Tiffany's POV
I arrived at mum and dad's place at around six thirty, carrying my little Carvoodle pup, Brownie. I can't remember when I actually started calling Cain's parents mum and dad, whether it was because it was just easier then calling them, Greta and Darryl, or whether it was the fact that I'd been such a love struck puppy that I just assumed that I'd have the right to call them this by now. I sighed. Neither of them ever seemed upset about it, in fact the first time I called Greta, mum, it was a bit of a slip I think. The memory was a bit fuzzy. But I remember she started crying, then wrapped me in a death grip. It kind of went from there. It was a while ago. I looked up at the fading light, the moon was already visible in the sky as the sun was starting to fade, meanwhile the evening star was making its appearance already. It's been a long time, I've been with them since I was nearly thirteen. I was grateful to them for a lot of things.
Brownie started to squirm, knowing that he was only a short distance from all the cuddles, kisses and treats he could ever dream of. I gave the mutt a pat, while he licked my fingers in desperation and impatience. I just giggled.
"I'll miss you too, mutt". He just looked at me, his tongue getting whiplash, as he tried to reach my face. I doubted he cared, I'll have to put him on a diet when I get back home from how fat he will be. Greta loved baking him homemade pup treats of all shapes and sizes, and he could down a cookie jar full in one visit. Thanks to both Greta and Darryl sneaking them to him. He was well loved here.
Taking a few more steps towards the door, I paused when I seen I was caught in some headlights as a car pulled up next to mine in the driveway. It looked like a black mustang. I had to blink from the light in my eyes, but wasn't too surprised when they dimmed and I watched the tall, dark and not so mysterious Cain step out. I looked at the car, then at him. It goes to show he's flaunting money around. I felt like shaking my head and walking away. Each to their own, hell he must have worked for it, so why not.
"Hey Beautiful". He called out, jogging towards me. He was in the same type of well cut pants as he was at the office, only a dark-blue colour this time, with a casual blue shirt and black business jacket, that was open down the front and surprisingly no tie this time.
I snorted as he approached, kind of amused to think he used that pet name. Sounded weird after all these years. Yet I was more annoyed at how my heart almost stopped when he said it.
I turned and walked towards the door, not really in the mood for this. The last thing I wanted was for him to see me rattled by his appearance. Bad enough I'll be stuck with him for three months.
I searched for a distraction, to take my focus off Cains advancing frame. I smiled when I noticed that Darryl had already gotten a start on putting up the Christmas decorations. Every year, without fail, he would do the whole house and yard up, inside and out. He would enter into the annual Christmas light competition and would always dress up as Santa and hand out lollie pops to all the kids and their parents, on the light trail. This is when a lot of them would travel around Sydney and check out all the light displays on the circuit for the competition. He loved it though. He'd go up and offer lollipops through the car windows. When Greta was more lively she would dress up as Miss's Clause and help, but she had a fall a couple of years back and isn't as stable as she used to be. I tried to help last year by dressing up as an elf. Now that was an effort. I got hit up by at least five guys that night, including the inspector.
Cain reached me as I started to climb the three steps to the deck. Brownie was wiggling franticly, yapping excitedly. I ended up putting him down on the desk before I dropped the silly b***er. He zoomed to the front door, scratching impatiently like his life depended on it. I giggled, shaking my head in disbelief. Cain chuckled alongside me. I couldn't help taking a sideways glance at the man standing beside me. I still couldn't believe it.
The door swung open, sending Brownie into a bad case of the zoomies, as he tried to climb Greta's legs, causing me to wince. I felt Cain's unease beside me. He hadn't seen his mother in the last seven years. The women had severely aged in the last twelve months. She had taken a fall down these very steps one rainy day, causing her to crack her femur. She never did fully come back from it, she now gets around with a walking stick. It was definitely a shocker from how bouncy and full of life she was, but it doesn't stop her. Even now she was still trying to reach down and pick up Brownie. Thankfully Darryl came to her aid, he has been a godsend for her, he has kept her going all the way. Even with his visible aging he still barely stops. He picked up Brownie and handed the creature to Greta, steadying her as she abandoned her walking stick to snuggle the boisterous pup. Only looking up once he seen Greta steady herself with her stick again, as he went to greet me. He stopped. A look of stunned amazement and shock on his face, as tears seemed to well in his eyes. Greta looked up, showing a big smile on her face, making me realise that she must have known about the sudden visit.
I had to give him credit, he was trying not to be emotional. I was fighting it myself. Cain stepped forward, hesitantly before saying shakily.
