Crossroads (Book Three)

Chapter 2

Shawn

My last week of work seems to drag on, each day seemingly lasting longer than the last. Coming home to Lyla each night was a welcomed changed though and I looked forward to holding her in my arms every night. She breathed life back into be when I saw her the day at the airport.

I had been a zombie all summer long, just moving through the motions of my day. Lyla gave me something to look forward to again each day with he simple fact that she was there for me to hold and kiss.

I stuff the last box of Bailey's clothes into the backseat of my car, cramming it in as far as I can to still leave her space to sit for the ride. I slam the door shut then head back up towards my house. It's Saturday morning and the day we're heading back to Oakridge. Classes don't start until next week, but my first hockey practice is tomorrow afternoon.

I'm looking forward to getting back on the ice and seeing my coach and teammates again. It'll be great to be back in our house again off campus with Danielle and our new roommate. I forgot how much I appreciated the privacy of not living with my dad and little sister, as much as I love them and being home.

Lyla and Bailey are standing and waiting inside the door. My dad took the morning off work to see us all off. I'm giving Bailey a ride up to her new dorm and helping her move all her stuff in today. It'll be weird having Bailey on campus with me now.

I am already worried about her taking on the college life or more so the college boys. She broke up with her boyfriend over the summer and takes every chance she can to tell me how excited she is for single college life. I cringe at the thought of her going out to the parties on campus.

"Well, you three stay safe," my dad tells us as I join them at the doorway.

"We will," Bailey and Lyla reply in unison.

"Shawn, you watch out for your sister," my dad orders me and I nod my head in agreement. I catch Bailey rolling her eyes and shaking her head slightly at the two of us. I hug my dad first, his hand slaps me on the back before he lets me go.

"Good luck getting back on the ice tomorrow, I will be up for a game as soon as I can make it," he promises me.

"Thanks dad, love you."

"Love you too bud."

I step back and onto the porch as I watch Lyla give my dad a hug next. I can see her eyes watering up from the exchange and I wrap my arm around her waist when their hug is over, pulling her to my side and placing a kiss on the top of her head in an attempt to comfort her.

"You take care of this one for me," my dad tells Lyla as he gestures his head in my direction. Lyla giggles softly at my side and I hear her sniffle.

"He's in good hands," she promises.

I pull Lyla with me as we move down the walkway towards my car, wanting to give my dad and Bailey their own time to say goodbyes. When we reach my car I release my hold around Lyla's waist so I can open the front passenger door for her.

She turns to me before getting in and I watch her quickly wipe a tear from her cheek. She leans up and kisses me softly before climbing into the car. I glance back towards the house and see Bailey making her way towards us as she hastily wipes away her own tears. We all pile into the car and wave to my dad as he stands on the front porch waiting for us to leave.

"Everyone ready?" I ask as I reach across to take Lyla's hand that's resting in her lap. Her head turns to face me at the contact.

"Hell yes," Bailey answers from the backseat and Lyla giggles beside me as I roll my eyes before I put the car into drive and pull out onto the road.