Inseparable

“When the pilot gets back tonight.” Kella replied. “What are you doing?” She asked me. That was a good question. I figured Dane was going to want to spend some time with his family, so for me that probably meant heading back home. Maybe I could talk mom and Anna into coming up for a visit.

“I will head back with you guys and give Dane some time with his family.”

Dane came back to the hotel for his suitcase, and to give me a proper goodbye before heading off to the cabin with his family.

“I’m going to miss you, sexy.” He whispered as he pressed his lips against mine. Smiling, I put my arms around his neck, my fingers playing with the hair above his collar. He leaned down, our lips connecting in a long kiss.

“I’m going to miss you too.” I smiled. He looked so happy, and I felt lucky that I was able to contribute to his happiness. “When will you be back?” I asked.

“I think in about a week, or so. It really depends on how Steffy goes, and how mom and dad are.” He cocked his head to the side, his beautiful eyes catching the light in the room. “I’m going to want to get back to you as soon as possible.” He murmured, smiling. He kissed me again, this time with more urgency, as if he were trying to make up for all the kisses he’d miss over the next week.

“Call me when you get there.” I watched as he picked up his suitcase, and walked to the door. He smiled.

“I’ll call you every day.” He chuckled. “Twice a day, even. I love you Lily.”

“I love you too.” I said softly as the door closed behind him.

Chapter Twenty-Four

Lying on my bed, I texted Dane, wishing so badly that he was here with me. He’d been gone over a week, and though we spoke every day and texted constantly, I missed him like crazy.

Mom and Anna were coming up today for a few nights, and I couldn’t wait to see them.

I had explained everything about Dane and Steffy to mom, even Abby’s dreams. She had been shocked, and I was sure there was a little bit of guilt there for not believing me in the past. My phone buzzed, my stomach fluttered when I realized it was Dane.

“Hey you.” I said, smiling, pulling my knees up to my stomach.

“Hey back.” He said. “What are you doing?”

“Not much. Lying down. Mom and Anna are on their way up for a couple of nights. How’s Steffy?” I asked, just as I did every time we spoke, even if it was four times a day.

“She’s not bad, Lil. She’s not saying much, pretty quiet, but she was sitting up with mom and I before, watching Community, laughing, which was so great to hear.” He added. My heart swelled. I was glad Steffy was getting better slowly, and hopefully that meant he’d be back in my arms soon.

“And you? How are you?” I asked, wondering if he had been sleeping. “You better be looking after yourself.” I joked. He laughed.

“I am. I can’t wait to get back home though.” He said, yawning.

“I can’t wait to have you home.” I answered, sighing.

“Have I told you how amazing you are, Lil?” He asked suddenly. I laughed. “No, really, Lil, you are amazing, and I love you.” He added seriously.

“You’re the amazing one.” I said, a giddy smile on my face. I always got like this when he told me he loved me. Hearing those words, no matter how often he said them, made my heart go completely crazy. “Love you too, Dane.”

Mom and Anna arrived just after lunch. A soon as I heard the car pull up, I raced outside and waited impatiently for them to get out of the car so I could hug them both. I felt as though the whole day had been wasted waiting. Waiting for mom and Anna, waiting for Dane, just waiting for something.

“It’s so good to see you guys. I’ve missed you.” I cried, embracing them both at the same time. Anna laughed and tried to squirm away. “Oh not you don’t, brat!” I grabbed hold of her tightly, peppering her with big wet kisses as she laughed. Mom smiled as she unloaded the car.

“How are you feeling, honey? How’s Dane?” She asked, concerned.

“He’s good. Steffy is slowly talking, which is good.” I added. Mom shook her head sadly.

“It’s been all over the news.” She said, her voice laced with shock, and disbelief. I groaned.

It had been all over the news, and on the front page of every paper. Somehow, my name had managed not to pop up yet, but I was waiting for it. I felt like as soon as I let my guard down, hundreds of reporters would jump out of nowhere shouting questions about my dead sister.

Aaron assured me my name would not be released, but what if other people spoke out? Like Cole Chambers?

I showed Anna around the house, and mom seemed impressed that it looked a little more homely that it had when she was last here. After the grand tour, we sat down. Anna talked my ear off about school and sports, and her friends.