The Heart Series: Complete Boxed Set

by King, C. M

  “We can FaceTime,” she suggested as a means to stay in touch.

  “It’s not the same.” I scrunched up my nose at her suggestion.

  “Well we’ll make it like it is. We both have iPads so we can talk to each other all the time, watch films together, check out guys together.” She winked.

  I liked that idea.

  “I suppose, you have to FaceTime with Craig and then I can interrogate him and have a good look at his hot bod.”

  “I’m sure he’ll love that.” She snorted.

  “I’m sure you can make that happen with your persuasive ways.” I quirked a brow, hoping she’d comply with my request.

  “Oh course I can.” She rolled her eyes like it was the most ludicrous thing to question her abilities.

  “I’m going to miss you.” I sighed, falling back onto the pillow.

  “I know but we had a great time. I made your recovery more amazing. I really should be a nurse.”

  “Err are you kidding? With your bedside manner?” I laughed at just the thought of it.

  “I suppose but I would look hot in the uniform though? I wonder if Craig would like that idea?”

  “Eww cousin over here, please keep that thought to yourself.” I batted her playfully with my pillow.

  “Err how many times have we talked about guys cocks, girth and all.” she stated looking completely miffed by my ban on sex talk.

  “Yeah they are strangers. I don’t need the visual of you in my head dressed up in latex, bleurgh.” I pretend gagged just to get my point across.

  “Yeah yeah, whatever.” She rolled her eyes dramatically.

  “What time is your train?”

  “In a couple of hours.” She sighed.

  “Did you say goodbye to your mum and dad?”

  “Yeah, not that they noticed. I swear parents of the year–not.”

  “You have my mum though,” I replied soothingly to help ease the pain.

  “I know but how can two sisters be so different. All the good and kindness went into your mother whereas mine, well, she wouldn’t know how to be nice to me if it hit her square in the face.”

  She wasn’t wrong there.

  “I’m sorry, B. I wouldn’t want Auntie Diane as a mother either,” I admitted. I was grateful I had fallen lucky with the mother I had.

  “There, that’s me packed.” She clicked the case shut and lifted it off the bed. “Let’s go out and grab a coffee, you know just one more time.” She smiled, waiting for me to say yes.

  “I’m fine here, we have coffee.”

  “You have to try to go out more, E.” She looked worried at my lack of enthusiasm for venturing outside.

  I frowned. “I know, but today I just don’t feel quite like it. Please don’t force me.”

  “I won’t but I want you to try. Apart from going out with me or Auntie Pam you haven’t yet ventured out on your own, and the therapist said that you need to start and push yourself more,” she urged.

  “I know what she said, I was there,” I barked. I didn’t need to be told the same thing over and over.

  “Okay, Mr Snappy.” She poked out her tongue to lighten the mood.

  “Sorry, I don’t want to argue, especially when you’re leaving. I want to part this time on good terms.” I didn’t want any more fights. I couldn’t handle it.

  “We will. I won’t lose you again. I just want to see you return to your old self. I don’t want the attack holding you back. You have to live your life again. You can’t let the attack define you.”

  I knew she was right, but I wouldn’t let her know that.

  “How about I make that coffee?” I asked, hoping it would be a good distraction.

  “Come on then, lead the way.” I went to walk forward, but she grabbed me from behind encasing me in a hug, resting her cheek against my shoulder blade.

  “Love you, E,” she murmured into my shirt.

  “Love you, B,” I replied smiling.

  No other words were needed.

  * * *

  Brianne texted me the moment she got home. I sighed looking at the screen. I missed her already, and she’d barely been gone hours. I had gotten used to her being back, things were like the old days and I missed that closeness, but we had our iPads to connect and chat. She promised me this time that we would speak several times a day. After a week of constant texting, FaceTiming and calling, she finally sent me a message asking if I was ready to meet Craig. I grinned looking at the screen. Oh this was going to be so much fun.

