Isla climbs out of the car with a dazzling smile on her face, and before she can say a word, I pull her in for a hug. We hold on to each other for a long time, saying nothing, though it feels as if we’re communicating with each other anyway. The relief that I feel at having her here, out of the hospital, is immense to the point of overwhelming. I can barely speak because I’m so overcome with emotion. I’m grateful that she’s finally homeand that we’re all together.
So grateful.
We finally break apart, tears shining in our eyes as Whitney makes her approach, pulling Isla into her embrace.
“Oh, sweet girl. We’re so glad you’re home,” she murmurs into Isla’s hair.
It’s almost the same exact thing Whitney said to me when I came back to their house for the first time. I heard the sincerity ring in her voice when she said it to me, and I can hear it again, now. In this moment.
We enter the house together, Connor waiting for us in the foyer. When Isla spots him, she gives him a big hug. After she pulls away, they share a sad smile, and Isla wipes the tears from her cheeks before she turns to face us.
“The Harringtons will be here soon,” Whitney announces. “We wanted to make sure it was just family greeting you home first. Didn’t want you too overwhelmed.”
“Thank you.” Isla’s voice is soft, and she tilts her head back, taking everything—including us—in. “It feels good to be home.”
…
Whitney had the luncheon for Isla’s return catered so she didn’t have to do anything in the kitchen beyond make Isla her favorite chocolate cake for dessert, which she did earlier this morning. The Harringtons are sitting at the table with us, and they brought Julian along with them. Our father has come to terms with the fact that Julian and Islaare in love, despite the veritable blood feud between him and Max Ashworth. But Dad can’t deny that since the day she woke up, Julian has been at the hospital by Isla’s bedside whenever he didn’t have school. He’s been helping her walk the corridors and playing memory games with her. Bringing her stuffed animals and flowers, or her favorite sweet treats. The way he looks at her and how he takes care of her … none of us can deny it.
Julian cares about Isla deeply, and she feels the same way about him.
We’re making idle conversation after we finish eating, when Headmaster Harrington sends Connor and me a pointed look from across the table.
“I hear you two are going on a few university tours soon.”
Connor and I share a look before I answer for both of us. “We are, and I can’t wait. We’ve come up with a fairly extensive list, scheduled private tours at most of them … we even have a list of historical sites to visit en route. No hasty decisions from us, I can promise you that.”
“I think that’s a wonderful idea.” Mrs. Harrington smiles at me.
“I’m just glad you’re staying here,” Sophia says from where she’s sitting by my side.
Reaching out, I rest my hand over hers. “Me too.”
“I’m also taking her around London to show her the sights,” Connor adds. “Claims she wants to get to know the city better.”
“Oh yes. I’m going to make him take me to every tourist landmark there is.” Connor groans, making me laugh. “He’llhave to ride the hop-on, hop-off bus while doing it, too.”
“Sounds like a nightmare,” Connor mutters, shaking his head.
“As long as I don’t sing, you’ll be fine.” I elbow him in the ribs, making him chuckle.
“We should all go together,” Isla suggests, sending a look to Julian, who nods his encouragement. “That could be fun.”
“You should come with us, too,” I tell Sophia.
“I would love that.” Sophia beams.
Whitney excuses herself to the kitchen to prepare the chocolate cake, and Mrs. Harrington goes with her. My phone rings in my pocket, and I pull it out to see MOMflashing across the screen with a FaceTime call. I answer it immediately.
“Billie! You look so pretty,” Mom greets me.
I feel my cheeks heat at her compliment. “Hey, Mom. So do you.”
But “so pretty” doesn’t even begin to cover it. Mom looks amazing. Her eyes are bright, and her skin isn’t as sallow as it was before she went to rehab. Her cheeks are full, too, like she’s been eating regularly again. I’ve never seen her look better.
“Thank you. We just wanted to check in.” She waves a hand to someone off-screen, and Doug appears, a smile on his face as he raises his hand to me in greeting. “Doug reminded me Isla is supposed to come home today.”
“She’s here already. We were just having lunch.” I flip my phone’s camera and aim it at Isla, who waves.
