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Chapter 9

The morning light filtered softly through the curtains, casting a warm, golden glow across the room.

I lay there for a moment, staring at the ceiling, trying to shake the weight of yesterday from my mind. But the memories felt as raw as ever the shock of seeing my brothers standing there, their faces full of emotions that had taken years to surface. It was like a scar I thought had healed, suddenly torn open.

Noah was already awake, moving quietly around the room, careful not to disturb me. He glanced over, meeting my gaze, and offered a small, reassuring smile.

I gave him a weak smile in return, feeling comforted by his steady presence but still unable to fully escape the turmoil of my thoughts.

Eventually, I got up and joined him in the kitchen, where Kennedy was feeding Eden and Noah and Austin where making breakfast.

Noah noticed me  and asked, “How are you feeling?”

I had to tell Austin and Kennedy. They had been out yesterday, blissfully unaware of the encounter that had left my world shaken.

"I don’t know" I said while sitting next to Kennedy.

Kennedy leaned forward, eyebrows raised. “What’s going on?”

I took a deep breath. “My brothers… they showed up yesterday.”

Her eyes widened. “Wait… your brothers ? They just… showed up?”

I nodded, feeling that familiar weight settle back over me. “Yeah. They came to the door, wanting to talk. They wanted to explain why they disappeared.” My hands trembled as I tried to hold myself steady. “Noah sent them away. He told them I wasn’t ready.”

Austin’s face turned serious, his voice soft but firm. “And are you ready, Ella? To even think about talking to them?”

I shook my head, and my mind reeled with memories and emotions. “I don’t know. Seeing them again brought everything back. The hurt, the loneliness. But… there’s this small part of me that wonders why. Why they left, why they thought it was okay to stay away all these years.”

Kennedy , squeezing my hand. “Ella, it’s okay not to know. You don’t owe them anything just because they decided to come back. This is your life they’re the ones who left.”

I let out a shaky breath, feeling a wave of gratitude. “Thank you"

Austin leaned forward, his eyes warm with empathy. “We’re here. Just remember, you’re not that girl they left behind. You’ve built a whole life without them.”

I nodded, his words settling like a balm over my heart. “For now, I think I just need time. Time to let the shock wear off, to figure out if I even want to hear their side of things.”

“And that’s perfectly fine,” Kennedy said with a smile as she pulled me into her arms. “Group hug!” Austin shouted, launching himself at us like a cannonball.

“Wait, what? No!” I protested, but it was too late. Noah followed right behind, and suddenly I was trapped in a hug sandwich, wondering if I needed to file a hug restraining order.

I squirmed, trying to escape. “I didn’t sign up for this! I’m more of a solo hugger!”

Kennedy giggled, clearly enjoying the chaos. “Don’t fight it! This is team bonding!

I also laughed and just exceptet my faith.