fallout - r.b.

ten

fixed - new hope club

The second we stepped inside I felt the warm air engulf me. The house smelled deliciously of cooking, and I could hear chit-chat and laughter echoing from the other room. It kind of felt like heaven.

Reece gave me a smile as he took off his jacket and hung it on the rack. I did the same before following him to the kitchen. I braced myself at the doorway as Reece walked in.

"Hi mum," he said, giving the blonde woman a quick hug.

"Reecey!" Lyndsey beamed. I grinned and took note of that nickname to mock him later. She looked over Reece's shoulder and spotted me in the doorway. "Oh, hello Ren!" She waved.

"Hi Lyndsey." I smiled, stepping further into the kitchen. She turned to look at Reece, giving him a confused look.

"Ren's gonna stay here tonight, if that's okay." Reece explained. I think she could tell from my face that something was wrong.

"Of course, darling. You're welcome anytime." Lyndsey smiled and pulled me in for a hug. I hadn't realised just how badly I needed one.

I waved at Jamie who was sitting at the table, and Reece went over to greet him.

"Hiya, Ren. Alright?" Jamie returned the wave and smiled. I nodded in response. A couple glasses of wine were on the table, and the radio was on low.

"You're just in time," Lyndsey remarked. "I've just finished the bolognese, and there's plenty of extra since Shayla is out." I smiled at the thought of a proper meal.

"Can I help you with anything?" I asked as Lyndsey scrambled around the kitchen.

"No, no, dear. You have a seat." She grinned, and I sat down at the table next to Reece.

"Anything to drink, you two?" Jamie asked us. "Wine? Beer?"

"Not on a school night, Jame!" Lyndsey interrupted.

"Water, juice?" He corrected, chuckling along with Reece and I.

"Water's fine, thank you." I smiled.

"I'll get some." Reece stood and walked to the cabinets. He filled two glasses with water and placed one in front of me.

I thanked him and started to take a sip when he winked at me. I tried my best not to choke.

***

Dinner consisted of a delicious meal and pleasant small talk. I was relieved Reece's parents hadn't asked questions; I'm sure they were curious why I was there, but they seemed to understand that something was up and Reece was helping me out.  

I offered to help Lyndsey with the washing up, but she refused again. I thanked her for the meal and for letting me stay over, and then Reece led me out of the kitchen and into the music room. We sat opposite each other on the floor, and he pulled a guitar into his lap.

He fiddled around with it, strumming some random chords and riffs.

"The boys and I have been working on a new song." He looked up at me, smiling. "Wanna hear?"

"Of course." I nodded enthusiastically. I watched as Reece started to play, glancing at me occasionally.

I'll be here if you ever come calling,

By the ocean, I'm a ghost of everything,

Everything that we ever did, ever did.