It Started With Hello

Chapter 10- Lacy

Arabella-

We make it back to the house after maybe a twenty minute car ride filled with laughter. I say goodbye to Dan and head for the front door. Jake follows, rather walks beside me and tries to keep stride. I open the front door the memory of the first time still vivid. Matty and Noah come from within the house. Deciding not to put off the inevitable I introduce everyone.

“This is Matty,” I introduce Jake to my brother and cousin, “and Noah.”

“Nice to meet you.” Jake says shaking hands with both Matty and Noah. “I’ve heard a lot about the two of you. And little Lacy?”

“Bella!” Lacy (AN: Her picture is too the side) exclaims from the stairs as she runs down. She’s ten, but she’s also very grown up.

“Look who’s finally up.” I exclaim as she reaches me, I hug her tightly, “Jake, my cousin Lacy.”

“Pleasure M’ lady.” He gives a bow taking her hand and kissing the back, like a prince. I roll my eyes at his playful gesture.

“Enough Jake.” I tell him.

“Nice to meet you Jake.” Lacy says.

“I guess I should book my flight back to the states. Looks like I’m not welcome.” Matty jokes. Only then does Lacy’s head jerk up and she sees Matty.

“MATTY!” She cries leaping into his arms. “I didn’t know you were coming.” He hugs her before letting her back down. She leaps onto his back still hugging his neck.

“That’s okay.” I tell her, “None of us did.”

“I think my Christmas present was pretty good.”

“How’s Farley?” Lacy asks.

Farley must have heard his name because he comes bounding in, carrying a notebook. “Farley, Drop.” I tell him. He bounds over to me dropping the notebook at my feet. The pages aren’t damaged, he grabbed the binding. I flip it open and see poems and lyrics. “I’ll be right back.”

“I’m going to start dinner.” Lacy says, “Dad’s coming home in a few hours.” She skips toward the kitchen, “Come on Noah. Matty!”

“Wanna come with me to return this?” I ask Jake holding up the notebook.

“Sure.” He answers following me up the stairs.

“How’s Lucky?” I ask him.

“She’s good.” He answers, “She is just as crazy as always, but she’s good. As far as I know anyway. I left her with Mallory and Danny.”

“What about Bryce and Connor?” I ask as I knock on Lincoln’s door.

“They went home the week before I did. They were gone before you were.” Jake says with a smile, “Or did you forget?”

“Oops?” I answer with a guilty grin as Lincoln opens his door.

“You found it.” He says, “Nolan’s been looking everywhere for it.” I hand Lincoln the notebook, “He’ll be thrilled. His guitar chords are in there.”

“Well, make sure you all know not to put anything in Farley’s reach. He’ll try to take it. I’m still trying to train him not to take things.”

“How old is he?”

“Not really sure, a year or two. I think that’s what the shelter said.”

“Hey, Bella!” Noah calls from the kitchen.

“It seems that whenever we start talking the kitchen needs me.” I tell Lincoln, “I’ll see you at dinner.” I head down with Jake.

“See ya!” He calls after us.

“Lincoln is…”

“One of the members of the band my uncle just signed, apparently they’re in a bit of trouble with the papers already.”

“Wow, just signed and already town bad boys.” Jake says as we make our way to the kitchen.

“I don’t even know what they did to get on Uncle Simon’s bad side.” I admit as we walk in the kitchen. Farley lying on the floor by the heater.

“What’s going on down here?” I ask Noah and Lacy, “You called?”

“We can’t find the parsley.” Lacy says.

“Parsley?” I ask in disbelief. I can see Jake trying not to laugh. “I thought there was a serious problem. All you needed was a garnish?”

“Where is it?” Lacy asks.

I walk over to the spice garden in the corner and grabbing a few sprigs running them under the tap and then drying them with a paper towel. “Here,” I answer handing them to her. “Anything else you lot require before I go show Jake around?”

“I’ll call you if we need anything else.” Lacy says.

“Sounds good. I’m going to show Jake around.”

“He’s been around before.” Noah says.

“But this time he’s not trying to kidnap me and take me back to Switzerland. This time he’s here to have a holiday with his family.” I point out

“Hey, not my fault I was missing you like crazy.” Jake defends himself.

“Keep telling yourself that buddy.” I tell him patting him on the shoulder with a smile as I roll my eyes. He shrugs in defense and grins.