Smile Like You Mean It (One)

Chapter Twenty One

"Bryony?" His mother called to her, as Bryony turned to face them both, stepping closer.

"Hello, Mrs Vulcano." She greeted shyly, her eyes avoiding his mother's stare at all costs.

"How are you?"

"Oh, you know...good thanks. How are things with you and the family?" Bryony responded, walking around the back of the sofa to take a seat, as Sal held a hand out to her, gesturing for the girl to sit with him on his lap. Bryony glanced down at his hand, before blanking him, and sat down next to his mother. The woman looked between the two teens, cautious, soon turning her attention back to Bryony's question.

"The house is quiet without Sal there." She admitted, as a slight chuckle escaped the boy.

"I wasn't that bad, Ma." He interjected, as his mother looked at him, a small smile playing on her lips.

"I know, Sweetie." She smiled, the grin soon fading, as a sigh slipped passed her lips. "I would rather you be back home, with your music blasting, rather than here."

Sal looked at his mother sincerely, seeing the glint in her eyes from the tears, as he nodded his head slowly, looking around the room to distract himself. Bryony remained quiet, the uncomfortable feeling rising within her. She was still fragile from their argument the other night, wanting to remain as far away from Sal as she could, due to the fear that she'd once again say something that she'd later regret.

"Well," His mother announced, standing from the sofa, and looking between the couple. "I'd better get back, otherwise your father will be wondering where I am."

She stepped over to the door, as Sal followed after her, opening the front door for his mother, as she walked out into the corridor. She turned back to him, as a weak smile played on his lips. She hesitated slightly, before pulling him into a short hug, her hand patting supportively at his back. "I'll see you soon, Sweetheart."

"Bye, Ma." Sal waved her off, waiting for her to reach the elevator, before he closed the door, letting the awkward silence fill the room. He checked that the door was locked up again, as he spun around to find Bryony standing to her feet, and making her way into the kitchen.

He reached down, pulling the blanket and pillow up from the ground, as he folded them neatly, and placed them onto the sofa. Sal looked across the room, watching over Bryony, as she made herself some breakfast. Deep down inside, Sal regretted the words he had spat a few days prior. He never wanted to witness the hurt across her face again, especially if he were the one to cause it.

Sal strolled over to the counter, looking through the mail that sat on the countertop, as he came across one addressed to Bryony. He dropped the letter onto the counter, clearing his throat, as Bryony glanced at him.

"Some mail for you." He stated, as she took the letter in her hand, and placed it onto the tray. Without a word passing her lips, Bryony took her food, and made her way into the bedroom, leaving the door open, as Sal sighed to himself.

He walked over to the doorway to their room, leaning against the doorframe, as he watched over the girl. She ripped open the mail, pulling out a letter, as she read through the contents typed out onto the page. "Look, I'm sorry about the other night, okay?"

Bryony slowly lowered the letter, shifting on the bed to face him, as Sal smiled weakly at her, gaining nothing but an expressionless look from her. A sigh escaped Bryony, as she patted the spot on the bed next to her, gesturing for Sal to sit next to her. He stepped into the room, taking a seat beside Bryony, as his eyes watched over her hands in her lap.

"I love you, you know." He announced sheepishly, feeling the heat rise to his cheeks.

Sal's heart lifted in his chest, as Bryony reached for his hand, looking at the boy properly for the first time in three days. He could see the small smile tugging at the corners of her lips, as she swallowed hard, taking a deep breath.

"I know you do...and I do too." She whispered, her voice small and mouse-like. "I'm sorry too."

"So...am I welcome back in here tonight?" He asked, trying to lighten the mood and avoid an uncomfortable silence, as Bryony let a light laugh pass her lips.

"I'd love it if you'd join me...I missed your cuddles." She smiled, brushing a single strand of hair behind her ear that had fallen in front of her face.

Sal leant in, letting his lips caress against hers softly. His hand moved to her cheek, as he cupped her face, pulling the girl into him. Her lips parted, allowing him access, as Sal deepened the kiss. Bryony could feel his smile print against her lips, before he reluctantly broke away for air. He peered towards the head of the bed, moving to remove everything in their way, as he brought his arm to cling around her waist, pushing her to the bed. Her head rested atop of the pillows, as Sal held himself above her, letting his forehead rest against hers. A smile played on his lips, as he brought his lips to meet with Bryony's, kissing her gently, as his hands explored her body.

"I-I've mi-" He went to speak, before Bryony placed her finger to his lips, shushing him softly.

"Shh," She smirked. "Let's just enjoy this moment."

Their eyes met, grey melding with green, as Sal nodded his head, bringing his body down to press against hers. He let them both get lost in the moment, throwing all of the sadness and upset behind them, and moving on from the past.

**

Sal rested back against the mattress, with his arm wrapped around her shoulders, as Bryony cuddled into his side, the pair of them attempting to catch their breath. He looked at her, his eyes meeting her stare, as they both let out a small laugh.

"You...are...incredible." He smiled, poking his forefinger against the tip of her nose with each word he spoke, causing the girl to giggle. Sal leant down, pressing a sensual kiss to her neck, before his eyes fell onto the letter that had been thrown to the floor. He sat up, his eyebrows furrowing, as he cleared his throat. "What did the letter say?"

"Oh that..." Bryony rolled over, retrieving the paper in her hand, as she handed it to Sal for him to read through. "It's just a note from the hospital to say about my next scan."

"I'll make sure that I'm not working so I can come with you...I promise."

"We get to find out the gender this time." Bryony smiled, as Sal looked up at her; his eyes wide with excitement and curiosity.

"Really?" He asked, as Bryony nodded her head.

"What are you hoping for?" She questioned, feeling Sal coil his arms back around her body, as he pulled her into his chest, pressing a kiss to her shoulder.

"Hmm," He hummed, "I don't mind what we have...as long as they don't get my ears."

Bryony rolled over to face him, as Sal chuckled, her eyebrows arching at the boy.

"What's wrong with your ears? I love your ears."

"You do?" He asked, as Bryony nodded her head sincerely.

"Of course I do, I love everything about you, Sal." He brushed his lips against hers quickly, a bright smile playing on his lips.

"You're cute."

"Yeah well, you're adorable." Bryony chimed, as Sal pulled her closer.

"Okay, okay...let's not start another argument." He laughed, placing a kiss to her forehead, as they settled down further into the bed.

Bryony felt Sal move his hand to rest atop of her small baby bump, making her heart flutter in her chest. She knew that he was still nervous about what was to come in their future, but deep down, Bryony wanted to believe that he wouldn't be scared off by anything, and abandon her.

It was her biggest fear.