Way Back Home

Chapter 1

Looking out my window, the night is so quiet that I might have enjoyed it if not for the haunting news I received five hours ago. For the past eight years, I've spent every waking moment running from this nightmare. But now, deep down, I know what I need to do to finally end it. I've accepted that this is the only way.

I take a long drag from my cigarette-my tenth of the day-uncaring about how it might kill me. Let's be honest: asthma is probably the least likely thing to end my life at this point.

After what feels like hours of debating, I pull the burner phone from my pocket, dreading the call I'm about to make. My last lifeline. It hits me then-I have nowhere else to run. No other options. The realization is a bitter one: I have nothing left to lose except my life.

A few minutes of battling my inner turmoil pass before I finally dial the number. The only person who's stayed constant since I escaped my past. Disappointment grips my heart because I know he won't want to hear what I'm about to say. His long-lost baby sister, who's lived like a ghost for eight years, is calling again-this time with news that could destroy him.

Two rings. Not a surprise. He always answers quickly. "Tori?" Devin whispers.

It's 12:37 a.m. He's probably still awake, working. He wasn't expecting this, and I'm sure as hell he won't be expecting what I'm about to tell him. The news will not only break him but devastate our other brothers, too. Just another problem from their selfish, destructive little sister.

"Hey, it's me," I responded, my voice a bit hoarse.

"What's wrong, babe?" No hesitation. He knows I only call when I need to disappear again.

"It's time, Dev. I'm coming home," I rasp, my throat raw from too many cigarettes over the years. "No more running. I'm coming back."

The line goes silent. For a second, I think he's dropped the call. Then, a sharp breath. "For good?" he asks, his voice hopeful. Hopeful that his baby sister is finally ready to live again. Hopeful for a future where I'm with my brothers, my best friend... him. A new beginning I know I can't give them.

I brace myself for the inevitable heartbreak. "No, Dev. I'm tired of running. He's found me. I'm ending this now because I can't keep hurting you."

"What do you mean, Tori?" His voice sharpens. "If he's found you, we can move you again. Another city, hell, another country. Not until I get to him first and kill the bastard for you!"

He's shouting now, no longer discreet. He doesn't care if our brothers find out I'm still in contact with him, that he's been helping me stay alive all this time. Barely alive, but alive.

A sob catches in my throat. I know how torn up Devin must be right now. After all these years, I'm giving up. I have a few months left, maybe, to spend with them. I don't care if they hate me, as long as I see them one last time.

I take a deep breath. "No, Dev, it's okay. Everything's okay. Just be a good brother and get me a flight out there tomorrow."

Another long pause. His voice is heavy with defeat and concern when he finally responds. "Are you sure about this? I can send you somewhere safe, anywhere. We'll figure something out like we always do."

I wipe away the tear that slips down my cheek. "I'm sure, Dev. I can't keep dragging this out. Not anymore. You and the guys deserve peace. I need to do this-for me, for all of us."

Silence hangs between us. I can almost hear him processing what I've said, trying to accept the inevitable. When he speaks again, his voice is quieter. "Okay, Tori. I'll book the flight. But promise me you'll stay safe until then. No reckless moves. Just get here, and we'll figure the rest out together."

A bitter smile forms on my lips. Together. Such a simple word, yet it carries so much weight. He doesn't understand-none of them do. But they will soon enough.

"I'll be there, Dev. First thing tomorrow." I hesitate, knowing this might be the last time we talk without finality hanging over us. "And Dev... I'm sorry. For everything."

"I know, Tori," he whispers, his voice breaking just a little. "I know."

The line goes dead, and I stare at the phone for a few moments, letting the silence settle over me like a heavy blanket. The weight on my chest feels unbearable, but somehow lighter too.

I flick the cigarette into the ashtray, watching the last ember fade into nothing. Tomorrow, everything will change. One way or another, I'm coming home.

But not everyone will be leaving that reunion alive.