Running Towards A Place

Fire In Bone

Brandon's POV

A week soon slipped away. We were well into December now and the temperature was dropping drastically. The mountains were coated with brilliant white snow and even the streets were starting to get a dusting. Sweaters and gloves were out, well big puffer coats and hats for most people but my blood is strangely  warm. Eddie and I were heading out for a steady morning walk before my sister pays a visit with the kids this afternoon. Eddie was up on her feet quite a bit now, wanting to give her knee the best chance of a quick recovery after her surgery. With her slightly mobile, I felt slightly more comfortable with leaving her to go record. We had a schedule set up now for the album. 3 days a week until it's done, except for the week for Christmas and New Year. Roughly early spring, we expect to be finished.

"Tell me honestly Bran, is the scar noticeable" Eddie asked, pausing slightly as we drew closer to the house. I turned my eyes to the faint jagged line that ran from the edge of her eyebrow to her hairline, along her temple. The bruising was now all gone pretty much except for a hint of pale green near her brow.
"It's not that noticeable" I began, inspecting the healing wound. "It's neat, it just looks like a crease, it's not bad at all" I told her honestly. The look on Eddie's face told me she didn't believe me. "Eddie, you're gorgeous, a little line isn't changing that" I insisted, pecking a quick kiss on her cheek as we turned up the path to my front door.

Half an hour later our peace was spoilt when my youngest sister arrived with her 2 children. Out of all my siblings I got on with her the most, I think because she was the youngest child for so long, she understands me the most.  Her two kids ran in, taking it in turns to engulf Eddie and I in hugs before running off to play about on the piano. My sister told them to pack it in and go outside in the snow instead, they didn't need much persuading.
"Ah now we can talk in peace" she joked as I fixed us some drinks. It was always nice to chat with my sister, she always gave the best advice and eased my worries. We chatted for a little while about Christmas plans and Eddie's incident.
"Eddie!" Our conversation was broken by a child's yell.
"Yes?" Eddie responded to the young boy stood by my back door.
"Can you come play with us?" He asked, a hopeful expression on his face.
"Sorry Aaron But no, Eddie's got a bad leg" I spoke up, uncomfortable about the idea of her going to play. Aaron's face dropped. "But I'll come if you want?" I offered.
"We want Eddie" the little boy frowned. I didn't know whether I was offended or found it hilarious that I had been rejected by a 7 year old.
"Ok, ok, I'll come play but I'm only helping to make a snowman" Eddie explained pushing herself up to go and join the boy who was now much more excited. I watched with pride as and slight concern as Eddie hobbled out into the back yard. Admiring the sight of her getting on with my niece and nephew.
"How's she doing really?" My sister's voice dragged me from my daydream.
"Oh erm, she's doing ok, it's just frustrating for her" I told her, sipping my coffee. "She's the kind that's always got to be doing something y'know".
"Like you, you mean" she teased, raising her brow at me. "You two are so sweet together, she's made for you Bran" she continued, a seriousness coming over her voice.
"I can't stand being without her, like, when I saw her get hit" I spoke, "I- I had never felt so many emotions, but all I wanted to do was take her pain away" I told her, my voice wavering slightly as I pushed through the sadness of the memory. She held my hand comfortingly.
"I don't think you'll find a better fit, do you?" She gave me a nod, knowing me so well she knew my answer.
"No" I registered her comment. "I'm gonna have to make her mine" I spoke unsurely. "Oh shit. It's finally gonna happen" I giggled, a strange sort of relief washing over me. My sister just nodded proudly in return. "I don't know when, but I will"
"Don't rush it, you have to do it properly".

Moments later our grown up conversation was interrupted by the sound of my niece and nephew mowing through the back door, shortly followed by a tired looking Eddie.
"Uncle Brandon! Look at our snowmen!" The children beamed, pointing proudly at their creation. I looked out to see a fair sized man made from snow beside another smaller one beside it.
"Oh very nice, what are their names?" I responded, standing up and heading to the window to investigate.
"Steve and Sandra" the youngest grinned, plonking himself down on the sofa.
"I like it" I chuckled, as us 'grown ups' burst into fits of laughter.