Finding 4

Chapter 47

Marley

The large white golden doodle sits in my lap as I lounge on the couch. Elijah recently gave her a name, and I knew there was no arguing with him when he chose Bear.

We've been living with the Kavanagh's for a week now, and it's been the most luxurious life I have ever lived.

The food is amazing, and the house is huge. Edel took me shopping and bought everything I picked up or tried on and liked. Aoife insisted that I come in to her salon so she can do my hair, and Shannon calls me every day to check in. The showers here are amazing, with the warmest water and best smelling soaps and lotions.

Edel and John are great, and I can see why the Lynch family adores them so much. John always takes the time to play rugby with Elijah, no matter how busy he is. He lets Brody watch football, even if he doesn't know what's going on, and even though he won't admit it, I think he's starting to enjoy the sport.

Edel treats me like I'm one of her own, and every morning I wake up here, I feel more and more normal.

The pain is slowly dissipating. The guilt is finally leaving. I can feel my old self coming back.

My scars on my wrists have faded into white lines, besides the ones from two weeks ago which are still scabbed up. I can easily cover them with the same old watch and bracelet stack that I wear, but it doesn't mean they aren't there.

At first I was kind of ashamed of them, but then Margo told me that it was just proof of how strong I am. Even though that's words that you'd mainly say to a toddler, it still made me feel better.

I hear Elijah squeal out a laugh somewhere in the house, and Bear perks up, her ears shooting up in alert.

I look back at the doorway of the living room, and when my boyfriend emerges with Elijah cradled in his arms, as he tickles him.

Elijah squirms and laughs loudly, and Callum walks closer to the couch before lowering Elijah down.

I smile as I watch them, and then Callum stands back up straight and lightly tosses a pillow at Elijah. "Punk."

"I'm not a punk." Elijah sits up, out of breath from laughing.

"Mhm." Callum just hums as he sits down next to me, his hand moving to pet Bear.

"Everyone is coming out today by the way." He says to me.

"Yeah, Edel said something about that." I lean my head back on the couch, still looking at him.

"Which means that they'll be off on the drink." He smirks and watches me. "So they won't know if I just sneak up to your room and happen to stay the night."

I laugh, leaning my head back. "You're all talk and no bite, buddy."

"Oh yeah?"

"Mhm."

"Elijah, get out."

I dramatically gasp and back hand him on the chest. He laughs, putting his hand on the spot where I hit him.

"That just means we will have to use one of your dad's condoms." I tease.

He groans "Why are you like this?"

I snicker "You started it."

"Well I'll have you know that I have my own condoms."

"What's a condom?" Elijah perks in, reminding us both that he's here and has ears.

We both pause, staring at each other for a second and then Callum starts laughing, rising to his feet. "I'll leave that up to you."

"You're an ass." I toss a pillow at him as he starts to walk out.