I've always loved you.

Chapter 5

I strolled over to the snack table which had various dips, crackers, cheese, chopped celery and carrots. I was in the mood for some junk so I sneaked into James’ kitchen where nobody was around. There was a packet of opened chips ready for me to eat. “I saw that!” A familiar voice said as I popped a chip in my mouth. “I got hungry, Jai.” I exclaimed. “That’s the girl I know.” Jai laughed as he hugged me from behind, kissing my neck. As I turned I stuffed a chip into his mouth. “Hey! I’m on a health kick Ree! You knew that!” I couldn’t help myself. I gave him a short yet passionate kiss to shut him up. “But hey, that shouldn’t matter tonight, right?” Jai said as he kissed me back.

We walked out of the kitchen to see Luke, James, Beau and Daniel pulling a prank on my nonna. “I guess I should join them.” Jai jogged off. My nonna was giggling and it was so good to see her happy again. Ever since the diagnosis I haven’t seen her so full of joy. Luke left the group to join me. “How’s it going?” “So well! Thank you, again.” “I don’t want to show you the next surprise because you won’t be able to stop saying thank you.” “What do you mean?” “Welcome back princess!” I heard a deep voice which seemed so homey. “Dad?!”

I couldn’t believe my eyes. “Dad, I’ve missed you so much.” I squeezed my dad as tears filled my eyes. He was stroking my hair which made me feel like a 5 year old again. “How was your long holiday?” “Far longer than it should have been, Dad.” Luke was carrying Jaida over to us. “Daddy!” Jaida ran into my dad’s arms. I’ve never been so grateful to be back. The happy tears in my little sister’s eyes affected me like you wouldn’t even begin to imagine.

Mum and dad split a year after Jaida was born and I must say it wasn’t easy for me. I’ve had to stay strong for her and still do. Every time I think about the divorce I want to break down and cry but that’ll only teach her weakness. “I’ve spoken to your mum and she said you can come and sleep at my house whenever you feel free to but you’ll be living with her.” “Sounds good!” I smiled as I hugged my dad and Jaida both at once. “Oi Luke!” “I know, ‘thank you’.” Luke said sounding jokingly fed up. “Oh, shut up you.”

“Come dance Ree!” Beau pulled me outside where loud music was playing. “I can’t dance!” “Just loosen up. It’s a piece of cake.” He was right. Once I started I couldn’t stop. “WOOOOO!” I heard Jai cheer me on as he joined me. An hour went by before I realised how dry the inside of my mouth was. Right now my life felt so good. My nonna’s better, I’m back in Melbourne, I get to see my friends and family again and I have the most amazing boy to call mine. I don’t think anything could make me happier right now.