Brave (Sequel to Beside You)

Chapter Eight

Theo's POV
I arrived at Heathrow Airport in the early hours of the evening. I received a text from Doug a few hours ago explaining that they had landed at Singapore and their flight was due to arrive in London around 8pm. Dougie hadn't explained the reason why he was coming back early or the reason he was bringing Aria with him, but I would be happy to have the company. I was a bit confused as to why Ashton wasn't coming along too, but I guessed he had to work. Dougie had said that Aria had been acting weird and was struggling so the break might do her some good. I'm happy we're getting back to where we were before we fell out. I only wish it was under different circumstances. I knew Aria wanted a big family and what happened was the worst thing that could've happened.

8pm came around quickly and I was soon stood at the arrivals gate waiting for the announcement. A few minutes after I arrived at the gate I heard their flight had landed. I waited a little longer although not long at all when I spotted my twin siblings. I greeted them both with open arms. They both looked as if they hadn't slept the whole flight. We collected their luggage and I hailed for a taxi as soon as we got outside. Doug's house was about 40 minutes from the airport, 5 minutes into the journey both Aria and Doug were flat out. I woke them both up as we approached the house, and they groaned at the thought of having to move. Aria didn't seem too tired when she got out of the car, maybe she was just used to the lack of sleep by now. Doug on the other hand looked like a walking zombie. Once inside the rather large house I showed Aria to the room Doug had set up for her when he moved in.

I opened the door to Aria's room and her eyes shot open in shock. It was only a small room but Dougie had made sure it was the best for his twin sister. Inside there was a queen sized bed, he knew she was a bit of a restless sleeper. There was a small dressing table on which he had put a few photos one of which stood in the centre. It was a family picture containing me, Aria, Dougie, Christian, Theresa and Stephen.

This picture was the last one we all took together before he went to fight. She picked it up instantly and studied it. She turned to me.

'I can't believe he still has this?' She said slightly surprised.

'It's mine, I brought it over. I thought you might like it.' I explain.

'I love it. I'm surprised I haven't been cut out of it. I thought you hated me?' She asked, her eyes looking a bit watery.

'Aria, I could never hate you. You are my little sister; I love you no matter what. That fight we had all those years ago. It was stupid; I shouldn't have said what I did. I was upset and angry at the time because Terri had just died. Of course it wasn't your fault.' I explained, frustrated at myself.

'It was my fault though Theo. If I had just stayed in nursing and not taken the job in the recording studio, she would have never have had to pick me up. She wouldn't be dead.' She started to cry.

'If you hadn't have quit nursing and taken the job at the recording studio, then you wouldn't be where you are now and Theresa would never have forgiven you or me.

I mean look at you Aria, you are a completely different person. You are so much more confident in yourself and you have learnt to love you for you. I know Ashton has had a helping hand in that but you have had to do most of the hard work.' I explain softly.

'I've missed you' Aria whispers, as I pull her in for a hug.

'I've missed you too. This fight has been going on for too long. Will you forgive me?' I ask hopefully.
'Of course I forgive you' she cries, hugging me a little tighter.

When we finally release I point to an object the other end of the room that she hadn't yet noticed.

'I guess he saw it and thought of you. I have missed hearing you play.' I say, sad at the thought.

'I haven't played since..' she trailed off in a whisper.

'You still can't say her name, can you?' I ask, concerned.

'It just hurts too much Theo.' she whimpers.

'It will get better Aria. I promise it will. She'll be happy when you can move on. It'll take time but it will happen.' I smile weakly. She nods before thanking me and heading off to bed.