ENDURING {Sequel to Everlasting} ❗️EDITING ❗️

Chapter 9

I stare at the familiar house, it's different and yet the same one I remember. Even from the outside it feels warmer, like it's finally able to breath with some life.

"I didn't know you could drive."

My head snaps to the walkway, my eyes a little wide as I stare at Kade. I assumed he was in the house, not out. He carries a couple shopping bags, like a normal man, a family man.

"I didn't mean to just turn up..I just-I'm sorry, I should go." I ramble, turning around and opening my car door.

"No! I'm actually glad you're here...there's someone I want you to meet." Kade says softly, gently shutting my car door and staring down at me with a small smile.

I felt funny, kind of happy but also nervous, perhaps a little worried. It's strange to be around someone that once caused me so much pain, to see him smiling, and happy.

"Are you sure?" I question uncertainly, glancing at the house and back to Kade.

"I'll make hot chocolate." Kade offers, nodding for me to come with him. He knows I like hot chocolate?

Chewing my bottom lip nervously, I decide to just go with him. Grabbing my bag and phone from my car, I lock it and hesitantly follow Kade up the driveway, into the house that no longer looks anything like I remember.

As I close the door behind me, I hear a woman's laughter. I didn't have to ask, to know it's Lisa, I've only met her once. I have to admit, I felt a little on edge.

"Where's Cami? There's someone here to meet her." I heard Kade asking Lisa, but my eyes flicker over the photos on the walls, on the fireplace.

Baby scans, photos of a newborn with Lisa and Kade, a little girl with Sebastian. Family photos fill the house, and not a single one has my face in. I don't take offence, I understand that I pushed Kade away even after he tried fixing things. We never took family photos, and my mother certainly never wanted to take pictures of me.

"Kali?"

Turning to the sound of Kades voice, I feel myself freeze in surprise as my eyes land on the toddler in his arms. She has huge eyes, sparkling blue eyes that look so much like Kades, only hers are innocent. Olive skin and chubby red cheeks, her hair dark blonde, much like Lisa's.

"This is Camille...Cami for short." Kade tells me after a few moments, and I hesitantly move closer.

"How old is she?" I ask softly, my heart softening as I stare into her big blue eyes.

"Two...I wanted to tell you, but you had so much going on." Kade tells me, his voice somewhat guilty.

"She's beautiful." I say with a half smile, not the least bit offended that he didn't tell me.

"Do you want to stay for dinner?" Lisa offers with a smile, coming out of the kitchen to see me.

"I don't want to overstay my welcome-"

"Oh no, you're welcome here anytime." Lisa immediately says, beaming at me beside Kade and their daughter.

They go well together, like a happy family. It makes me happy that Kade is finally content, even if I felt more alone.

"I should go." I whisper, gulping down the lump in my throat as I turn for the door.

"Let's go for a drive, just me and you." Kade's voice makes me pause, because he's trying to connect with me, and I have no idea how to act, or what to say.

Some part of me knows Kade senses my conflicting emotions, my pain, for the first time he's not immune to it, but sympathetic. I know he wants to go for a drive so we can talk, clear some things up.