  I quickly texted back with a yes and within moments her face popped up on my iPad screen.

  Hey E, looking good, all the bruising has now gone I see.” She grinned, happy to see me slowly returning to my usual good looking self.

  “Yep, I’m back to my devilish handsome old ways,” I added with a wink.

  “Oooh speaking of handsome, meet Craig.”

  B didn’t even give him a chance to prepare before she turned the iPad on him.

  “Whoa, B, a little warning first of all would be nice. You know a little build up.”

  “Oh I like this guy already, B,” I remarked, grinning at his sense of humour.

  “I know, right? He puts me in my place,” she joked, elbowing Craig in the ribs.

  “Well someone has to,” I retorted.

  “You got that right, if I didn’t she’d have me by the balls,” Craig joked.

  “Oh slight exaggeration.” B snorted.

  “I think Elijah knows I’m right.”

  “Too right,” I replied laughing.

  “Oh trust you to gang up on me already.” She threw up her hands in mock horror, but I could tell she was more than enjoying herself.

  “Oh whah whah, tell it to someone that cares. Anyway enough about you back to Craig,” I mused, checking out the guy on screen.

  “Yeah, back to me, limelight hogger.” Craig grinned, giving B the evil eye. “Well I’m Craig. Brianne has already told you how we met, she fell at my feet.”

  Instant joke, he gets points for that.

  “Oh righto.” B scoffed.

  “Well that’s how I like to think of it,” Craig added winking.

  “So what do you do, Craig?” I asked.

  “I’m an IT specialist.”

  “Yeah, that’s right, I’m dating a geek,” B shamefully admitted.

  “Geek?” he asked, looking not amused by the term.

  “Pfffttt, you know you are. We were watching 24 the other day, and he went off about their firewall.”

  “Oh you can be so cruel,” he replied mockingly.

  “She’s a witch,” I added with a grin.

  “Elijah, don’t be mean.” She pouted.

  “Oh whatever. So Craig, what are your intentions with my cousin?”

  “Well I hope that we will continue dating and if we manage to not kill each other in the next few months, then I might ask her to move in with me.”

  “Really?” Brianne looked alarmed.

  “Yeah, well, that’s if I haven’t scared you off already.” He frowned.

  “No, unfortunately you might be stuck with me.” She grinned as they kissed.

  I swiftly looked the other way. “Errr guys, do you mind?”

  “Shush, Elijah, we’re having a moment.” At least she covered the screen this time, but the noises were enough to leave me cringing.

  Ewww. Ewww. Ewww.

  “Okay, we’re done.”

  “For now.” Craig grinned.

  “Okay, back to the conversation, what’s your place like, Craig? Don’t scrimp on the detail.” I wanted to know everything.

  “Okay, going into full blown Estate Agent mode. It’s a semi-detached, three bedroom house that I did up myself. It’s—”

  B soon interrupted. “Elijah, it’s freaking amazing, designer kitchen and the bathroom is to die for. I could live in the shower.”

  “I think you do,” he added dryly.

  “And the decór?” I enquired.

  “Tasteful,
neutral tones throughout, leather sofa, 50 inch TV.”

  “God, he’s such a bloke.” I rolled my eyes.

  “I know, right, but I vegged the other day and watched Channing, and hello, he looks even more amazing in 50”.”

  “Channing?” Craig asked looking confused.

  “Channing Tatum.”

  “Who’s that?” he asked, looking bewildered.

  “Oh sweet lord,” I muttered.

  “Never mind, we’ll watch one of his films later,” B reassured him.

  “Better not be chick flick,” he warned.

  We both grinned at each other. He was in for a treat.

  “Right, so we’ve established you’re a geek but you have good taste, now I need to check out the merchandise. B, if you would.”

  Brianne prompted Craig to stand up. “Err why?”

  “Because I’m going to show E your hot bod.”

  “I don’t think so—” he protested, but I knew B had persuasive ways.

