Friction [Book 2]

-family-

"Are you sure you want to do this? We don't have to if you don't want."

Three days later, Pete was asking me for what felt like the thousandth time if flying to England was the right decision. And every single time, I would answer with yes. I needed to go.

"I'm sure, Pete. Don't worry." I smiled calmly and placed my hand on top of his own.

He parked the car outside his parents' house and picked up Bodhi from the backseat while I grabbed the bag full of his things. Bronx was back with Ashlee for the week and Pete's parents had offered to take Bodhi. They hadn't seen him in a while and we both agreed it would be nice for them to spend some time with their second grandson.

Knocking on the door, Pete fixed the collar on Bodhi's small shirt as we heard to lock open from inside.

"Hi! Come in, come inside!"

Pete's mom ushered the three of us inside and Pete's dad soon arrived to greet us. Immediately, I received a hug from them both. I knew it was a hug to say sorry for what happened on behalf of Pete, but I had taught myself to forget about it. I was over it now, even if it did still hurt a little sometimes.

"He's grown so much! Oh my gosh, Ellianah, he looks so much like you!" Pete's mom took Bodhi from Pete in a swift motion. I giggled at her as she admired the similarities between me and my son. I always thought he looked more like Pete, but then again, I would.

"He's turning into a handsome little chap, must take after his grandad."

Pete's dad mused, sending a wink to me as he tickled Bodhi's chin, earning a loud laugh.

"Thanks, Dad." Pete shook his head, smiling, "We have to go now, our flight is soon."

Saying goodbye to Bodhi was difficult, especially because it was for an entire week. I was going to miss him like crazy and my maternal worries would have me on the phone at every second of every day. Pete told me that he was going to be perfectly fine, but Pete's mom understood why I didn't want to leave him. She reassured me that my reactions were normal for a mom, and eventually, we left for the airport.

**

Checking in was a pain, to say the least. The flight was clearly a return since it was filled with English people with bags full of Disney and Universal goodies, along with about three suitcases each. This made us queuing with one suitcase between us pointless and tiring. My feet were hurting and my back was no better. Perching on top of the car was no better since we were shuffling ever five seconds, so I just had to put up with the downsides of being pregnant for an hour or so.

After passing through security, doing a little spot of shopping, it left Pete and I with enough time to grab a take away coffee from Starbucks before heading over to the gate to board the plane.

Bronx had come down with a stomach illness over the past few days which meant Pete and I didn't get more than a few hours sleep every night. Instead of talking about the possible outcomes of the trip to London, both of us fell asleep instantly. First class had its perks since there was a lot of room and the seats were extremely comfortable. I slept more in the 9 hour flight than I had done for the past three days.

Landing was a bumpy experience and looking out of the window, I was starting to realise why Pete had persuaded me to pack a coat.

The rain was lashing down as we entered the terminal and I instantly felt cold. Pete gave me his hoodie and I slipped my arms through the sleeves as he grabbed my hand, kissing the top softly.

Knowing I was insanely nervous about meeting Julian, he had been doing his best to tell me that the worst thing that could possibly happen is that nobody shows up at the airport. I agreed with him, but he then realised that the effect of that would be that he wasted flight and hotel money. Not that he cared.