“I’ll try,” I said, giving her a smile.
“Guess it’s more than I can ask for.”
“Don’t go finding trouble,” Peyton winked. “Actually, you should totally keep your guards on their toes. I’d love to see them lose patience with you.”
I dropped my chin, hoping my tinted cheeks were hidden. I wasn’t the type to cause trouble. Not now, anyhow. Maybe as kid, but that was so long ago. I’d learned the hard way that my actions had consequences.
A loud smack caused me to look up. Peyton had a hand to the back of his head, a look of shock on his face.
“Don’t tell your sister to get into trouble. It’ll find her easily enough,” Ace huffed. “Now, let’s get going. I’ll be in touch. Hopefully, we can get this situation taken care of quickly.”
“Let me know when you make it,” Dominic said, shaking hands with Peyton and Ace, then pulling Hannah into a hug.
“Of course,” Ace said. “Oh, Zevon, can I have a word outside real quick?”
“Sure,” he shrugged, following as they left.
All at once, the house felt too empty, too quiet. I never thought I’d miss Hannah and Ace, or even Peyton. But I did. I worried I may never see them again.
“Hey, what’s wrong?” Dominic said, coming to stand beside me. His voice was gentle, quiet.
“What if I don’t want them to leave?”
“Oh honey,” he sighed, pulling me into a hug. “They’ll be back in a few weeks if Alan isn’t taken care of. I know your brother. He won’t be able to leave you for longer than that. Not with you finally being back…and even healing.”
“I missed him,” I sniffed.
“Why wouldn’t you? He’s your brother. I’ve never seen him as happy as he was today.” Dominic pulled back, meeting my eyes. “Now, I think there’s a way to contact him in that box he sent.”
“Really?” how was that possible?
“Go and look,” he said, letting his hands drop from my arms.
I gave him a small smile, my emotions still a little too raw, before I headed to my room. Hope darted past me into the room, jumping right on to the bed so she could be petted.
Picking up the box, which was a little heavier than I expected, I sat on the end of the bed. The tape was easy to peel off.
Inside the box were a number of things.
On the top was a red fox, brand new with its tags still attached. Under that was a journal, a few pens, a coloring book with colored pencils. A few books. A tin dish. Then, on the very bottom was a cellphone box, phone case, and an envelope.
I opened the envelope, finding a small, handwritten note from my brother.
Scarlett,
Happy Birthday, sis. I hope this will be one of your best yet. Next year, I’ll get you whatever your heart desires.
The phone is for you to have a way to call or text me anytime, day or night. There are other numbers programmed into it.
The journals are for you to write in. Write your fears, your hopes, and your dreams. It’s for your eyes only.
Your brother,
Peyton
PS. There are cookies in one of the packages for you. I promised I’d make you some.
A true, happy smile graced my lips. Today had already been too much. I hadn’t expected anything like this after everything. I blinked tears away as I set the letter down and picked up the phone. After opening the box, I found the phone ready to go. I slipped it into the pink silicone case.
