The things we never had

Chapter 20

As we pulled up to the cabin, the tension was still hanging between us like a heavy fog. Christian opened the door and, in his usual stoic way, said, "Come to the dining room so we can sort things out."

"Alright," I replied, not exactly enthusiastic but knowing I didn't have much choice.

Christian had been like a light switch—one moment apologetic and soft, the next cold and distant, as if he couldn't care less. It was hard to keep up with him, and I wasn't sure which version of him I'd get this time. I followed him back inside and sat down at the table. He, however, remained standing.

"The doctor cleared Sophia for all drugs," Christian announced to the room, speaking like it was just a routine update. "She just didn't sleep last night, that's all."

He sat down next to Alex, and they immediately started speaking in Italian, low and private. I didn't bother to ask what they were talking about—I knew by now they wouldn't tell me anyway.

Grey, seated across from me, looked puzzled. "I'm so confused, what happened?"

I half-laughed, more out of exhaustion than humor. "I didn't sleep at all last night, so my eyes were red, and Christian assumed I was high. He basically dragged me to the hospital, I got tested, it came out negative—obviously—and then we had a mini-argument. And now... here we are."

"Damn, Soph," Grey said, shaking his head. "Sometimes I really feel sorry for you."

I rolled my eyes, trying to lighten the mood. "You should always feel sorry for me at this point."

He gave me a sad smile, as if he agreed but didn't want to admit it.

Charlotte spoke up from the other end of the table, her voice bringing a new energy to the room. "Alright, we need to leave in half an hour. Can everyone have their bags in the van by 10:30, please?"

A chorus of "yes" followed, and I excused myself to head outside for some fresh air. I wandered back to the little garden spot I'd found the day before, taking a few photos with my phone. It was a beautiful place, peaceful and quiet—something I desperately needed after the chaotic morning.

After a few moments of calm, I decided to head back to the cabin. As I walked up the stairs, I spotted Charlotte. She waved me over with a huge smile, and I couldn't help but smile back.

"When we get back to the house, we'll have to leave for the spa straight away. I booked a full day," she said, her excitement clear in her voice.

"Okay," I replied, laughing a little. "I think it'll be nice after this morning."

She chuckled. "Men, am I right? They never think straight away."

We both laughed, and I said goodbye, heading up to my room to collect my things. As I packed, I couldn't help but think about how many times I'd packed and unpacked this week alone. It felt like I was constantly on the move, but not in the exciting, adventurous way I'd imagined. I didn't like it—feeling like I was drifting without a solid ground to stand on.

After double-checking that I had packed everything, I walked outside, dropped my bag into the van, and headed back inside. I found most of the group already gathered, setting up Monopoly around the table. It was hard to figure out what to call us—a mix of adults and minors, but I guess "group of kids" would have to work for now. Just as I was about to walk past them, Romeo called out, "Soph! Come on, we were just about to call you."

I smiled, grabbed the last game piece, and joined them at the table.

Christian, of course, had taken charge of the bank. It was a given that the oldest would manage the money, and we all agreed it would keep things from getting too chaotic. We decided to go clockwise, meaning I was right in the middle—not the worst spot, really.