Their Time.

Chapter 11 - Estate

"I'm sorry to tell you this, but you'll have to leave in the next 6 hours. Your mother hasn't paid the house payments in five months. We've attempted to contact her several times, but she appears to have vanished."

My shoulders and face fall while tears well up in my eyes. I nodded okay and closed the door, unsure of what to do. With trembling hands, I dial Holden's number.

He picks up on the second ring. "Are you all right, baby?"

Nothing came out of my mouth as I tried to make the words. Though a sob comes through my lips. Telling me he's on his way, and I should stay on the phone.

My phone rings, drawing my focus away from my computer. When I pick it up, I see it is Vera. I start by asking if she's all right.

I worry as she doesn't reply. In case she didn't hear me the first time, I ask again. My ears are suddenly filled with sobbing.

What in the world happened? I told her to stay on the line with me while I went to her.

I'm speeding there, not giving a damn about the cops. I parked my car, exited, and dashed to the front door. I walked in without knocking.

I immediately noticed her seated on the floor, crying. As I approached her, I gently took her up and carefully cleaned her hair from her face.

Smoothing her hair and whispering sweet nothings. She eventually relaxes, giving me the opportunity to ask about what happened.

I can feel my hands tighten and unclench with rage as I listen. Her mother is a piece of shit. It's no surprise Eden couldn't find out much about her because she had gone entirely underground.

Knowing that the boys won't object if she stays with us, not that they have a choice in the matter.

"Do you want to stay with me, baby? If you don't want to share, I can set up a room for you. We can move your belongings and put them up however you want?"

She frowns when she looks at me. "I don't want to bother you, and your friends are there. What if they don't like me or if I impede on them?"

With a confident smile and a big grin, I shake my head. "It doesn't matter if they don't; they'll be able to adjust."

She hesitantly agrees with a smile. I sat her down and assisted her in gathering the items she requires for tonight; the rest will be collected by Sayer and Lynx tomorrow.

We drove to his place after gathering the necessities for the night. Holden refused to let me carry anything more, so he opened the front door for me and I walked in with my backpack.

He shuts the door behind me as I make my way upstairs to his room, tired from the day's events. We lay in the bed, entwined in each other's arms, 10 minutes later.

Morning

Slowly, my eyes open and I take in my surroundings and position. Holden is smiling into me with his face resting on my breast and his arms enveloping me.

Though it wakes him up, I run my fingers through his hair and watch while he sleeps.

Before stretching, he lifted his head to look at me and offered me a bright smile and a kiss good morning.

I get out of bed once he's up getting ready for the day. Make my way to the bathroom to get ready. I leave the restroom after brushing my teeth and hair, applying deodorant, perfume, and chapstick.

I brought an outfit to wear today till Holden's friend arrives with the rest of my belongings.

Though I take a few tries, I'm heading towards the kitchen. When I notice Holden isn't alone, I come to a halt.

He was chatting to the blonde boy from the night we met. I fiddle with my pants while nervously staring at the floor.

My name is called less than 45 seconds later, and I see Holden motioning me to come.

Making my way into the kitchen, gazing at the blonde boy. He presented me with a comforting smile. "Vera, this is Eden. He's one of my buddies who lives here with me," he said.

I'm still messing with my pants while mumbling a soft, nervous hello to Eden.

"Hi!! It's great to finally meet you in person. You've got this guy wrapped around your little finger; he's been on all of our backsides, making sure you feel at ease. By the way, I'm around more than the other two, so let me know if you have questions or just want to hang!!"

I looked up at Eden, not wanting to appear disrespectful, as the unexpected booming voice of Eden spoke to me.

I turned to Holden. After giving Eden a smile and nod, I quietly ask to speak with him for a moment. Eden got the message and left, leaving me and Holden in the kitchen.

"I can tell you're having a hard time with what you're wearing, baby. I don't want you to feel restricted in how you dress here. Just because there will be others who live here. Know that they aren't here much and or are too busy, mostly. They are free to move if they have a problem with what you want to wear." After lifting my chin to look at me, he said.

Although he stated I still feel strange, I suppose it will take some time for me to adjust to my new surroundings.

He had already prepared breakfast, so we sat down and ate while chatting. We finished dining and cleaned up the kitchen in about 30 minutes.