bucket list || l. norris

fifty five

* never leaving this story behind until it's finished, i swear. it's been so long - too long - so please make sure to read the note at the end of this chapter <3

please vote + comment as you go !!! enjoy :) *

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"Mum?" I chewed on my lip as Lando held my hand to comfort me. "Hey, mum."

Micah was - finally - in a peaceful state of sleep so we decided to step out of his room and sit outside to get some air whilst we called mum and dad. I had absolutely no idea what words to use to tell them Micah had been attacked and was in hospital right now.

"Morning my darling girl," mum sounded as cheery as ever and it made me feel sick. "How are you? Did you sleep well? Jet lag hasn't got the better of you, has it?"

"I'm fine, mum," I couldn't mirror her tone. "I'm in London with Lando. Something's happened."

"What's happened?" Mum's tone changed then and I could hear the confusion in her voice, mixed with fear because I would've told her in advance if Lando and I were headed to London. "Mila?"

"Micah and Ivo were attacked, mum," I struggled to hold myself together so I let it out. I'd been keeping it hidden from Micah because I wanted him to think that I was strong, but I definitely wasn't. "They're in hospital. Lando and I have been here all night."

"Oh my God," mum moved away from the line. "Mark!"

I could make out her rushed footsteps across the laminate flooring. I knew she was headed to dad's home office.

"Mum, can you please come?" I wiped my eyes. "Micah is okay and he's finally getting some sleep now, but we haven't seen Ivo yet. He's much worse off."

"Mila, darling, we will be there as quickly as we can, okay?" Mum sounded like she was crying and that broke my heart because that woman had been put through enough pain because of me. "Mark, we need to get to London. Now. Come on."

It made me feel sick again.

"Please hurry," despite biting my lip in an attempt to suppress my sobs and tears, it didn't work. "I love you."

"I love you too, darling, both of you," mum's voice brought me so much comfort and I knew it would do the same for Micah. I could hear her rushing to the front door and into the driveway. "Is Micah okay?"

"Yes and no," I exhaled. "He's sleeping at the moment. Finally. And he will be okay, but he's just terrified and wants to see Ivo."

"Do you know when he'll be able to? Have they told you?"

In the background, I heard the car doors slam shut and the engine start.

"I don't know," I shuffled closer to Lando on the bench, resting my face on his shoulder, inhaling his scent. "I'll find out soon. I just need some air and something to eat, and to shut my eyes. But I'll ask."

"Okay, darling. You're doing well so far, and you know he is so, so lucky to have you," mum's words made me smile because they made me feel like I was actually giving something back to my brother. "Let me know where we need to head to once we arrive and I'll see you soon."

"Drive safe."

"We will, darling."

The line went dead and I passed my phone to Lando, before completely burying my face into his neck. I needed a moment for myself, to recharge, and this was the only way I knew how to do it. He took my right hand and clasped it between both of his.