“I love you, Harleigh. I just want to see my happy, vibrant sister again. I hate seeing the pain in your eyes.”
“I know. I love you, too.”
Gavin winks at me and leaves my classroom behind. He’s always been the best big brother ever. Even when he’s being a pain in my backside, which is regularly.
I just can’t bear to see the hurt and pain I’m causing my family. Maybe a holiday will do us all good.
Chapter 2
Six weeks later
Harleigh
My cases are packed, my passport is in my bag, and I’m ready to see where my brother has booked for me. I’m determined not to let any memories or voices in my head spoil this holiday. I’m going away… alone. Icando this. Iwilldo this.
Gavin, my parents, and my other brother, Sebastian, are all hovering around my kitchen. I approach them slowly, plastering a smile on my face; something I’m getting really good at. I had to be a good actress when I lived with Martin. It’s just hard to break old habits, because I’m aware my family can see through my act. They know I’m still hurting from my time with him, and nothing they do or say will change that. I need to move at my own pace, and I realise it isn’t fast enough for my family.
“There’s my girl.” My dad stands up from his stool and takes me into his arms. “All packed?”
“I sure am. Who’s going to put me out of my misery and tell me where I’m going?” I pull back from my dad. “I can’t believe I’ve let you talk me into this.”
“It will do you the world of good, sweetheart.” Dad pats my cheek.
“I believe I’m the one to tell you where you’re off to, baby sis.” Gavin walks towards me with an envelope outstretched. “Four weeks, all paid for, private transportation is waiting at the airport to take you to your hotel.”
“Four weeks. I said a break, Gavin. Jesus Christ.” I chastise my brother and shake my head.
The nerves are picking up; my palms are sweaty, my heart is racing, and my vision is blurred. All classic signs of a panic attack. All signs that I’m so used to.
A few deep breaths and I try to calm myself down.I will not break. I will not break. I will not break.
“You’ll love it, sis.” Seb wraps his arms around my shoulders and kisses my head. “Tell her where she’s going, Gav.”
“You’ll be flying into Bourgas Airport, where you’ll be taken to your hotel in Old Nessebar. I’ve organised transport so you don’t need to worry about a thing.”
I look at my brother like he just spoke in another language. That airport and place rings no bells to me.
“Bulgaria. You’re going to Bulgaria, Harl. It’s a good mix of culture and nightlife,” says Gavin. “I thought it would be perfect for you, especially Old Nessebar.”
I want to groan and protest. Bulgaria has never been high on my list of places to visit. In fact, it wasn’t on my list at all. I know absolutely nothing about Bulgaria. At least if it was Spain or France, I’d have a little knowledge of the language and culture. But, oh no, my brother must go completely over the top.
“I’ve been there several times.” Gavin tilts his head and lifts my chin. “Old Nessebar is the most beautiful village ever. You’ll thank me when you come home.”
I roll my eyes. I don’t know whether to laugh or cry. None of this impromptu holiday thing is me. I need a break, I know I do, but flying to God knows where, alone, is maybe a little step too far for me.
“I’ll be the judge of that.” I pull the envelope out of his hand and put it into my hand luggage.
“This is some Bulgarian lev to tide you over for a few days.” Seb hands me another envelope.
I open the envelope and gasp. “A few days.”
“It’s just a little something from all of us, sweetheart. We want you to go and have some fun,” says my dad.
I know I’ve put my family through hell lately, and I don’t want to see that look of pity anymore, but I don’t want them to mollycoddle me either. Maybe this trip will be the making of me. They can live their lives for a few weeks without worrying about me, and I can get away from here without looking over my shoulder, wondering which one is going to stage an intervention next.
“Okay then. Let’s get this holiday started,” I state, more for my family than myself.
All I can do now is go away for four weeks and try to enjoy this break away from reality. Maybe some sun, sea, and whatever they drink in Bulgaria will be the making of me.
