Summer Nights (RE-WRITTEN)

15

A:N This story includes themes of mental health and eating disorders, please only read if you feel ready too, you are beautiful always x

I laugh slightly as Sammy continues to aggressively rant about the last film we watch on the plane as we make our way towards the arrivals section. I feel an surge of overwhelming relief when I see Brooke, Lucas and Autumn standing there with a sign saying my name.

A harsh sob leaves my lips as I race towards them, nearly tripping over my feet. I enrapture Brooke into a tight bear hug.

"Oh sweetheart, are you okay?"

I nod as I bury my head into the crook of her neck, "I am now."

Lucas blinks in surprise at the mousy haired boy standing next to me, "Sammy?"

He grins brightly as he tackles him into a hug, "I know you were expecting Scar, but you ended up getting something even better!"

Despite my pure glee at all of my favourite people being together again, I can't help but feel saddened that my dad has turned up. He hasn't come to greet me after not seeing me for three months.

Autumn gives me a smile before hugging me, "Please don't make this a big deal."

I quickly pass my camera to Sammy, "She actually hugged me first, capture it!"

I laugh happily when I see a flash from the corner of eyes, Lucas rolls his eyes before gently pushing his girlfriend away and wrapping me up in a hug of his own.

"How's my favourite little sister?"

I roll my eyes, "I'm your own sister."

"And somehow you're still the favourite, you should be proud of yourself."

"She's good." I answer as I feel him ruffle the top of my head.

"And how's my future niece of nephew?"

I feel warmth pass through me as he address something I was terrified everyone would avoid.

"They're good. They'd be even better if their uncle was a chivalrous gentleman and took their mom's suitcase."

"This baby is making me work already."

Brooke wraps an arm around my shoulders as she gently guides me out of the airport, "I'm so glad you're home, I know I shouldn't say that but I've been besides myself with worry."

"I'm glad, I'm home too. How's dad?"

She sighs, "He's getting there. He just needs sometime babe, but you've got my full support always."

"Rocky actually told me that he has his own apartment here, he gave me the keys before he left. I'm not moving in yet but I just thought I'd let you know."

Brooke's face falls, "Is this because of your father?"

I shake my head after wincing, "Not exactly, I mean slightly. I don't want to make him feel anymore stressed but I know the baby and I will need our own space. "

"How is Rocky?"

"He's good, well as good as he can be considering the circumstances. He's really been looking after me."

She squeezes my shoulders, "I didn't have a doubt that he would. I got a letter in the mail, saying that I'm invited to his medal ceremony. I cried with pride when I read it."

I laugh, "I cried with pride when he told me."

"He's always been a part of this family, it's just official now. I hope he knows that."

"He does. He was singing your praises in Paris, he really loves you."

"And I love him. I just wish I could have done more when he was a child."

I want to ask more but Lucas harshly cuts us off.

"Jesus Christ Scar, what the fuck did you pack in this thing?"

Autumn snorts besides him, "Your entire job revolves around strength and you're complaining about a suitcase."

"I think she's got dumbbells or something in this."

Sammy sighs happily as he twirls around, "It feels good to be home. I've had rashes in places that I didn't know existed."

Brooke pats his back softly, "Oh Samuel, I've missed your strange comments."

He squeezes her hand, "I know you did Brooke, I can see it on your face."

...

I sigh loudly as I collapse onto my own bed, my dad was working so I haven't seen him yet much to my relief. It wasn't that I hadn't missed my dad because I have, I've missed him like crazy but I just couldn't handle the fact that he was deeply disappointed in me.

I frown slightly as I turn to the photograph on my bedside table, it was a picture of a baby version of me, my mom was cradling me close to her chest.

I wonder if my mom would be disappointed in me?

She probably mapped out my entire future when I was born and I'm going to guess that this wasn't the future she envisioned for me.

My heart aches even further when I think about how this is just another chapter that she's never going to be a part of. Another milestone that she won't be there to see.

I didn't even get the chance to know her.

I'd give absolutely anything to just have one conversation with her, to see if she could offer any motherly advice.

Even the opportunity for her to glance my way just once would feel like a dream.

I turn my head when I hear a soft knock, my breath hitches when my dad awkwardly enters my room.

He lets out a sigh as he sits on the corner of my bed, "You looking at pictures of mom?"

I nod tearfully, "Yeah. Sometimes it seems silly missing someone I never even properly met."

"It isn't silly. You're just like her you know, every inch of you is completely your mom."

My heart lifts, "Really?"

"Really. When we first met she always had crazy hair colours too, she'd always be busy doing something creative and she was also very kind. And I know she'd be disappointed in how I've been acting lately."

My stomach churns, "Dad."

"No, she would be. I think I've just had a hard time accepting that you're growing up not that it's an excuse but it's been harder than I thought it would be."

"I'll still always be your little girl."

"I know, it's really hard though. And you'll understand this in eighteen years' time, it's hard to let go. But I know you'll handle it a lot better than I ever did."

I shrug, "I think you're handling it really well now."

He wraps his arms around my shoulders and presses a kiss to the top of my head, "I hope you know, I didn't mean any of what I said. You'll make a wonderful mother and any art school would be lucky to have you."

"Really, you mean that?"

"More then anything. I know I may not always react the best at first but I'm always going to have your back, Scar."

I raise an eyebrow, "And you're not going to try and kick Rocky's ass? Brooke told me what you said in the car."

He laughs as he shakes his head, "No, I'm not. I never was, I wouldn't stand a chance I've been to that boy's boxing matches."

"He's going to make a really good dad you know."

"I know, he's looked after you and Luke since the moment you met. I just wish your circumstances were different and I only say that as someone who had to raise you on my own."

"I know but I'm not alone. Rocky will step up when he can, I've got you, Brooke, Luke and Sammy."

"I know." He hums, "You've got a pretty good tribe behind you."