat his again, throw my bag over my shoulder, and depart the locker room.

Constructive steps. I believe I had grow to be so accustomed to negativity and every little thing going mistaken that I used to be blinded by it. Both that or I didn’t wish to see positivity in case it was all snatched away once more.

Tonight is a big factor for Harper. She hasn’t seen anybody aside from me, her dad and mom, and her docs since all this occurred. She wouldn’t even see Pete, and I do know it’s killing him. He texts me daily for an replace. Nevertheless, hopefully, after tonight, she’s going to see that everybody doesn’t hate her. In actual fact, anybody who is aware of Harper is incapable of hating her. They love her, no matter every little thing she’s been by. It has solely made folks care extra. I’ve seen true kindness in folks during the last a number of weeks and I’ll always remember that. I’ll repay that generosity at some point.

Tonight, although, I’m going to take pleasure in my time with my spouse.

***

I pulled my automobile into the automobile park of The Tea Home, certainly one of our favorite Chinese language eating places in Larbert. Harper has hardly mentioned two phrases since we left the home. She has fidgeted in her seat, seemed out the window, and adjusted the radio station a gazillion instances. I’m antsy simply feeling her turmoil.

“Harper…” I flip in my seat in the direction of her and seize her shaking hand in mine. “Speak to me. What do you want?”

“A magic wand. Somebody to erase the previous.”

“The previous didn’t kill us, sweetheart. It doesn’t outline us. It will probably solely make us stronger from right here on out.”

“I’m simply terrified of every little thing, Drew.”

“I am scared too. No, that’s an understatement. I’m fucking frightened of shedding you. I’m frightened of by no means getting again what we had.” I elevate my hand and caress her cheek.

Harper leans into me, and I take a look at her shiny lips and take this second to do one thing I’ve been eager to do each time I see her. I kiss her. I check the waters first to see if she pulls away or freezes, however when her lips transfer with mine, I take that as my invitation to probe additional. Our mouths collide, softly, tenderly. My coronary heart bursts and I really feel the tears below my eyelids.

She pulls again first and leans her brow towards mine. “We’ll be okay, Drew.”

“We are going to. I don’t care how lengthy it takes, child. Proper now, although, we’ve two people who find themselves in all probability ravenous and considering we’ve stood them up.”

“You received’t let me run, journey, or fall?”

“By no means.” I kiss her nostril and get out of the automobile. I open her door and anticipate her to climb out. I don’t wish to push her, however I don’t wish to encourage her being caught in a rut. This complete ordeal has taught me to be extra assertive.

Harper stands tall, her head held excessive, and exhales slowly. “I can do that. It’s solely Derren and Alice.”

My coronary heart bursts with delight. “You are able to do no matter you set your thoughts to.”

We stroll into the restaurant slowly. I immediately see Derren and Alice sitting at a desk.

“Hello, do you’ve gotten a desk booked?” asks the host.

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