Page 81 of Our Little Dove

Our names. She is ours.

Despite the tension and emotions floating around us, I can’t help but feel a sense of satisfaction. This girl, with her unpredictability and darkness, is the perfect fit for our fucked up little family. The game we have been playing has taken its toll, but I can’t deny the thrill.

She was wrong earlier. We will be great together. She might have forced this “situation” between Kieran and I, but she might very well be the glue that will hold us together now.

Kieran's touches are gentle but firm as he makes sure her body is clean as he finishes washing her before we step out of the shower and dry ourselves off in silence.

Once we’re dressed, Alex simply looks at us, her eyes full of unspoken words and her towel-dried hair kissing her shoulders. It’s as if she’s trying to see through ourmasksand into our souls, searching for something that she has lost herself.

I know that look too well.

When no one utters a word, I know I have missed something significant while taking my shower. Every question swirling around in my head feels too loaded in the situation we find ourselves in.

This girl, with her wild spirit and determination, has somehow brought us closer together. Not just Fintan and myself, but the three of us.

A family of misfits and outcasts. Fintan has been my family for years and somehow Alex came along and made me feel like there has always been one piece missing in our puzzle.Her.

Fintan steps toward Alex as if he's had enough of the deafening silence, offering her a smile that sets my veins ablaze. “It’s alright,” he says, his voice soft and soothing. A tone I have only heard when he speaks to me. “We all have our demons, and sometimes they just need to be acknowledged and accepted.”

She seems stunned and we both notice the tears threatening to trickle down her flushed cheeks again. She looks gorgeous when she cries.

I pull her into a comforting embrace, while Fintan walks around the both of us, observing our interaction. The warmth of his gaze and the way I hold her is our way of showing her that she isn’t alone.

I take a deep breath, feeling a sudden sense of protectiveness towards her. I know she has the potential to destroy us, but because of that, she could be the very thing that mends our fractured parts.

“We’re with you, little Dove,” I say as I inhale the scent of Fintan’s body wash clinging to her skin. I love that smell, and it has always reminded me of the fact that I am never alone.

She sniffles in my arms and steps back. “Our start may have been messy, but I don’t care. I have feelings for both of you. Darkness and all,” she admits in a soft tone as I wipe the tears from her beautiful face.

“I—um… better get going. Molly is probably wondering what’s going on,” she quickly adds when Fintan and I don't respond to her admission.

Fintan and I exchange a knowing glance as Alex hurriedly gathers her things. The vulnerability she has shown us only deepens whatever is growing between us. It’s a fragile bond, yet it somehow already feels unbreakable.

As she moves towards the door, Fintan reaches out and gently grasps her hand, stopping her in her tracks. His touch seems tender, but there’s a silent strength behind it that speaks volumes. “You don’t have to face your demons alone,” he says.

“We’re in this together now. Let’s meet up tomorrow and come up with a real plan regarding Joel and his possible connection to Hush.”

Alex’s eyes widen in surprise, and for a moment, she looks like she might protest. But then something shifts within her, a subtle acceptance of the offer of support that we are extending. She nods, a small smile playing on her lips, before turning to leave.

I watch her go with a mixture of emotions swirling inside me — gratitude for the newfound depth of our connection, and apprehension at what lies ahead.

We silently walk her downstairs, through the studio, and to her car. She gets inside and pulls out into the road, still holding onto her silence since her confession.

As we watch the rear lights disappear in the dark distance, Fintan wraps me in his arms, pulling me close to his chest. I lean into his embrace, feeling the rhythm of his heartbeat match mine.

Imake sure to drive back home with the car windows down, in hopes that my hair would be dry before I get there. I don’t want to answer a bunch of questions from Molly and nor do I want any judgement. Not tonight.

I confessed my feelings for them before I left.

Were they shocked?

Why didn’t they say anything in return?

I see the lights on in the living room as I pull into the driveway. Taking a deep breath, I gather my thoughts and step out of the car. The front door swings open just as I reach the porch, revealing Molly’s worried expression.

“Where have you been?” she asks, her voice tinged with concern.

I curse under my breath and hesitate for a moment before replying, “I drove Fintan and Kieran back to their place after you said you were going to bed.”

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