Across the Ocean - Kyra Cooney-Cross

Chapter Thirty Two - Beginning of Us

Fourteen days. That's all it took for Kyra to convince me to come home. Honestly, she had me on minute one, but every moment of our two weeks with her family just solidified my decision. Laura and Zoe had already planned for me to leave the moment they knew Kyra and I were getting coffee those few weeks ago. They saw it coming before I did, and I'm grateful for their unwavering support.

Waking up in St Albans still doesn't feel real. Every morning since I've been back, I pinch myself to make sure I'm not dreaming. The sun filters through the curtains, casting a warm glow on the room, and I feel an overwhelming sense of peace. 

However, I didn't come back expecting everything to be the same. There were loose ends to tie up, and I needed to face the people I had left behind.

One of my first stops was the George Street Canteen. I didn't go there to beg for my job back. I went there to apologize. As I stepped through the familiar doors, the scent of fresh coffee and pastries wafted over me, triggering a flood of memories. The staff was busy, just like always, and for a moment, I felt a pang of nostalgia mixed with guilt.

"Hey, look who's back!" It was my old boss, his eyes twinkling with surprise and genuine happiness. The rest of the staff turned to see who he was talking about, and their faces lit up with smiles.

"Ella!" they chorused, and I felt a weight lift off my shoulders.

I took a deep breath and began my apology. "I'm so sorry for disappearing like I did. It wasn't fair to any of you, and I didn't mean for my problems to become yours. I'm just glad to see everyone is okay."

My boss waved off my apology with a smile. "We're just happy to see you safe and sound. Life happens, Ella. We understand."

And then he said something that brought me the happiest smile. "Ella McCabe moved to here, so she helped us out here for a while. It's funny how one Ella left, and another one came in. But this place has missed you."

It was a surreal feeling, like I had come full circle. I didn't need the job back, but knowing I hadn't left a permanent hole in the place I once loved felt like closure. The Cafes warm welcome home reassured me that it was okay to move forward.

Back at home, Kyra and I settled into a comfortable routine. The mornings were our favourite time. We'd wake up early, often before dawn, and take a walk around the quiet streets of St Albans. 

We talked about everything and nothing, savouring the tranquillity before the world woke up. The air was crisp, and each breath felt like a promise of new beginnings.

Kyra was my anchor, and every moment with her felt like a dream. One morning, as we sat on a bench in the park, she turned to me, her eyes reflecting the golden light of the sunrise.

"I never thought you'd be back here again" she said softly, her hand finding mine.

"Me too," My heart sank but I replied, squeezing her hand. "Thank you for not giving up on me."

She smiled, leaning in to kiss me gently. "I never will."

The future was no longer a looming shadow of uncertainty. It was filled with plans and dreams and we were going to do it all together. 

Kyra had just a few days of time off, before she was back into her international camps, this time it wasn't just a few days she'd be gone for weeks for the Olympics. 

As the little days we had before she was gone went on, I found myself settling back into a life that felt right. It wasn't about reclaiming the past but about creating a new future with Kyra. 

This time was slightly different, my old flat was no longer mine and Kyra didn't even want me to try and get a new one so we were now living together 24 hours 7 days a week.