"Hi Dad…" He was cut off as the old man stepped forward throwing his arms around his son's neck. Chuckling to try and cover up the stray tears. Greta was crying herself now as she tried to steadily hobble towards them. I used the moment to make a move to assist her, taking Brownie from her, and taking her arm. Earning myself a hug and a kiss on the cheek. Darryl finally released Cain, reaching out for his wife. Cain couldn't help but be dumbfounded by her appearance. I bet he had a lot of questions, thats for sure. Stepping forward he enveloped the women. I was sure I caught a glimpse of tears.
"Why didn't you tell me?" I caught the whispered question. So she had been in contact with him. She had never told me; but I guess I did stop asking.
"Oh baby, you had so much on, why would I bother you with a silly little inconvenience like this. Besides I have your father here and Tiff was a sweetheart. She insisted on getting some renovations done and she has a nurse come and check on me, she even has cleaners come every week to clean and wash for me. She's been a sweetheart". He looked in my direction and I seen him mouth 'Thank you'. I actually gave him a genuine smile this time. It was heart warming, even though he was still a jerk for leaving for so long.
Brownie was starting to get extra impatient by this time, and started yapping in annoyance, his tail wagging like mad.
"Yes, yes my baby, I know you want your granny's special biscuits. We will go now. Come on in kids, come have a seat". The women waved us in.
"Dad, can you stay with me a second, is that ok mum". Cain asked.
"Of cause sweetie, I'll be fine, I'll just get my other baby a biscuit". She was baby talking with Brownie in my arms at this point. I smiled.
"I'll go in with mum". I stated, earning a sided hug and kiss on the head from Darryl.
"Thanks baby". He stated turning back towards Cain and walking back towards the mustang.
I took Greta's arm as we walked inside, closing the door behind us.
"Oh sweetheart, you would not believe how happy I am to finally have my family all back together again". I smiled at the women, if only it wasn't so short lived..
"I wish you could get more time to enjoy it mum, but…" I cut off, I wonder how much she knows already. It was like she could read my mind.
"I know sweetheart, you and Cain both have to leave tomorrow. Hopefully we can do this again once you get home". I felt tears well up in my eyes, it would be the longest I'd been away from them since I moved in with them. Greta must have noticed my unshed tears. She steadied herself, slowly taking Brownie from my arms and releasing him to the lounge room floor. Then took my face in her hands.
"Sweetheart, we will be alright. You both have a job to do, I promise I'll be here waiting when you come home. This will always be your home". I lost them, I felt some tears shed. She wiped them away with her thumbs before pulling me into an embrace.
"Now come on, this is a happy occasion. Let's just enjoy the night ok. I went full out tonight with your dad's help we made a large rosemary roast lamb with roasted vegetables and salad, dinner rolls with garlic butter, and I even made some lemon tea cake with a side of homemade vanilla bean ice cream. But first…. We must get this puppy a biscuit he is starving. Honey don't you feed him at home". She stated the last of it laughing, making me chuckle as well. She patted me on the back one last time before hobbling away with her stick. I turned, hearing the door close gently. I hadn't noticed that the boys had entered the house. More than likely witnessing my moment of weakness. Darryl came bouncing over giving me a large hug, telling me.
"Everything will be alright squirt, cheer up. Mum has made a feast. I only went along because she said she had to feed you up, because you wouldn't get this homemade motherly cooking for a few months". I felt my lip tremble, so I hid it in his shoulder as I tried to compose myself. He gave me one last pat on the back before jogging off to find Greta. I went to move after them when I felt a hand grab my wrist and fling me towards them. I had no hope of getting out of that one. It shocked me to much. I landed in Cains strong arms, almost crushed in the embrace. I found myself holding my breath, this was unexpected.
"Please, just give me this moment…" He trailed off, as I listened to his unsteady breathing. I wasn't the only one trying to control my emotions today. I settled. He needed this moment. After all, what we once had ended a long time ago, so this could almost be classed as a brotherly sisterly hug maybe. Or thats what I want to believe. I was adopted by his parents after all.
He started to settle down. Which was good, I was starting to think I'd need a decent breath soon, I was already feeling light headed.
He finally pushed away, leaving his hands on my shoulders.
"Thank you for everything you have done for them, it means the world to me".
'It's fine Cain, they may not be my real parents, but to me they feel like it. I want to help them. I love them".
His eyes glistened with unshed tears. Leaning forward he caught me off guard again as he placed a kiss on my forehead. I was taken aback as he placed his forehead on mine, making me squint my eyes closed to try and control the growing redness in my cheeks. Thankfully he released me a moment later, stepping away from me and following his parents.
I just stood dumbfounded, my cheeks hot. Taking a moment to compose myself, I tried to steady my racing heart. A couple of soft slaps to the face to try and cool my redness and a moment to zen. Once cool, calm and collected again, I followed everyone else.