Always (Next Generation The Skulls 1)

“You helped Darcy,” Lexie said.

“We’re close. Most of the time. Not recently. What she went through was tough, you know. I remember feeling so helpless nearly all of the time. I know this is going to be hard on everyone. Darcy got tired of people treating her like she was sick.” She laughed even as tears filled her eyes. “I never did. I always treated her the same and she needed that.”

Lexie was crying now. “Thank you, Tabitha. I don’t—this is going to be tough without everything. Simon is going to need you.”

“And I’m going to be here for him and for you. I promise.”

“You know, this brings back a memory, but not like you think.” Lexie sighed.

“What kind of memory?” She was curious.

“Oh, it was when Simon was little. He wanted to learn how to bake chocolate chip cookies for you.” Lexie chuckled. “I put out three whole cups of chocolate chips, and you know what, he ate them all. He had chocolate at the corners of his mouth. It was so cute.” She laughed. “Wow, I haven’t thought about that. I know this is of no relation to that time. Just one of those memories.”

“I love it,” Tabitha said.

She finished cutting the garlic bread and piled it high up on a plate. “Come on, let’s get you and all of this to the table.” She carried the tray to the table while also being ready to help Lexie.

“I think I’m going to enjoy having more help,” Lexie said.

Returning to the kitchen, she swiped at her cheeks to make sure there were no tears. She wasn’t here to cause more trouble.

Taking the pasta to the table, she offered a smile and left Devil to dish them all out some food. This was like being back at home. Already on the first day, she was missing home. The comfort of it.

Picking up her fork, she ate her food and tried not to think about everything happening around her. Devil took the time with each kid, asking them about school. This was the first time she’d seen him as a family man, especially this up close and personal.

Laughter filled the table.

Once the meal was finished, she helped clean the table and do the dishes before heading upstairs to shower and go to bed. Simon had whispered he’d be in as his dad wanted to have another talk with him.

With her hair wrapped up in a towel, she called Daisy. Her best friend’s face appeared on the screen.

“It’s about time you called me. I was starting to worry.”

“Sorry. I was going to call.”

“How is it?”

“It’s … fine.”

“I know that voice.”

“Really, it’s fine. Everyone is happy and I think they’re just trying to get through each day, you know?”

“I bet. It must suck with everything.”

She nodded. “I miss you.”

“I miss you too. How is Lexie?”

“She’s fine. She had a dizzy spell while we were in the kitchen. I helped her the best way I can, but I don’t even know if it’s enough, you know? What am I doing here, Daisy?”

“You’re being the best damn friend and girlfriend a person could be. You’re not there for yourself, you’re there to help Simon. Let’s face it, we know you’re only there for him.”

She chuckled. “I am, but I like Lexie as well. I want to help her.”

“You will. You always know what to do.”

“I hope so,” Tabitha said. “You will not believe what happened when I got here. Devil took me to his office and he laid some ground rules down.”

“He didn’t?”

“Yep. He’s worried Simon and I are having sex. I would love to know when our parents think we have the time to actually have sex. It must be nice to be a grownup.”

Daisy laughed. “I miss you. School is going to suck royally without you.”

“I know. I’ll be back soon. This isn’t permanent. Just helping out as best as I can.”

“What if it is, you know, permanent?”

Tabitha shook her head. “Not happening. I know my parents wouldn’t be happy about me staying here all the time.” She sighed. “It’s what I’ve got to do though.”

“I’m sure Luke is missing you,” Daisy said.

“Don’t even start with all of that. How is Anthony?” Tabitha asked.

Daisy rolled her eyes.

“You’re going to have to understand that you can’t hide away from that for much longer.”

“Nothing is going on and you keep on mentioning it.”

“Seriously, Daisy, how can you not see that Anthony has the biggest crush on you? He has for as long as I’ve known him.”

“I’m going to hang up now.”

“Does it make you uncomfortable?” Tabitha asked.

“I … I think you’re wrong. Look, I’ve got to go. Dad’s calling me.”

“You’re lying.”

The line went dead and Tabitha blew out a breath.

“I think she’s uncomfortable.”

She jumped and looked up to see Simon had snuck into her room.

“Do I need to put a bell on you?” she asked.