The Ocean's Secret

Chapter 3 - THE MOVE

The week after the disaster was fast as my mind being cloudy with thoughts about John's death. The strange figure never appeared again but strangely I felt someone's piercing eyes following me around.

"You should come home " a voice said as I broke out of my own universe.

Footsteps approached me from behind and the presence hovered behind me.There was a moment of silence as the person took a rather loud sigh before his voice spoke again.

"Sarah, you can't stay here "

"Li-Liam..."I tried to mutter but my top  lip bit hard against my bottom lip as I try to hold myself together.

"Sarah since the funeral you haven't left the house and look like a mess"

He continued with "I have not seen you like this than the time John abused you and you had to stay with me and Alex"

"We can help you until you get back on your feet, Please Sarah come live with me ."

"Liam my whole life is here" I said finally getting a few words out even if it was not clear at least Liam understood by responding with a sigh.

Liam and Alex had been dating for four years, they met right after me and John moved to Raven wood. He came out to us five years ago when mom and dad kicked him out of their house at the age of seventeen .

He had called me in the middle of the night crying that mom and dad had an argument on him being gay. My mom tried to defend my brother to some extent but dad was more of an influence to my mom which she later took his side.

Liam eventually found his family Alex and settled down with him in another country.

"Liam, I can't just become dependent on you"  I said before making a sigh at every thing that has happen since so found John.
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I sat on the couch, sipping my coffee, as Max paced around the living room playing with his toys.The silence of the empty house and the melody the ocean played together and creating a perfect tune for my mind to start overthinking on my future.

I moved to Raven's Wood to escape the stress and fast pace of the city life in Kiam City. I was looking for a fresh start and since John's family was from Raven's Wood , I thought it would perfect to stay in the small town.

I took a break from journalism to focus on my and settling into a new town.John's income allowed me to take a break from my career and focus on my other interests.

"I should move back but I don't want to be dependent on Liam" I said as I fought with my thoughts.

"You want to move Max " I said to Max who was now in front of me panting excited.
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"Come on, sis, it'll be fun! We can finally live together like we always wanted," he said, his eyes sparkling with excitement before he took my bags out of the car.

I raised an eyebrow. "I don't know, Liam. I don't want to cramp your style."

Liam stopped pacing and stood beside her. "Sarah, I'm gay. I'm not exactly 'styling' it up around here," he said with a chuckle. "Besides,  We want you to move in. I need you."

My expression softened. "You need me?" at the thought my brother wanted me to stay with him.

Liam nodded. "Yeah. I do. We can support each other, be there for each other. And besides, I have a big house. There's plenty of room."

Sarah thought for a moment, weighing her options. She could stay in her small old apartment, alone and isolated, or she could take a chance and move in with her brother.

"Okay," she said finally. "I'll do it."

Liam let out a whoop of excitement and hugged her tightly. "Yes! I'll show you to your new room."

As they hugged, Sarah felt a sense of belonging she hadn't felt in a long time. Maybe this was exactly what she needed – a fresh start, a new home, and her brother by her side.

Alex, Liam's partner, stood in the kitchen, sipping his coffee, as he watched Liam and I discuss about the details of the move. He had mixed feelings about the idea. On one hand, he loved Liam's close relationship with me and wanted to support it. On the other hand, he valued their quiet, predictable life together and worried about how my presence might disrupt it.

As Liam and I chatted, Alex couldn't help but think about the implications. Their home, once a peaceful sanctuary, would become a hub of activity. Moreover, Alex wasn't sure he was ready to share Liam's attention with me.

When Liam turned to him, seeking his opinion, Alex hesitated. He didn't want to be the one to discourage Liam, but he couldn't shake off his reservations. "I think it's great that you want to support Sarah, but have you considered how this might affect us?" Alex asked, trying to sound neutral.

Liam's face lit up with understanding. "Of course, I have. We'll make it work, Alex. We'll adjust our routines and make sure everyone has their space."

Alex nodded, feeling a bit reassured. He trusted Liam's judgment and knew that his partner would do everything to ensure their relationship remained strong. Still, he couldn't help but wonder what the future held.

As the conversation continued, Alex made a mental note to have an open and honest discussion with Liam about his concerns. He wanted to support me and Liam's bond, but he also needed to ensure that their relationship remained a priority.

In the end, Alex agreed to welcome me into their home, hoping that their love and commitment to each other would be enough to overcome any challenges that came their way.

"Come on Max" I said as I head upstairs to my new room. I smiled as I followed Max, The dog's wagging tail and enthusiastic barks made me feel whole and complete in contrast to the empty house in Raven's Wood.

"Your new space, sis! Make yourself at home."

I took the key and unlocked the door, revealing a cozy room with a comfortable-looking bed, a desk, and a large window overlooking the garden. Max darted in, exploring the room with excitement.

"Thanks, Liam. It's perfect," I said, feeling a sense of gratitude towards my brother.

As I began to unpack, Max settled down beside me , his eyes fixed on me as if ensuring I was comfortable. I laughed and scratched his ears, feeling a sense of belonging.

"This is going to be an adventure, isn't it, Max?" she whispered.

Max wagged his tail in agreement, and I smiled, knowing I had found a new friend and confidant in this new chapter of my life.