Page 64 of Second Chances

“Is that our grandad?” Sophie appears at my side.

“Yes.” I tuck her under my arm. I promised Grayson I’d look after her and make sure she doesn’t get too stressed or emotional.

“He looks normal. A bit harsh but normal.” She looks up at the painting with shock on her face.

“What did you expect him to look like?”

“I don’t know…the devil? Yes, I definitely thought he’d have horns.”

I laugh at her suggestion.

“You can’t see his long forked tail in this picture, but personality wise, he had a resemblance.”

“I didn’t think it was possible for me to hate someone I‘ve never known, until now.”

“He’s not worth your hate, little sister.”

“He’s certainly not.” James steps up beside us. “Dad?” he calls our father over. “Can we get this thing down?” He points up at the painting.

“Of course.”

“I’ll do it,” I tell James, not wanting him to hurt his arm any further.

Reaching up, I manage to take the picture from the hook and pull it down.

“What shall we do with it?” I question as my mother kneels down in front of the picture.

She reaches out and sends her fist straight through it before saying, “We’ll bury it in the garden along with our memories of him. There’ll be no more sadness. As soon as we get Elena back with us, this will become a family home once more. Filled with laughter and happiness.”

“It’ll need a complete overhaul on the decoration,” James adds. I can see my brother making plans already. I maybe Lord Braybrooke-North, but this will be a home for all of us, and I couldn’t be happier. All I need now is Elena.

Chapter Twenty-Nine

Elena

“Elena, over here.” Amy waves frantically at me as I emerge from the front door of the rehab center. Ryan had been due to come and get me. However, I was told this morning there’d been a change of plans. It left me a little on edge, but I’m glad it’s Amy who’s come instead. I owe her the biggest apology ever.

“Hey.” I greet her with a warm embrace.

“You look amazing.” She stands back and looks me up and down.

I’m finally back to the weight I was pre the accident and feel happy…normal.

“Is Ryan ok?” I ask, hoping he hasn’t sent her because he’s decided I’m not worth the trouble. He’s been writing to me over the last few weeks, and he’s told me of his inheritance and how sorting out the house is a mammoth task.

“He’s stuck at the house. He was furious he couldn’t be here, but I’m glad I got to come for you instead.”

Amy sounds as though she’s about to launch into a sermon, so I interrupt her.

“I’m sorry, for taking the money. I wouldn’t blame you if you hate me and don’t want to know me anymore. I can’t believe, looking back, I did it. It’s horrible and showed a complete lack of respect given everything you’ve done for me.”

“Hush.” Amy places her finger to my lips. “Not even going there, Elena. An apology is enough. You were a different person then. Consumed by addiction. You weren’t making sensible decisions. That’s all changed now, and I have my best friend back.”

“You really forgive me?”

“Of course. No hesitation. You still have a job as well, if you want it?”

I bite my lip. I did a lot of thinking while conquering my addiction. There wasn’t much else to do.

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