Page 117 of Destined Lovers

On the way to his house, Declan gave me some information about his mam dying and how he now lives with his elderly nan. He failed to inform me that the nan was a hoarder and severely overweight, making it almost impossible for her to move. The place was covered with soot, and you could barely breathe. I asked Declan if we could wait outside, unable to take the stench any longer. Not wanting to be disrespectful to Archie. It’s still his home.

The second the back door opened, and Archie stepped outside, I knew I would love this kid. The way his face lit up when he saw Declan will be etched in my heart forever.

He probably doesn’t have many people in his life to look up to, so I’m grateful Dec is there for him, but there has to be more we can do to help.

I don’t even mean his living conditions. Declan says he doesn’t do well in school, and he’s starting to hang around the bad kids. I hate the thought of it. Something deep inside me wants to help him succeed.

You know when you meet someone, and you just instantly can feel deep down that they’re good people? That’s Archie. I don’t know what it was about him, but I wanted to squeeze and cuddle him so hard and never let him go.

Maybe it was the questions he asked Declan, how he was genuinely interested in what was going on. He asked about Maeve and how Declan’s work was going.

What thirteen-year-old cares about an adult’s work life?

Archie, that’s who.

Every time Declan answered, Archie’s eyes would widen in awe as if Declan was saying the most profound thing ever. Their interaction seems so natural, like they were always supposed to meet.

He asked me about Ireland and told me how he wants to visit one day. Ultimately, he said his dream trip is to travel somewhere with animals. He doesn’t care where.

Elephants in Thailand, The Australian Outback, or the safari in Africa. It didn’t matter. They were all a dream to him.

Declan better take this kid somewhere one day, or I will seriously hurt him. What good is it to have millions of dollars if you can’t make the people around you happy?

I’m not saying moneymakesyou happy, but let’s face it, it doesn’t hurt. Archie would be glad to see the animals. Unfortunately, to see the animals, you need money.

It killed me to leave him. I don’t know how Declan does it every week.

As we were saying our goodbyes, the mood changed in an instant. It was worse than walking into that dirt-filled house. Archie looked up at Declan and turned on a mask of hatred.

I didn’t understand what was happening until I turned left and noticed a group of no-good kids coming our way. Archie’s look was for survival.

Declan said the kids amped up their bullying when he started coming around. He usually likes to stay in the house, so the neighborhood kids don’t see him coming and going, or they go out for lunch or dinner. So, of course, I wanted to kick myself for making us stay outside. Next time I’ll have to suck it up.

The car ride is still uncomfortably quiet, and It’s killing me not to say anything. I can’t imagine it bothering Declan, as he can sit in silence for hours, thinking. Not me. This silence is going to drive me mad.

He must sense my turmoil, so he blindly reaches over, grabs my hand, and tries to pull it toward his lap, but I snatch it back, not wanting the connection. We need to talk about Archie, and I can’t have his touch distracting me.

“Nora,” he sighs. “I know you’re upset. Don’t you think I’m doing everything I can? He’s not family, and he’s not in danger.”

“Not in danger?” I squeal. “He’s going to die from ingesting all those fumes!” Maybe notdie,but I’m sure he could get sick.

I glance over to gauge his expression to my outburst, and his face is pinched in annoyance.

He taps his finger along the steering, and I can see the cogs working.

“It surprises me you think so little of me,” he spits in a sharp tone I don’t recognize.

“Declan, you have to see where I’m coming from.”

“You don’t think it kills me inside each and every time I leave him in that house? Of course, it does!” he roars.

I stay silent, still shocked. I was wrong. This is affecting him way more than I thought.

Declan manages to keep his thoughts in easier than I do, and I mistakenly took that as he didn’t care.

“I’ve sent a cleaning crew multiple times. His nan turned them away every time, saying she doesn’t need the help. I snuck them in once to clean Archie’s room, and soon after, I taught him how to clean it himself.

“I gave him lessons on personal hygiene and bought him all new clothes. I buy them healthy food every week, and I’ve offered, on many occasions, to get them a new home in a different neighborhood so that Archie can get a better education. His nan refuses to move, I can’t force them,” Declan grits, practically out of breath. He’s so worked up, but he doesn’t stop there.

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