Millie

Chapter Forty Three- Veda

We got home from Eugene at Seven in the evening. The entire drive home had been on auto pilot, and I couldn't tell you once I had parked up beside the guest house, how I even got there.

Veda took her ear pods out, and placed them on her lap as she unbuckled. I sat and stared at the house, not moving.

"You okay Snow White" she asked, peeking around to look me in the eye. She waved her hand over my face.

I blinked and returned from planet despair, looking back to her with a strained smile "Yes" I lied " fine"

Willa waved from her porch as we exited the car "Allie says dinner is ready in five if you both want to join"

Veda ran over, her attentions straight on Mr Darcy beside Willa's feet. She dropped down and fussed him. He rolled onto his back and exposed his belly, to her delight. "Would love to" she answered "but is it vegan friendly" she asked, throwing her black hoody on the back of one of the porch chairs.

Allie's voice came through the open door "Theres always a Vegan option"

Willa watched Veda at her feet and smiled "She does something Vegan every night... even when you are out with Millie. Heck, I think we should just go Vegan too at this rate"

Veda nodded as she stood back up "you should" and she leant in as Willa hugged her.

"How was Wrens game. We listened on the radio. That last goal sounded like one I'd of loved to have seen" Willa asked.

"It was good. The drive is a killer though... and Snow White here is a misery the moment she leaves Wren behind" Veda accused, gesturing toward me walking up the steps.

"Why don't you go inside and get the table laid" Willa suggested.

"Okay" Veda answered, taking Mr Darcy and heading inside.

As the door shut, Willa patted the seat beside the one she sat herself down in "Sit"

I did as I was told, but every movement now was still autopilot. I was a little lost in my head.

"Talk to me" Willa asked.

I wrapped Vedas discarded hoody around my shoulders, the fall air was getting crisp, and beside the lake always seemed to be cooler.

"I have to talk to her tonight. I'm scared"

She adjusted her position so that she was closer to me "What's scaring you" she asked calmly.

I met her warm gaze, and opened up "I'm worried that she will want to go back... and I won't get to be the one that gets up with her every morning, and says goodnight to her every evening. I've gotten used to being a sister, and despite being petrified of the responsibility at the start, now, I'm petrified, that she won't be my responsibility any more. I love that little devil"

Willa nodded and listened as I explained how I would probably have to go to New Hampshire, at least until the final court hearing. Vedas home town was near Nashua, not far from Boston. I would find a place to live, a job that could be permanent if needed, and be close to her, because until this was resolved one way or another, I still didn't feel comfortable sending her across the country and leaving her there. I needed to be able to see with my own eyes how they would be living, and if she was safe there. At least if she called me and needed me, I would be right there.

"Millie, I have a proposition for you" Willa told me as I finished talking.

"You do" I asked.

Willa squeezed my arm affectionately "Don't say no straight away, hear me out first okay"