  “Craig, it will be far easier if you comply. Trust me, I know,” I said smiling.

  He huffed and scowled when B signalled for him to turn around. “God, I feel like a piece of meat.”

  “Oh whatever, just turn round and show me the goods,” I said, almost bored.

  “He wants to see your tight buns,” she explained.

  He shook his head and turned around. “Just this once.”

  “Yeah, that’s what you think,” she muttered.

  “Yowser, you weren’t kidding.”

  “I know, right, but he does lots of squats.” She grinned and I could definitely see that.

  “I am here you know,” he muttered sarcastically.

  “Shush, we’re talking, so yeah yay for squats.” She chuckled

  “God, you’re a lucky bitch,” I remarked just staring at the screen in wonder.

  “I know.”

  “I’m sitting down now,” Craig mumbled looking embarrassed.

  “Yeah, that’s okay, he’s checked you out,” B said grinning. “So what’s the verdict, E?”

  “Nice catch and with his own house—score. Shame he’s a geek, but we can let that slide.”

  “Seriously guys, I’m right here. Are you always this brutal?” Craig asked.

  “Yep, so get used to it,” I joked.

  “Does he get your approval then, E?”

  “Yeah, I give him an eight, if he tones down the geekiness a nine.”

  “Remind me never to FaceTime with you two again,” he complained.

  “Oh diddums, do you want me to kiss it better?” B mocked, but I could see the lust building in her eyes as a warning.

  “Err guys, I think my connection is going.” I hit the quit button before I was faced with a scene of them making out in front of me. No one needed to see that. I tossed the iPad down onto the bed and sighed. I was so happy for B, but I couldn’t help but feel envious. Ollie seemed such a long time ago.

  I clicked on my phone and stared at the screensaver of us too smiling together. I felt a small pang in my heart. God, I missed him. I’d never fallen this hard for anyone before. He was my first true love, and I felt achingly sad the way it had ended. Now I was almost house bound. My happy go lucky self now locked in the confines of my own home because I was too rattled to go outside.

  As the weeks slowly went by, I spent my days watching DVDs and chatting to B. Lucy and Olivia had popped by with college work and kept me up to date with all the gossip. Of course they went into great detail about who they were currently screwing. At least it kept my mind off other things for a few hours.

  I flicked through the pages of the assignment due in two weeks’ time. We were on a week’s break, and I was due to start back after the holiday had finished. I clicked on Google for some research, but it was useless. I needed to go to check some books out of the library. I sighed in despair and tossed the paper down onto my desk. Today was not the day I’d be leaving this house.

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  This is it, just walk out the door and go to the library. You can do this. You can handle this. I told myself over and over, yet my brain didn’t seem willing to believe it.

  Just go, turn the handle and open the door.

  “Oh this is stupid,” I said out loud as I grabbed the handle and wrenched the door back. I quickly locked it behind me and cautiously headed to the library. With everyone I passed, I nervously looked on. I was like a man on the verge. I needed to calm down, but my hands were sweating and I could feel my heart quicken each time a guy walked towards me.

  Calm the fuck down.

  I sighed when the library came into view. I was almost there, just needed to check some books out, and then I could go straight home.

  A quick skim of the shelves gave me the books I needed. I was glad I got in there quick smart before anyone else checked them out. I pulled out my library card and promptly checked them out, slipping them into my satchel. When I got outside, I took a breather. I had done this. I was fine. Well until my eyes fell upon my usual haunt of Starbucks. I had mixed feelings about the place. My first thought was of Luke, but B had told me he had quit his job there. The only good reminder was of mine and Ollie’s first date there. The thought alone made me smile thinking back to how shy he had been that day. He was so damn cute, I had never seen that before. I remembered just how happy I felt at the prospect of something potentially happening between us. We had come so far in just those few weeks, everything was looking so rosy until Luke had stepped in and promptly fucked up my whole life. I hated him for what he had done, his actions had blown my world to pieces and now I was left to deal with the cruel aftermath.

