Fractured Minds (Rebels of Sandland 3)

“I wouldn’t be so sure.”

“Oh, come on. They’re cool.”

I debated saying no to her again. Emily’s parents hated Ryan, although that was a mutual feeling. And Harper’s parents still disliked Brandon, even though they were about to have the twins. Why would Effy’s parents be any different? I wouldn’t want my daughter around a guy like me.

But as much as I wanted to turn around and walk away, avoiding any awkward parental interrogation, I couldn’t. Just this once, I wanted to say yes to her and surprise her.

“Fine. But I can’t stay long and don’t expect me to make conversation. I’m––”

“A quick hello will be fine,” she added to put me at ease. “Then you can come to my room and I’ll show you my memories.”

I smirked. I couldn’t help it. The deviant part of me was hoping she’d show me more than just memories.

Cautiously, I stepped into her hallway and her dog rushed towards me, jumping up as I tried to stroke her.

“Luna, get down,” Effy scolded. “I’m sorry, she’s a husky. They can get a bit hyper when they’re excited. She always has way too much energy. She likes you though.”

“She’s beautiful,” I said, petting her and crouching to her level to give her more fuss.

I didn’t mind pets. I loved dogs. In fact, I preferred animals to humans half the time. Stroking Luna gave me something to do, distracting me from my racing thoughts.

“It’s through here.” Effy walked down the hallway and called out for me to follow her. As I walked, Luna came too, trailing me like a trusty shadow, my new found protector.

Effy’s house was the complete opposite of mine. The cream carpets were so soft your feet sunk into them. Ours was threadbare and filthy. Walking down her hallway, you could feel the warmth coming from the radiators. Ours were old and never on long enough to make a difference to the overall temperature of the house. This was a family home, full of light and love. Ours was a building to house people who didn’t give a fuck about anyone other than themselves.

“Mum, Dad, this is Finn.”

I stopped at the doorway to the living room and glanced nervously inside. Effy’s mum was sitting on the sofa with her legs up, resting them on the dad’s lap, and he was massaging her feet as they watched some documentary on Netflix. When he heard Effy introduce me, he paused the show and turned to look at me, but he didn’t scowl like I’d expected. He beamed and then his smile grew wider as he looked to his wife before glancing back at me and saying, “Hey there, Finn. I’m Steve.” He slid her feet to the side and got up off the sofa, extending his arm out to shake my hand. “It’s nice to meet you.”

I shook it, worried that my grip wasn’t firm enough and he’d think I wasn’t good enough for his daughter.

Effy’s mum jumped up next and came over to shake my hand too.

“I’m Jenny, Jen. It’s so nice to meet you, Finn. We’ve heard a lot about you. You’re the artist, right? Effy has shown us a few of your drawings. You’re very talented. Did you make that rose there?” She pointed at the paper rose still clutched in Effy’s hand.

I nodded, but Effy replied.

“He did. Isn’t it amazing? He used the pages of a Harry Potter book.”

Her mum took the rose off her to get a better look as her dad raised his brows at me as if to say, ‘Nice touch.’

“You could make a whole bouquet of these,” her mum said. “My friends would go crazy to buy them. What a fantastic idea.”

I stuttered over my words. I didn’t want her to think I was some genius, taking credit where it wasn’t due.

“That wasn’t my idea. I saw it online. I’m not that clever.”

“You made it, so it’s yours. Don’t put yourself down,” her mum added. “I’ve seen your work, remember? I know all about your originality. You’re a skilled and talented artist. Own it.” Her mum narrowed her eyes at me, but not in an offensive way. More to encourage me not to argue with her. She liked it and that was all there was to it. “Can I get you a drink?” she asked, smiling and instantly lightening the mood.

“No, its fine. I’m okay.” I didn’t trust myself with a glass. I’d probably end up spilling it all over their pristine cream carpets. But then looking at how excited they seemed to be to meet me, I doubted that they’d care. Not like my mum would’ve.

“I wanted to show Finn some of the stuff I’ve collected up in my room. Is that okay?” I stiffened as she spoke. I couldn’t believe Effy would go there. I’d expected her to bring it down to the living room. In all honesty, I’d thought she was joking when she suggested I go to her room when we were outside. Her parents were not going to like that, and they sure as hell wouldn’t like me anymore if they thought I was trying to get a free pass into their daughter’s bedroom. But I was knocked for six when her dad grinned back and then shrugged to his wife.

“Sure. I don’t see why not.” He patted me on the arm and sat back down. “It’s nice seeing you, Finn. You’re welcome here any time.”

“Thank you.” I bowed my head like I was addressing royalty.

They actually liked me. Probably more so than my own