Page 107 of Silver Tears

I wrap my arms around her. Fuck! I didn’t know how much I needed this. I close my eyes and just soak up the peace I feel at having her here. When she gently pulls back, I want to ask to her to stay. I want to tell Mills I need her, but the words stick in my throat. She gives me one last sad smile before she leaves and walks away from me. I watch her every step until she disappears through the gates onto the street. She came. Even though I didn’t ask her to, she came. She knew how much I’d be hurting, and she was here.

MILLY

It’s been a week since I saw Seb at the cemetery. I’d debated whether or not to go. I wasn’t expecting him to be there when I arrived. I’d assumed everybody had left. When I saw him standing there, I wasn’t sure whether to quietly creep away, but then I saw his face. He looked so lost and alone and I couldn’t walk away. I hadn’t planned to hug him. It just happened. I knew he needed that hug. Holding him had been both heaven and hell. It hurt to be so close to him, but it felt good to touch him again. There was a small part of me that hoped he’d come after me or shout me back, but he didn’t. With every step I took away from him, my heart broke a little more. I’d convinced myself I was okay, that I’d get over him, but in truth, I don’t think I can.

I’ve just finished my shift at the work and grab my bag, then head back out into the café.

“Milly!” I jump in surprise when Charlie throws himself at me, wrapping his arms around my waist.

“Hey Chops. What are you doing here?” I ask him. I look up to see who he’s with and blink in surprise when I see its Vee. “Hey, Vee. Are you here with Charlie?”

She smiles at me and nods her head. “I am. Charlie and I are here to pick you up.”

“Okay,” I reply, wondering what on earth is going on. “Why?” I ask as she ushers me out of the café.

“All in good time,” she sings, grinning as she gestures to her car. “Hop on in.”

Chops walks alongside me, holding my hand and clutching his elephant. “What’s happening Chops?”

He shrugs his shoulders, clearly oblivious. I help him into the back and pause when I see the same car seat Seb bought for his car. I don’t ask. I help Charlie get buckled in and then climb into the front passenger seat.

“How are you?” Vee asks me cheerfully.

“Fine,” I reply, studying her face. What on earth is going on? “How are you?”

“Good. It’s been hard, but I’m doing okay,” she replies, and I nod my head at her in understanding. I want to ask her how Seb is, but I refrain.

I look out of the window trying to figure out where we’re going. This is all very odd. “Okay, Vee, what’s all this about?” I ask her, unable to keep it in any longer.

She chuckles at me, clearly finding my puzzlement funny. “Wait and see.” I look behind me at Charlie and he just bobs his shoulders and stares back out the window. He’s as in the dark as I am here.

“We’re going to the beach?” I ask when I notice her take the road that leads to the sandy cove. “It’s too cold for a beach day.” It really is, too. The cooler days are definitely settling in. She parks up at the small car park and hops out, not waiting for us. Sighing, I climb out of the car and get Chops out of his seat. When I turn around, Vee is dancing on her feet, rubbing her hands together. “Well, off you go!” She gestures towards the small path that leads down to the beach.

I look at the path and then back at her. “You’re not coming with us?”

She grins and shakes her head. “I’m just the taxi driver. Have fun and I’ll see you later. Bye Charlie!” She waves at him as she hops back in the car and starts the engine.

How strange!

“Well, come on Chops. Let’s see what this is all about.”

Charlie slips his hand into mine and we take the short path to the sandy beach. We come out onto the sand, and I pause in my steps when I see him. He’s standing there waiting for us, looking as delicious as always in his jeans and a hoodie.

“Seb!” Charlie squeals delightedly. He drops my hand and takes off running towards him.

Seb’s here! I look around the beach. There’s no one else here but the three of us.

“Bruno!” Charlie squeals excitedly, and it’s then I notice the dog beside Seb on a lead.

“Wait, what?” I look from the dog to Seb, confused. He’s distracted by Charlie as he ruffles his hair and talks to him.

My heart beats in my chest so hard that I think they may hear it across the Bay. What is he doing here and why does he have Bruno with him? Trying to compose myself, I walk over to the three of them. Charlie is kneeling down, giggling as Bruno licks his face, excited.

“Look Milly! It’s Bruno.” He’s bursting with excitement.

I feel Seb’s eyes on me, and I look up at him puzzled. “What’s going on? Why is Bruno with you?”

Seb smiles at me, that flirty, panty melting smile I’ve missed so much. “He’s here because I adopted him.”