Shadows and Stars: A Darker Love ✔

Chapter Thirty

The uplifting sensation that runs through me when I enter my home is nothing short of amazing.

Dad's huge smile is the first thing I notice, and my grin mirrors his as I run into his open arms.

     "Hey you!" He breathes, tightening his strong arms around my shoulders. "I've missed you so, so much."

I close my eyes, appreciating this moment of being in my father's embrace, feeling comforted at the familiar scent of freshly washed laundry that radiates from his clothes. "I've missed you too Dad."

I'm slowly released from his arms, and I turn to see a glum Lucas step through the door. His eyes look anywhere but to me, and his whole body looks limp. I hadn't realised how much I had really got to him, and I roll my eyes.

     "Thank you for picking Mia up, Lucas," Dad says, greeting Lucas with a firm shoulder pat before proceeding into the kitchen to fill the kettle.

I look to the floor, wishing that Hailey and Lucas hadn't got involved with my life recently. I know deep down they only want what's best for me, but in all honesty, I could do without the awkwardness and the feel of being 'babysat'.

Lucas finally looks to me, and when my eyes meet his, his expression silently tells me to keep quiet over these next couple of days. "Sure thing," he says.

Hours later, we've settled in the lounge and share pleasant conversations over a cup of tea and a pizza. The sight of the lit-up Christmas tree in the corner and the fairy lights dangled from the fireplace instantly erase the negative feelings from my body, and I smile at the sight of light snow from outside the conservatory doors.

Dad tells me about his work, and Lucas pipes up every now and then about his job and how he recently won a rugby tournament with the local team. I tell my dad about my job, and how I'm getting involved with much more areas of marketing now. Though I can't help but smile when my dad's face beams with pride.

     "Sounds like you're having a great time in the city," he says.

I nod, but my smile somewhat fades when I catch Lucas raising his eyebrows from the corner of the room.

Now he's the one making the situation uncomfortable.

     "Right, I'm heading up to bed," he huffs, sauntering from the living room and out of sight. Dad sighs when he acknowledges his moody behaviour, but I do my best to shrug it off.

     "The city really is great," I say, trying to ignore Lucas' attempt at ruining the night. "I'm having such a blast." Its true though; despite every crazy situation I've found myself in in London, I wouldn't go back and change anything. Well, except maybe walking into that club on my first night.

     "That's amazing honey, I'm really glad to hear it. And work is treating you right?"

     "Great," I say. "My manager seems to be really pleased with my work."

The pride in my dad's eyes reminds me that this was all worth it; moving to London and everything, and I'm glad that Lucas didn't mention anything to him about my recent decisions.

     "Well," Dad sighs. "We have an early start tomorrow, so I'd better get on up to bed. Night sweetie."

     "Night Dad," I say, tucking myself further into the corner of the sofa as I'm left alone in the lounge.

I stare into the flickering lights that decorate the Christmas tree, and then move my gaze to the photo of my Mother stood next to it. She and Dad are smiling so hard, enjoying their honeymoon in Greece. In return I smile, knowing that whilst she was still with us, she was happy.