From now on

Chapter fourteen

"Joseph Sugg!" Stacey engulfed her friend in an enormous hug, taking in his friendly scent and presence that she had terribly missed. "I've missed you so much, bro!"

"Likewise Stace, it feels weird not having you around. You spoke to Kev much over Christmas?" The two began to walk down the corridor of the BBC studios, it fairly quiet.

She shrugged. "Here and there, he went back up to Grimsby, you see. I miss him, everyday. All of you, we need a reunion."

"Definitely." Joe grinned.

"So..." she nudged him teasingly. "How's the girls? Di and Em, still down under?" She pouted.

He shook his head, not bothering to hide his huge smile and lightened eyes. "They're flying back now, they're coming to see the fireworks. Should be here about eight pm, they're dropping the bags off at home first."

Stacey smiled at the word 'home.' It sounded so pure. They were living together now, and were very, very happy. That's all she ever really wanted for them. She nodded. "Oh cool, it'll be nice. The perfect start to the year."

"Exactly. I've honestly missed them both like crazy." He ran a hand through his hair. "Even when the cupboards are left open, or when there's dolls clothes between the cushions. It's weird without them, I don't like it."

"Aww, that's so cute, and makes total sense." Stacey grinned, the two turning a corner. "But I'm glad they're coming back, and to see the fireworks, and kiss at midnight..." Stacey looked off into the distance, giggling to herself.

Joe rolled his eyes. "Jeez. You sound just like Zoe."

"Well Zoe," Stacey got into the lift and pressed the button with a quick tap, Joe also stepping inside. "Is a wise young lady. And very fashionable, she needs to give me a makeover, honestly."

"She's great." Joe laughed, the lift doors closing.

///

Dianne embraced her mother tightly, sighing with bittersweet sadness. Christmas in Australia had been wonderful, and it didn't feel good to be saying goodbye so soon, as lovely as it was having Joe to come home too.

"I'm going to miss you so much, ma. We'll come down soon, I promise." She said, the two reluctantly parting. Rina nodded, weakly smiling. "I'm sure we'll figure out a way."

"There's always a way, and I'll miss you too. Say G'day to Joseph for us all, will you?"

Dianne spoke quietly, blinking back tears. "Of course. Where's little miss?"

"I'm here!" Emelia announced, bouncing down the staircase all ready to leave for England, just having said goodbye to her cousins after a quick match of hide and seek. She hugged Rina's knees. "Bye nana, see you soon."

"See you soon Em, and keep an eye on mama will you?" Rina winked over at Dianne who sweetly rolled her eyes. Emelia nodded, grinning at her mum. "Great. Call when you land, please."

"Of course. Right," she swallowed back the lump in her throat. "I think we best be off, we don't want to be late now do we?"

Emelia shook her head. "No. Definitely not."

She took her mother's hand and after one final goodbye they left the house, loading their bags into the taxi before sliding in. Dianne strapped both of them in before looking out the window, seeing the house become further and further away.

Emelia smiled, leaning into her mother's side, speaking like her entire life depended on the next sentence. "We are never spending Christmas apart from Joe again."