Flipped (L.T.)

Chapter 40: Priorities

"Wait, you want to do what?" My mum asks incredulously.

"Mum, just hear me out." I plead. "Eliza would only be here for the rest of the semester, then she'll be leaving for London. She can bunk with the girls- or even take my room."

"I'll be happy to have 'er if you cant." My nan volunteers, offering her house. "Shes a lovely girl Johanna and I'd hate to see 'er stay in that house any longer." I'm glad shes here with me to bargain with my mother. My mums an amendable lady, who adores Eliza as well, but this is a little far-fetched, even for her.

"Lou.." She sighs, still stunned from my proposition. "We cant just move 'er into our home. She- she has family, we cant just up and decide to take her. Shes isn't some stray off the street Louis."

I see her point but she isn't seeing mine. I cant stress enough that Eliza needs to leave that house without disclosing too much her business. So far I've only told my mum that I want her to stay with us until she moves again. I haven't informed her about the reasoning behind it, just that I feel she isn't welcomed in her own home.

She seems conflicted and confused. My mums a good women and goes out of her way to help people. I see the legal trouble we may have in this but other than that, its a matter of priorities. And at the top of mine, is keeping my loved ones safe and out of harms way. Which means, within all my power, I will make sure she is taken care of and not harmed again under my watch.

"You don't have to answer now, but please, consider the idea." I beg and leave her and Nan to discuss it further.

"Has he gone made?" I hear my mum say.

"Don't we all when we find love?" My nan says causally and I can hear the gasp escape my mum.

"He told you he loves her?" The hurt in her voice is evident. I've been kind of distant from her regarding my emotions, well- everything. I dont mean to hurt her feelings. She probably feels as though we're losing our 'bond' or whatever maternal connection she has with me. Its nothing personal, I've just not had time to sit down and replay the story from the beginning. It'd be a lot to absorb over one little chat and longer than dinner conversation can stand. I'll fill her in sooner or later, but I'm sure my grandmother is giving a quick overview of what she knows already. Saves me the time later.

I reappear from the room, with a hoodie, my trainers, and a thicker pair of pants so my legs don't get frostbite when I go back outside.

As I'm in the hall, I'm stopped by the girls, with mischievous grins on their faces. I don't have time for their little games so I try to dodge them but somehow they keep in my way.

"Okay, what is it?" I ask finally, admitting defeat. They look at each other and both put a finger to their mouths, signaling to be quiet.

Leah and Lily each take one of my hands and lead me around the corner, taking me into their room. Lily checks the hallway before pushing the door closed and leaning against it, as if her weight would prevent anyone from coming in.

I give Leah a questionable look as she instructs me to sit down but I do as such.

"What are you two-"

"Sh!" Leah shushes me. "You got to be quiet." She whispers.

"But why?" I ask quietly. "No one else is here." I look around the room skeptically. For a moment, I thought perhaps Eliza was here.

"We got a plan." She smiles and looks back to her sister who finally joins us.

"What plan?"

"To get 'Liza to live wi'tus." She tells me. Oh boy. They must have been ease-dropping the whole time. What plan have they concocted in the shadows? I'm desperate for any kind of support so I choose to listen.