Could Have, Should Have, Didn't - A Narnia Fanfiction

Chapter Twenty-Two: Home Is Where The Hurt Is

The house was marvelous, prettier than any mansion, warmer than Aunt Alberta and Uncle Harold's house, and seemed to hold happiness.

When he breathed in, the smell of food and wood filled his lungs.

A beautiful staircase wound up to the second floor, a dark mahogany, its railing not falling apart. It felt funny to run his hand along it and not to feel the familiar ache of the wood chipping. Not have to be concerned if he broke anything because then he would have to scrounge up the money he didn't have, from a meager paying job as an assistant at the general store down the road, to pay back his aunt and uncle, who wouldn't even say thank you.

Everything inside the home was solid.

By the front door, the windows poured light inside and the reflection made each piece of furniture appear so much richer. Furniture that wasn't brand new, wasn't what was trending, but it was functional. Yellow edged the corners of the wallpaper lining the walls in delicate florals, indicating it was old, and used, but that didn't matter to him.

Because Mum stood in front of it, waiting to show him and Lucy their bedrooms. Well, she stood out against it, the dark maroon of her dress rich and her smile widening with each second. She beckoned for them. "Come on, get settled before I begin making dinner."

Ed put one foot in front of the other as he trekked up the stairs, his suitcase hitting his knees with each step, Lu right beside him, excitement evident in her wide blue eyes.

What would the rooms look like?

Susan and Peter stood at the bottom of the stairs, and waved, waiting for dinner, both smiling encouragingly. He waved back automatically, unsure of what else to do with himself, parts of him feeling numb for some unknown reason.

"Christopher and I searched for a house, in our budget, that had enough rooms for you each not to have share. We figured, since you're all older now, you'd appreciate the privacy." Mum paused on the stairs to turn and look at them.

"Thanks, Mum," Lu said graciously, stepping faster to put her arm around Mum's shoulders.

Something in his belly squirmed and he pressed the tips of his fingers into the sides of his arms as he crossed them.

Their own rooms?

He'd never had the privilege of that. How nice it would be to sleep without Peter bothering him if he couldn't, how nice it would be to be able to read without Peter writing in the other corner, the noises a distraction. How nice.

And yet he suddenly felt... scared?

He quickly rubbed his eyes. Maybe he was just tired.

Hopefully, there would be enough time for him to sit for a while, even only on the corner of his new bed, only to sit and breathe.

"Here is yours, Lucy, dear." Once they were upstairs, Mum pointed to an open room and then stood back, squeezing Lu's arm. "I hope you like it, I specifically chose things I thought you'd like, but if you hate anything, I'll try and get you other—"

"—Oh no! How could I hate anything you picked for me? My room is splendid!" With a hand on the corner of the doorframe, his sisters' eyes traveled across everything before her and she began listing everything she loved. Which was everything.

Catching a glimpse inside, Ed saw lots of pastel colors and a dresser, it all looked girly, and he wasn't very interested, but he pretended to nod so as not to offend anyone.

"While she's getting situated in her bedroom, let me show you yours. Then, I'll go and finish dinner, which will give you an hour to set everything up and settle in." Softly, Mum's hand met his upper arm, as if she was afraid to touch him.