As we stepped out of the café, a mix of nervousness and hope washed over me. The streets were bustling with people, but I felt as though we were in our own little bubble, separate from the world around us. Noah spoke quietly, trying to lighten the atmosphere as we moved through the crowd.
“How do you feel?” he asked finally as we waited at a crosswalk. I shrugged, trying to sort through my thoughts.
“It’s… strange,” I admitted. “I thought it would be easier, but I have so many questions. And all these feelings. I don’t want them to overwhelm me.”
Noah nodded in understanding. “It’s okay to feel that way. You’ve been through a lot, Estella. But remember, you’re not alone. I’m here for you, no matter what happens.”
His words gave me some of the courage I needed. I wanted to seize the opportunity to rebuild my relationship with my brothers, even if I didn’t know exactly how to go about it.
“I didn’t expect it to be simple,” I said, looking up at him. “But I hope it will feel easier over time.”
As we reached our apartment, I took a moment to gather my thoughts before unlocking the door. When I stepped inside, the sound of soft cooing and gentle laughter filled the air. My heart warmed at the sight of Austin and Kennedy, who were keeping an eye on Eden.
Eden lay in her playpen, her tiny hands reaching out as she watched her caregivers with wide, curious eyes.
Austin was kneeling beside her, making silly faces that made her giggle, while Kennedy was nearby, changing her diaper with practiced ease.
“Hey, look who’s back!” Austin called, glancing up at me with a smile. “You missed all the fun!”
“Eden was just about to teach us how to crawl,” Kennedy added, chuckling as she finished up with the diaper.
I couldn’t help but smile as I walked over to them, feeling a wave of warmth wash over me. “How did it go while we where gone?” I asked, reaching down to gently stroke Eden’s soft cheek.
“Pretty quiet,” Austin replied. “Just a little playtime, some snacks, and a lot of cuteness.”
“Speaking of which,” Kennedy said, “you should see the new faces she makes. She’s a natural entertainer.”
As I watched Eden’s little expressions, my heart swelled with love. She was a light in the midst of my uncertainty, a reminder of what truly mattered. I felt a sense of grounding, a balance between my past and my present.
Eden’s laughter filled the room again. I watched her coo and reach for the rattle Austin was shaking, her little face lighting up with delight.
“So, how did the meeting go?” Austin asked, looking up from his spot on the floor where he was playing with Eden. His tone was curious but gentle, as if he knew it might have been a lot for me to handle.
I took a deep breath, glancing over at Noah, who stood nearby, leaning against the kitchen counter with an encouraging smile. “It was intense,” I said finally, trying to gather my thoughts. “I met with Orion and Felis. They were both really nervous, and honestly, I was too.”
Kennedy, who was folding a soft blanket, paused and looked up at me, her expression full of empathy. “What did they say?”
I hesitated for a moment, remembering the mix of emotions that had washed over me during our conversation. “They apologized for leaving, and they seemed genuine about wanting to reconnect. But it’s hard to know how to move forward when there’s so much history between us.”
Austin nodded, his brow furrowed in thought. “I can imagine. It must be tough to navigate those feelings after everything that happened.”
“Yeah,” I continued, my voice a little shaky. “Part of me wants to forgive them and try to build something new, but I’m also terrified of getting hurt again. I just don’t know how to trust them after all this time.”
Noah stepped closer, placing a reassuring hand on my shoulder. “It’s perfectly okay to feel that way, Ella. You have every right to take your time with this.”
Kennedy chimed in, “It’s important to set boundaries. They need to understand that it’s a process for you.”
“Exactly,” I said, grateful for their support. “I want to understand why they left and why they thought I’d be better off without them. It’s hard to reconcile that with the people I saw today. They felt like strangers.”
Austin looked thoughtful for a moment. “Have they given you any indication of what they were going through back then?”
I shook my head. “Not really. Felis mentioned that they were young and didn’t know how to handle everything that was happening in their lives and with our mother. But it still doesn’t fully explain their choices.”
“Maybe you can ask them next time” Kennedy suggested gently. “Understanding their perspective could help you process your feelings.”
“I know” I replied, feeling a bit lighter with the idea. “I just hope that when I do, it doesn’t turn into more hurt.”
Eden reached for Austin’s rattle again, and he held it just out of reach, teasing her playfully. “You’re going to be just fine, Estella. Just take it one step at a time. You’ve already made the first move by being open to the idea of rebuilding your relationship with them.”
I nodded, feeling a flicker of hope. “Thanks. I really appreciate you guys asking and being here for me. It means a lot.”
Eden let out a delighted squeal, and I felt a rush of love for her. She was a bright spot in my life, a reminder of the joy I still had amidst the uncertainty. With Noah by my side, and with Austin and Kennedy offering their unwavering support, I felt ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead, one day at a time.
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A heartfelt thank you to everyone who reads this story and supports it with a vote. Your encouragement means alot to me! ˚ ༘♡ ⋆｡˚
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Teen FictionEstella's world shattered when she was six years old, after her father died in a car accident. Her mother turned into an alcoholic, and her brothers abandoned her one by one, leaving her completely alone. Now, 12 years later, her brothers are back a...
