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THE COMBS HOUSEHOLD IS FULL.
Yet, not as full as it should be: the four are not together as often as Darcie likes, but duty always comes first. On a rota, the three guards take it in turns between staying with Darcie or patrolling the Cullen household, protecting the Phoenix.
Cersi has taken to her duty as Darcie had suspected, where she does not bring up Jacob nor do they. If Cersi wants to talk about Jacob, then she will. But Darcie's concern is Aspen, who is trusting in Darcie to save Callum — even Darcie's trusting in herself as she tries to ignore the growing doubt inside her gut.
For now, Darcie's remaining a secret about being home in La Push until they can figure out how to handle the police with her disappearance. Only a few know of her return, including Embry's mom as Darcie finds herself anxious to see his mother again.
"Are you sure she's not angry with me?" Darcie questions.
"Darcie," Embry sighs, but he's smiling. "For the hundredth time, my Mom only cares that you are home."
"But I—"
"You were in a trance," Embry reminds her. "I don't blame you, neither does Mom."
Darcie's tooth sinks down into her bottom lip, tugging at the skin. Of course, she believes Embry, but Darcie's still concerned that Tiffany Call no longer likes Darcie for disappearing on them both.
As if knowing they were outside (Darcie suspects Tiffany had been watching from the window), the front door opens with Tiffany standing in shock, hands cupping her face as tears glisten behind her eyes. Darcie's name is exhaled from Tiffany's lips before her arms fling forward, wrapping around Darcie as she holds onto the girl tightly.
"Oh, look at you," gushes Tiffany. "Darcie, Sweetheart, we have missed you so much," then she's pulling back, tears staining her cheeks as she smiles brightly at a startled Darcie. "This suits you."
"What does?" Darcie questions, confused.
"Being you," Tiffany answers, clutching onto Darcie's hands. "I still see the Darcie I've always known, but you've grown into your ears. You look older, far more radiant and confident."
"Technically Darcie is older," Embry points out.
"You have the glow of royalty," Tiffany says with a wink.
Darcie blushes at that, knowing that she has changed with the flowered braids that still hang in her hair. While she has no sword, Darcie's very aware that she is missing the blade at her hip, along with the familiar uniform or gowns that she had become used to wearing. The jeans she now wears feel strange in comparison.
"Thank you," says Darcie. "I've really missed you, Tiffany. About what happened—"
"Don't you dare apologise," Tiffany decides. "For what it's worth, I'm glad the Fae called you home. I'm so proud of you, Darcie — just like your dad is too."
