We are not going back

BONUS CHAPTER

[I'm supposed to be studying for my most important maths test that determines whether or not I can go study law next year and sadly, rather unfortunately, I have the mathematical ability of a second grader therefore after taking a seven hour break- I deliver to you a bonus chapter which I will surely blame tomorrow when that test inevitably cooks me.

I also want to inform you that the two smut chapters are delayed due to me simply not liking it. Nonetheless, you will receive it in due time.]

The storm outside rattled the windows, each clap of thunder sending echoes through the house, and the fire crackled softly beside us, filling the room with a warm, gentle light. Kamala and I sat on the couch, wrapped in the quiet comfort of each other’s arms, both of us a little lost in the soft rhythm of the rain when, suddenly, two small figures appeared in the doorway. Cam and Elle, standing there in their matching coconut-print pajamas, clutching their blankets and teddy bears with wide, uncertain eyes.

“Mommy, Mama,” Cam whispered, his voice trembling slightly, “we’re scared.”

Elle, normally Cam’s fierce protector, looked a little scared herself, her big eyes darting to the shadows flickering on the walls. They shuffled toward us, and Kamala and I shared a look, understanding passing between us. We knew they’d be up at some point tonight.

“It’s just thunder, my little coconuts,” I said, smiling softly as I patted the spot between us. “Come here, it can’t touch you in here.”

Cam climbed up first, snuggling close to me, while Elle slipped in next to Kamala, her hand gripping her teddy tightly. As they nestled between us, Cam glanced up, still looking worried.

“It’s like an… Olivia storm,” he said quietly, his voice barely a whisper.

I froze for a moment, my heart tightening, but Kamala and I exchanged another glance, this time softer- one of mutual understanding. We had talked about how our pasts might resurface in strange ways, in the things our children would never quite understand.

“Oh, honey, it’s just a noisy storm,” Kamala murmured, smoothing back Cam’s hair. “Nothing more.”

Cam looked up at her, still uncertain, and held up his teddy bear. “But… even Elivio’s afraid.”

“Elivio?” I asked gently, my eyes softening as I looked at him. “What do you mean, sweetheart?”

Elle’s fingers tightened around her teddy bear, and she nodded solemnly, as if speaking for both of them. “Miss Lily said that sometimes people who are in heaven can come live on Earth. So we… we told Elivio he should live in our teddy bears. That way, if we’re scared, we can hug him.”

I felt my breath catch, an ache blooming in my chest as I reached out to tuck a stray curl behind Elle’s ear. Her young mind, so earnest, had found a way to keep Elivio close, to make sense of the world she barely understood.

“Oh, my coconuts,” I whispered, pulling them both close. “Elivio would love that. He’d be so proud to protect you both.”

Elle’s lip trembled a bit, her usual bravado fading as she hugged her teddy bear tighter. “I protect Cammie… but sometimes I’m scared too.”

“Sweetheart, that’s what makes you so brave,” Kamala said, gently taking Elle’s small hand in hers. “Even when you’re scared, you still look out for him. That’s something very special and I promise you that Cam will always protect you too."

"Promise, Cammie?"

"Prooomise."

The twins both snuggled in closer, the tension easing from their little shoulders as Kamala and I held them, the warmth of the fire washing over us all. After a few quiet moments, I decided to shift their thoughts to something lighter.