Bad Decisions

CHAPTER THREE

September 13th

"Brooke, over here!"

I turn around, breaking into a big smile when I spot my heading my way, a big weekend bag swung over her shoulder and her 15-month-old daughter held in her other arm. I struggle to contain my enthusiasm as I sprint their way, engulfing the two of them in a hug.

"I can't believe you were serious about coming over!" I exclaim happily, referring to the text she'd sent me the previous night, before peppering kisses over both her cheeks. I then take Rylee from her arm and continue kissing all over her face next. "You have no idea how much I missed you two." I balance my niece on my hip as we head out of the train station, figuring the bag Piper's carrying is heavy enough without sustaining the weight of her daughter on top of that.

"You of all people should know by now I always mean what I say," Piper replies, grinning mischievously as she links her free arm with mine. "It's so good to see you again. Mum and Dad have been driving me absolutely bonkers."

"I guess they can be a little overbearing sometimes." I agree, trying to keep a straight face when I see Piper glaring at me.

"Overbearing? If only they were just overbearing," she grumbles, her brows furrowed. "I'm fine with them criticising me and the choices I make, since they've been doing so since I was 16, but it really gets to me when they try to tell me to raise Rylee differently and whatnot. I'm her mother, so I know what's best for her. You feel me?"

"They're just looking out for you, Pipes. You're only 20, and you're working two jobs as well as raising a child. I'm pretty sure they mean well."

She rolls her eyes as we cross the road. "No, they think I'm incapable of raising my own daughter."

"Well, you're here with me now, so stop moping and try to enjoy it. You usually only see me during the holidays, after all,"

"I'm not the one who decided to move as far away as possible," she tuts, shaking her head. "It took me almost four hours to get here in the train. Can't say I blame you, though. I'd love to live 300 miles from Mum and Dad."

"I didn't move to London to get away from them," I reply, playfully nudging her elbow with mine. "You know I've never liked Newcastle."

"I've never liked Newcastle either. It's a shame I was still in school when you moved, or I'd have instated on coming with you,"

"You did insist on coming with me, as I recall," I tease her, looking for the keys to my apartment in the meantime.

"A lot of good that did, eh?" she says bitterly, pouting as she does so. "I'd have loved nothing more."

"Look at it this way: if you'd have moved to London with me, you'd never have conceived my wonderful, adorable, beautiful niece. I'd never have forgiven you for that," I joke, pushing open the door to my building.

"You know what they say, everything happens for a reason." Piper runs her hand through Rylee's hair as I press the lift button, the doors opening for us a few seconds later.

"Do you remember on which floor I live?"

Piper shrugs. "Nah, but I remember the gorgeous view it has on the park. You have no idea how lucky you are to have such an amazing flat."

I press the button for the third floor. "I do, Pipes. I'm very thankful I get to live in a place like this."

She lets out a sigh, readjusting her bag on her shoulder. "I wish I was as financially independent as you. If you want to pick up your bags and move somewhere, you have the power to do that. I know you've worked hard to get where you are, but sometimes I really envy you."