If Only She Knew REVISITED

Chapter 19

   I understand why Nolan is trying to force me and Val to spend some quality together, to keep the peace.

Now with college on break for the winter I guess we all have no choice then to play happy dysfunctional household for the next few weeks at least until it's safe again.

With that man still out there I don't think Nolan wants me leaving the house on my own, and I don't think I want another Nolan Lecture. I don't think going shopping for another book when I have hundreds already is good excuse.

We are all still amongst the table devouring our breakfast made specially by Amelia, but then my thoughts come to a sudden halt as my eyes gaze over to the window too see a woman walking up to my doorstep.

I don't get a good glimpse of her face, I stand and all eyes turn on me.

"Did anyone else see that?" I speak as Nolan looks up while he is in the middle of chewing his pancakes.

"No, I didn't see anything..." He answers me with his mouth full. Just after his words a soft knock appears from the door.

"Oh no..." I whisper under my breath.

"Guess you were right. I can get it if you want?" Nolan utters towards me as he throws his napkin on the table.

"What? No, it's fine, I'll get it." Taking a deep breath, I swing the door open, and what appears is the best sight of my life.

"Oh my god!?" I scream at the top of my lungs; this alerts everyone who was sat at the breakfast table as they all come rushing over in my defence, except from Val.

"What Ava, what is it?" Nolan pants as he reaches my side, Amelia follows shortly behind. Then he looks towards the door and notices a dusty brown haired woman standing on the other side.

Her hair is shoulder length and straight. Her eyes are a perfect match to her hair, but more hazel coloured. In one hand she is occupying handbag and in the other she is holding a little suitcase which has a tag hanging below.

Still stood in shock, my face beams with happiness as I can't express my emotions quick enough.

"Nolan, this is Stephanie. Stephanie, this is Nolan and his sister Amelia." My voice arises from silence.

"Oh, is this the Stephanie..." Nolan opens his arms to invite her in for a hug as she leans towards him with a massive grin spread across her face.

"What have you made me out to be Ava!?" Steph leans in to Nolans embrace as she directs her question towards me.

"Nothing that bad, don't worry." Chuckling to myself I squeeze in after Nolan as we enter each other's arms.

"What the hell are you doing here?" I ask her still overcome with my emotions.

"Well, since we are on break for winter, I thought you would have a little free time on your hands so I booked the next flight out here to spend some time with you. Surprise! If you don't mind, that is." She ends her words with worry as I pull her in tightly once again.

"Of course I don't mind Steph, I'm so happy you're here. You don't understand how much I have missed you." Softening my words I close my eyes and enjoy the moment.

"I'm so happy to finally meet you. Ava has told me so much about you." Nolan raises his hand to his heart as he expresses his fondness.

"Well all good things I hope." Steph laughs to herself from Nolan's words.

"Amazing things. Don't worry." Nolan utters wide grinned.

"I'm Amelia. It's so nice to meet you." Amelia reaches her arms out for Steph as they both meet in the middle.

"She's a hugger." I mouth to Steph as she laughs to herself. As they separate, Nolan wraps his arm around my shoulder which sends instant butterflies to my stomach.

Noticing Stephanie's glances, I look down and smirk to myself, I think she knows who the guy is now.

"It's nice to meet you to Amelia..." Stephanie expresses.

"Come in." Amelia grabs her bags and leads her inside as we all see Val finishing the last of her drink.

"Oh, almost forgot, this is Valerie, a friend from college, she has to stay with us for a few days." My words turn bitter as I introduce her.

"Hello. Also I wouldn't say friend. I'm not a friend." Val rudely utters as she takes her final sip.

"Hey..." She waves slowly in her direction.

Placing my hand on Stephs side, I signal her to move over to the kitchen as the others follow behind us.

"So, how long are you in town for?" Amelia asks, leaning herself against the counter top as Steph rests her bag upon the floor.

"No more than just a couple of days, that was the only return flight that was available but you know if it wasn't I would have been here for way longer." Saddening my eyes I lean my head upon her shoulder.

"It's okay. I'm just happy you're here Steph." I stroke her back and smile to myself.

"Well if we only have you for a couple of days we have to do something, all of us?" Stephanie has a cheeky grin on her face as she broadcasts her idea.

"That would be an amazing idea." Lifting my arms in the air in celebration as the joy overtakes me.

"All of us..." Amelia's voice grows loud as she looks over to Val who is still sat in the same place as before only this time she is rolling her eyes.