Finding Home

Chapter Thirty Three - Party

"Surprise"

My eyes widen in shock, I turn my head and look at Dean he smiles but holds his hands up shaking his head, indicating this had nothing to do with him. I suspect his only job was to get me here.

I face the crowd of people. I see Mom, Dad, Lizzy, Georgia, Jess and Ben. There are some officers here too along with a few regulars from the cafe. I also notice a few people from Dad's garage and Mom's school here too. 

"Welcome home, Annie!" Mom hands me a champagne flute.

The whole living room is decorated with colourful balloons, streamers and 'Welcome Home' banners. 

Georgia runs over and wraps her arms around me, "It's not too much is it?" she asks. I should have known this was down to her.

"Not at all" I giggle and hug Georgia with my free hand

"We brought all your favourite food from the cafe too" Jess grinned, joining in on the hug, "We are so glad you are home"

I break away from the girls, "Me too" I sigh.

"Feeling better, are we?" a voice from behind asks, I turn and Ben is grinning

"You too, I see" I grin back, "How is the arm?" 

"Perfect, see.." Ben lifts his arm up and attempts to flex his bicep but struggles slightly.

"Ok, Ok put it away Ben" Georgia teases pulling his arm down to his side, "You are supposed to be resting it"

"Doc said I have to do my exercises too" Ben leans close to Georgia, who rolls her eyes. He holds her chin and kisses her lips briefly but sweetly.

I raise my eyebrows and tilt my head, "What did I miss?"

"Oh, Ben declared his love for me while he was bleeding out at the hospital" Georgia grins at Ben, now he rolls his eyes but laughs

"I did not declare my love for anyone, I simply asked to see you" Ben defends.

"Is that so?" Georgia playfully crosses her arms but ends up in a fit of giggles when Ben starts to tickle her.

"Sickening, isn't it?" a familiar voice is by side, I turn my head and instantly recognise the man standing next to me.

"Nathan" I smile, "What are you doing here?" 

"Well I heard Dean was having a tough time...."

"A tough time?" I question

"He rang me when you said you were leaving. He was a mess, he didn't want to spiral like when......like the last time he lost someone."

My heart hurts at his words. Would losing me cause Dean to 'spiral'? Nathan must have thought it was bad for him to come all this way.

I threw my arms around Nathan, taking him by surprise.

"Thank you" I whisper.

He hugs me back, "Please look after him Annie. He has been through so much...."

I pull out of the hug, "I will, I promise"

Nathan smiles and nods, "I know"

The party seems to go quickly. I spend my time sipping champagne, eating way too may treats from Lizzy's and chatting to everyone. Thankfully people don't bring up the past few days apart from asking if I am OK. It starts getting dark when the party winds down. I am starting to feel tired. Everyone says their goodbyes. 

I am sat on the sofa, Mom and Dean are tidying up and Dad is taking the trash out. I sigh, leaning my head back on the back of the sofa. 

"Annie" I hear a whisper and my eyes slowly open. Dean is kneeling down in front of me. I am still on the sofa. I don't remember falling asleep. I sit up feeling a little groggy.