  I wanted to go in.

  Fuck, could I?

  I suddenly felt nostalgic, like the memory playing inside my head was not enough. I sighed at the stupid thought. I just needed to go home and stop going down memory lane, it brought me nothing but sadness. Except my legs didn’t seem to comply with my wishes as I headed towards the doorway. I took a deep breath, swinging open the door. Everything was the same except for Luke standing behind the counter. There stood in his place was another cute guy, but I didn’t let that thought linger. I was going to order some coffee and then leave. Except after I paid, I walked over to our table. The one we had our first date and sat at every time. It was our table, we had even made a joke out of it. I felt lost without him but being here brought a little comfort sparking all the good memories inside. I relived each one, sipping on my coffee. I closed my eyes and let the general chatter wash over me. It was good to be out, to have my freedom back. Today had been a big step in taking back my life. I would have to tell my therapist about it, she had been pushing me in our last few sessions to go out alone, to slowly build up my confidence. She’d be happy I’d finally found the courage, B too. I’d have to FaceTime her later and tell her the good news.

  I sighed and drained the last of my cup, I was just about ready to leave when a shadow cast over me. I instantly looked up into the blue eyes I felt like I hadn’t seen in forever.

  “Is this seat taken?” Ollie asked.

  I stared at him stunned. Was he really here? Oh god was this one of this annoying dreams where you wake up pissed because you wanted it to be real.

  He stood there staring at me looking slightly amused.

  “Errr no,” I managed to choke out, prompting him to take it. He smiled dragging it out from under the table before sitting down, quickly stripping off his jacket. He was wearing the green and black checked shirt that he always rolled up at the sleeves. I loved him in that shirt; it brought out his eyes. My eyes flicked back up to his face when I realised he was staring. He smiled and I blushed.

  God that was a first.

  “Do you want another?” Ollie asked.

  I nodded and he stood swiftly heading towards the counter. I was in shock. He was here. He was really here. But why? Was it just coincidence? Or did he come here too, did it hold the same memories to him as it had to me. My head was filled with far too many t
houghts that I didn’t notice he had returned. He placed both cups down then sat back in his chair. I freaked a little and took a big slurp promptly burning my tongue.

  “Oh for fuck’s sake,” I murmured angrily.

  Ollie snorted and my eyes flashed to his then softened. It was good to hear him laugh, to see him sat in front of me.

  “So how have you been?” he asked between sips.

  “Oh you know, nearly got killed by a homophobic nut job but apart from that fine,” I replied sarcastically.

  He spat the best part of his drink across the table as I grabbed a napkin quickly drying off my face.

  “You always were straight to the point,” he added.

  “Yep, that’s me.” There was no denying that.

  “I’m sorry I didn’t come by sooner. I wanted to. I just—”

  “It’s fine,” I quickly cut in.

  “No it isn’t, I was so ashamed for believing Luke’s lies. I just thought because you kept it hidden from me there was more than what you were telling me. The more I thought about it, the more I read into it.”

  “I confronted Luke and told him to come clean but he refused, he didn’t want to be outed and so placed the blame on me. But I never once gave him reason to believe I ever wanted more. That was all on him.”

  “I know, B rang me and told me the whole story but I knew in my heart you were telling the truth. I guess I always seem to believe the bad, it’s just something I’ve became accustomed to.” His eyes dropped down looking ashamed.

  “B rang you?” I asked surprised.

  He nodded. “Yeah, she told me everything and about how much you missed me. She said you were slowly getting back to the old Elijah but she was afraid that you’d lost a part of you that day.”

  I smiled sadly. “I think I did,” I admitted. “It’s taken everything to come out here today. I hate being stuck indoors, but I’m too scared to venture out. My therapist said I should celebrate each small achievement, so that’s why I’m here. I was at the library and I just decided I needed to be here. It made me feel closer to you. I know that sounds stupid—”