CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
SIMON
If I’m nervous about seeing Aunt Lizzie after six years, she dispels it with the strength of the hug she gives me as soon as I see her where she’s waiting for me at the airport.
“I’m so glad you reached out to me,” she says when she’s finished squeezing the breath from me. “I’ve always wanted to be able to do more for you. I hated thinking about you all alone.” Her smile is a little sad. She lost a sister when my parents died, so it’s been hard for her too.
“I’ve been fine, Auntie,” I reassure her as we walk towards the car park.
“I know you have, love. You’ve always been independent. But sometimes families want to help.”
“Thanks, Auntie.”
She stows my luggage in the car, and I try not to dwell on the fact that everything I own fits into two cases. As she drives I ask her about Uncle Ryan and my cousins, Drew and Belle.
“They’ve grown a lot since you last saw them. Drew’s nineteen and Belle’s twelve.”
That’s a lot different from the thirteen- and six-year-old kids I remember, and I’m looking forward to seeing them. She tells me all about them. As the miles pass I look out at the countryside; it looks strange after being away and yet feels so familiar. We head north and I realise I have no idea where we’re going.
“Where are we going? Don’t you still live in Reading?”
“No, we moved, oh, about five years ago. Now we live in Oxfordshire. In a small town. Blackwood Heath.”
I let out a laugh.
“What’s so funny? It’s a great place, you’ll like it.”
“Oh nothing, I’m sure it is,” I say hastily. Of all the places in England, I end up a few miles from Andrés. He’s told me all about Monkswood Hall, so naturally I looked it up and know it’s just outside Blackwood Heath. But now is not the time to tell my aunt about Andrés. That can wait. I have to tell her I’m gay first, and I don’t want to do that before I’ve got an idea how she’ll take it.
When we reach the house, she gives me a quick tour and shows me to my room. There’s no one else home—Drew and Belle are at college and school, and she explains that Uncle Ryan is looking after the shop. They run a bookstore and cafe in the town, which sounds fun. She says she has to get back there, but tells me to make myself at home and to help myself to anything I need.When she’s gone I try to rest on the bed, but I can’t sleep. Instead I pull out my phone and message Andrés.
Simon: Hey, landed okay, now at my aunt’s house.
Andrés: Hey, cutie. So happy to hear from you. How was your flight? Are you tired?
I answer his questions, and a few more he sends me, my smile widening a little more at each one that comes through. I’ve not had anyone care enough to ask for a long time. My chest aches, but this time it’s in a good way, that someone does care about me.
Simon: So I have some news. I’m not in Reading.
I watch as the message is read and then the dancing dots appear. They disappear and reappear a few times before I receive the message.
Andrés: Oh. Sounds bad. How far away are you?
His message tells me he’s worried, but I can’t help stringing him along for a little longer.
Simon: About three miles.
Andrés: From Reading? That’s hardly anything.
Simon: No. From Monkswood.
Andrés: WTF!
Simon: Haha, it was a surprise to me too.
Andrés: That’s amazing.
Simon: It is. I can’t wait to see you.
