‘Not quite.’ Fin grinned, following the driver down the front path and to the black car waiting on the side of the road. ‘I’m going to India actually.’
‘Jesus, how long for?’
‘No idea.’ He threw his bag into the boot of the car and felt the enormity of his decision slowly dawn on him.
‘Brave lad. I like that.’ The man nodded approvingly. ‘Right, shall we get to it then?’
Fin walked over to the passenger side and was about to open the door when he saw a figure running towards him. He narrowed his eyes and saw the familiar mass of curly brown hair flying out in all directions.
‘Fin,’ Eleanor’s voice rang out. ‘Hold on.’
‘I’ll wait inside.’ The taxi driver winked, before disappearing into the front seat.
‘Don’t go yet!’ Eleanor shouted again. Fin watched as her tiny figure came closer and closer until she was standing in front of him, panting, sweating and red in the face.
‘Eleanor, what on earth are you doing?’
‘I had to say goodbye,’ she puffed.
Fin couldn’t help but laugh as the sweat poured from her face. ‘Christ, how far did you run?’
Eleanor put a hand on her waist and winced. ‘From mine. Fastest I’ve ever done it, to be honest. If I wasn’t in so much pain, I’d be pretty pleased with myself.’
‘I’m sorry about earlier,’ he mumbled.
‘Me too.’ She stood and looked at him hard. ‘Can I come with you to the airport? You know, to see you off properly.’ Her eyes were sparkling, the light brown shimmering almost gold in the dying sunlight.
‘Elles.’ Fin wiped a damp curl from her face and felt hisheart fill with a bittersweet mix of love and loss. ‘I wouldn’t have it any other way.’
‘You’re my best, Fin.’ She sighed.
‘You’re my bestest, Elles,’ he replied, opening the car door and jumping inside.
Eleanor
Eleanor knew she was being immature, but somehow not talking to Fin made forgetting about her impulsive kissing episode a lot easier. Out of sight, out of mind. That was the key. It also helped that between work, art classes, Ben and lunches with her mother, Eleanor was able to stay fairly distracted and busy.
‘I’m actuallystarving,’ Freya remarked as she clambered out of the car. ‘I think I might be disappointed if we don’t have five puddings.’
Eleanor laughed feebly, her mind still consumed by thoughts.
‘Honestly, the look on Fin’s face the other day when the trifle came out was a picture,’ she scoffed. ‘I felt like he was about to cry! It’s so nice that he’s back. I’ve missed him.’
‘Mmm, yeah.’
‘Do you think he’ll stay around long after his mum passes? I don’t want him to disappear again.’
‘Yeah,’ Eleanor replied distractedly.
‘Excuse me. Are you even listening?’ Freya barked, shaking her shoulder gently as they walked up the path towards their mother’s front door.
‘Yeah, sorry.’ Eleanor tried to focus. ‘I’m attempting to zone out before we get inside. It’s a new tactic I’m trying,’ she joked.
‘Not a bad idea.’ Freya looked at her, impressed. ‘Shall I do the honours?’ She nodded to the pink front door, her hand ready to knock.
‘Please. Be my guest.’
Freya rapped hard on the door. Normally their mother was ready to greet them from the moment their feet touched the gravel drive, but today there was silence.
