Page 19 of Chase

As he leans forward to open it, he whispers in my ear, “Millie understands. She loves you.” And then he takes my breath away when he places the softest kiss on my lips. Unable to respond, I turn my head and let him lead me through his house.

His house is nice, a little run down but it feels lived in and homey. The grey carpet is soft beneath my feet. The walls are covered in photos of Chase, Ally and Arden growing up. I take note that Rhys doesn’t appear in any of the photos until they are all older.

I freeze when I walk into the kitchen. Millie is smiling and laughing at something Rhys said before we walked into the room. She notices me and drops the bowl she was washing and barrels towards me. Throwing her arms around me I embrace her.

“Are you okay?” She asks stepping back from the embrace.

“I’m alright. I’m sorry I wasn’t there this afternoon, I’m sorry I…”

“Yas stop!” She says forcefully. “You were sick, you have nothing to apologise for. I’m thankful you had someone to look after you.” Her words shock me. I thought she would be sad and disappointed. I don’t know when she grew up so much. I take in her appearance. She’s changed into some leggings and a sweater; her feet are bare, and her face is carefree and happy. She looks comfortable. I don’t respond, unable to find the right words.

“I had a great afternoon. Ally picked me up and took me for a milkshake and showed me some of her favourite beach spots.” I look around and notice that Ally and Arden are missing.

“Where’s Ally and…”

“Honey I’m home.” Arden yells from the front of the house. He and Ally walk into the room, their arms full of Chinese takeaway containers. I guess that answers my question. He drops the food on the dining table. When he sees me he walks straight over and pulls me into a hug.

I feel Chase step away from my back to give us some space. He heads over to the table and helps Ally and Millie open all the food.

“How are you feeling?” His tone is soft, much like it was this afternoon. Arden has been persistent this week during shop class. He’d tried to get me to talk. But I mostly just listened.

“I’m tired and drained. I can’t thank you enough for what you did Arden, not just during the episode but with helping organise everything this afternoon.” I rest my head on his chest. It’s hard and comfortable, but it isn’t like Chase’s.

There’s no point hiding how I’m feeling. He’ll see it on my face and he probably knows what it is like if he had to watch his sister in similar situations.

My stomach grumbles. I can smell the honey chicken coming from the table.

“You’re welcome Shorty. You need to check your sugar and then eat. I thought Mushu’s might make you feel a little better. We have a big night ahead of us.”

Pulling back, I look up into his grey eyes. “We do?” Why would it be a big night?

“Yup” his smile reaches his eyes. He lets me go and heads over to the table and pulls out a chair for me. “We’re gate crashing girl’s night.” He picks up the tomato sauce off the table and holds it to his mouth.

“Living in my own world

Didn't understand

That anything can happen,” He sings into his pretend microphone. Millie starts giggling, I just look at him like he has grown a second head. Rhys picks up a dumpling and throws it at him. Chase and Ally just shake their heads.

“How do you know High School Musical?” I ask as I sit down.

“The how isn’t important. I’ll let you in on a secret: I know ALL the songs?”

“You aren’t helping convince me you aren’t gay,” Rhys chimes in as he sits down at the table. Rhys doesn’t speak often. His voice is rough and kind of growly, which suits him. He isn’t as tall as Arden and Chase, but he has a dark look about him that makes him scarier than the others. Arden ignores my comment.

“Bitch, please. I’m fabulous and very straight. You’re just jealous. Your mind is about to be blown! But stay away from Gabriella; she’s mine.” He glances at my monitor.

“5.5 let’s eat.” And then just like that everyone takes their seat and starts handing the Chinese take away containers around the table.

I look around. Everyone is chatting with each other, Chase, Arden, Rhys and Ally all asking Millie questions and including her in their conversations.

Chase places his hand on my thigh and gently squeezes. I look over at him and smile before focusing on my food. I relax as I listen to everyone talk and banter. I’m used to eating with them now after a week of lunches, but this is different. They are all relaxed and casual. Even Rhys looks more comfortable around me now.

After dinner, we move into the lounge room and veg out watching High School Musical and eating junk food.

Rhys moans every time Arden starts to sing along.

Ally just laughs at him, and no one seems to care when Millie gets up to join him when Arden starts dancing around the lounge room. It feels like I have known these people forever.

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