The Threads That Bind Us

Chapter 32

Fidelity felt a pang of guilt for keeping Noah a secret from her parents and siblings for so long. While she had never really discussed boys or romance with her parents, she had shared these topics with her siblings-especially her sisters-which made it all the more surprising that she hadn't confided in them about Noah.

Sitting down to write letters to her parents and each of her siblings, she felt the weight of responsibility as she caught them up on her relationship. She also needed to arrange for her siblings to visit during the holidays so they could all meet Noah.

On the first day of the holidays, Fidelity had asked her parents not to meet her at King's Cross. Instead, once she arrived at the platform, she apparated just outside her house. As she approached the front door, a flutter of nerves gripped her. She couldn't shake the worry about how her family would react.

Steeling herself, Fidelity opened the door and walked inside, greeted by the familiar warmth of her family home. The cozy aroma of baked goods wafted through the air, a welcome reminder of her mother's love.

"Mum? Dad? I'm home!" Fidelity called out, her voice echoing through the familiar hallways.

Vanessa emerged from the kitchen, followed closely by Hank.

"There you are, sweetheart! We've been waiting for you," her mum said, her expression brightening at the sight of her daughter.

They both took a turn enveloping their youngest daughter in a warm hug, a comforting reminder of home.

"I think we need to talk. Let's sit down," Hank said, his tone serious as he gestured toward the living room.

"Not before I get to see my little sister!" Carter chimed in, bounding down the stairs. He pulled Fidelity into a side hug, planting a playful kiss on her head. "So, who's this boyfriend I've heard so much about?"

"I already told you in my letter. And you'll meet him soon. But I suppose it's time to finally talk about it."

Vanessa settled into the armchair while Hank took his usual spot on the sofa, arms crossed but eyes soft with concern. Carter leaned against the doorway, arms folded casually, clearly enjoying the moment.

Fidelity sat down opposite her parents, her nerves bubbling beneath the surface. "So," she began, glancing between them, "I know the letter was kind of a lot to take in all at once."

Her mum, always the first to speak, let out a sigh. "It's not that you have a boyfriend, Fidi. It's that you didn't tell us sooner." Her voice held a touch of hurt, but not anger. "We just wish you'd trusted us to talk about it earlier."

"I didn't mean to hide it," Fidelity said quickly, her hands fiddling with the edge of her sleeve. "It just... happened fast. And with everything going on at school, I guess I didn't know how to bring it up."

Hank, his protective nature evident in his furrowed brow, finally spoke up. "What's this boy like? And why do we only get a week's notice before we're meeting him?" His tone wasn't harsh, but there was a skeptical edge to it.

"He's... great," Fidelity replied, her voice softening as she thought about Noah. "He's kind, and thoughtful, and he's been going through a lot. I wanted you all to meet him because he's important to me."

"Important, huh?" Carter teased, waggling his eyebrows as he pushed himself off the doorway. "Sounds serious."

Fidelity shot him a playful glare but then turned her attention back to her parents. "I'm sorry I didn't say anything sooner. But he's really special, and I just wanted you all to get to know him so I wanted to bring him home."

Vanessa's gaze softened even more as she leaned forward. "Sweetheart, we're not upset that you have someone special. It's just that you always shared things like this with your sisters, with us. It feels like you kept this part of your life hidden. But I'm sure he's lovely, and I look forward to meeting him."

Hank, however, wasn't quite ready to let his protective side go. "He's a year younger, right?" he asked, his eyes narrowing just slightly.

"Yes, but it doesn't make a difference. He's mature for his age," Fidelity replied quickly, sensing her dad's worry.

"And he's treating you right?" Hank pressed, his tone more fatherly than skeptical now.

Fidelity smiled gently. "He is, Dad. He really is."

Carter, never one to pass up an opportunity, leaned in and added, "You better hope he's ready for the grilling of a lifetime when he shows up here. I've got questions prepared."

"Carter!" Fidelity groaned, rolling her eyes.

Vanessa chuckled softly, and even Hank's serious expression lightened. "Alright, alright. We'll save the interrogation for later," Hank said, glancing at Carter with a smile. "But we'll be watching closely."

Fidelity let out a breath she hadn't realized she was holding, relieved that the initial hurdle was behind her. "Thank you. I promise you'll like him."

Vanessa stood up, smoothing her hands down her apron. "Well, let's not dwell on this all day. I've got some things in the kitchen. Carter, why don't you help me bring out the tea?"

Carter groaned but followed her into the kitchen, leaving Fidelity alone with her father. Hank watched her closely for a moment before speaking again, his voice softer now. "I trust your judgment, Fidi. But you know I'm just trying to protect you, right?"

"I know, Dad," she said, standing up and crossing the room to give him a hug. "And I appreciate it."

He hugged her tightly, then pulled back with a grin. "Alright, let's go see what your mum's made. But remember-if this Noah kid steps out of line, you let me know."

Fidelity laughed. "I'll keep that in mind."

As they made their way to the kitchen, Fidelity felt a sense of relief wash over her. The hard part was done. Now, all that remained was to see how her family would react when Noah finally arrived.

*****

Fidelity had always been close with her dad. Not that she and her mum weren't, but she and Hank simply shared more in common and had always gotten along exceptionally well. There was a bond between them that felt effortless, grounded in mutual understanding.

Hank's father had passed away several years before Fidelity was born, and the loss had been a heavy one for him. He had been close with his dad, much in the same way he now was with Fidelity. Sometimes, the memories of his father felt distant, but other times, they were as fresh as if he'd just spoken to him yesterday.

Fidelity had never met her grandfather, but she loved hearing stories about him. She admired the man deeply, despite only knowing him through the memories her dad shared. There was a sense of connection that went beyond time, a bond she felt in her heart even though she had never had the chance to know him. Fidelity often wished they could have met, and Hank always reassured her that they would have gotten along famously.

Hank saw so much of his father in Fidelity. Her tenacity, her quiet strength-it was like watching pieces of his dad come to life in his daughter. He was certain his father would have loved her, and sometimes that thought gave him comfort. Even though he had lost his dad, he felt like a part of him still lived on in Fidelity. It was a small solace, but a powerful one, keeping his father's memory close even when life tried to pull them apart.

Hank often wondered how different things might have been if his dad were still around. Maybe the family wouldn't have drifted apart; he didn't think his dad would have allowed that to happen. He stayed close with one of his brothers, and he still saw his mum occasionally, but the absence of his dad left an undeniable void. Even as an adult, he missed him-missed his guidance, his friendship, and the simple comfort of knowing he was there.

For Fidelity, there was an odd ache that came with missing someone she had never met. She thought about her grandfather often, wondering what he was like beyond the stories, what their relationship would have been like. Would they have been friends? What kind of advice would he have given her? She liked to think that, somehow, he was still watching over her, and over her dad too. That he loved them both and was proud of the lives they were leading. And though they'd never met, she held onto the hope that one day, in another time and place, they would reunite like old friends.