Page 156 of Beautifully Shattered
“Chook…” I whisper, tears spilling as I pull her into my arms. “I’ve got you.”
God. How many times has Ringo said those three words to me? And now it’s my turn to step up. To be the adult and reassure my little sister that she’s safe now.
As she crumbles in my embrace, my eyes find Ringo’s, and I mouth a silent‘thank you’,knowing I could never have done this without him, or the danger he and his club have willingly stepped into for me.
He answers with a wink and a crooked smirk before reaching behind him to grab a blanket.
I settle back with Tahli as he tucks it around us, and spend the next hour just staring into his eyes, hoping he can see every bit of love I have for him in mine.
Tahli doesn’t speak during the drive. Eventually, her tears fade, and she cries herself to sleep in my arms.
I don’t know where Jols and JD ended up until we pull into Ringo’s property and I see them climbing out of one of the Marx security vehicles. I have a million questions about how the hell today came together, but there will be time for that later.
Right now, I need to focus on my sister.
Tahli is a little dazed as I help her out of the van. Her eyes scan Ringo’s property, jumping from the barn to the orchard to the house, before landing on the pond.
“Are there ducks in the pond?” she asks hopefully, and I smile, and ruffle her hair.
“Yeah, Chook. There are. We can feed them later if you like?”
Her eyes light up, and she nods. “I’d like that.”
“This must be Tahli.” Doreen’s voice catches me off guard, and I glance up to see her coming down the porch steps.
She’s really struggled with her last lupus flare-up, but seeing Tahli has her eyes lighting up and her arms open in a welcome that warms my heart.
“Yes, Doreen, this is Tahli, my little sister.”
“Oh, sweet girl.” Doreen stops in front of us, her eyes turning sympathetic. “You look like you’ve had a tough day.”
Tahli nods slowly, a little unsure.
“Well, I’ve just cooked a fresh batch of cookies.” Doreen gestures to the house. “Would you like to come inside and have some? Maybe a hot chocolate, too?”
Tahli’s eyes go wide as she looks from Doreen to me.
“It’s okay,” I reassure her. “This is Ringo’s mum, and this,” I gesture around the property, “is your new home.”
Her lip starts to wobble as tears spring to her eyes. “It-it is?”
“Yes.” I slip my arm around her shoulders. “Let’s go have some cookies.”
With a teary smile, Tahli nods, and we follow Doreen inside, Ringo right behind us.
I don’t exactly know if what I told my sister is right. Ringo and I haven’t discussed what would happen when I got Tahli back. Where we would live. How we’ll make this work.
Shit. I’ll need to get a job. Make sure I can earn enough money to feed her. Support her.
Suddenly, doubt claws at me. I know Ringo would never kick us out on the streets, but surely he has thoughts about this. Surely he knows I’ll do whatever it takes to pay my sister’s way.
Shit. We need to have a talk. And soon.
For instance, where is Tahli going to sleep tonight?
I know they have spare guest rooms, but I don’t want her to be alone. Maybe I’ll have to move into one of the rooms with her.
There’s so much to consider.
