Save Her by Abigail Osborne (i can read books .txt) 📕

into this house demonstrated a depth of their connection. It showed her that he genuinely understood the gaping hole left by her parents’ death.

Flora had never had closure; it didn’t help that the person who killed her parents was never caught. Sam had recognised that she felt that living in this house would help restore her connection to her family. So, when she had asked him what he wanted to do, he’d merely wrapped her in his arms and asked where he needed to sign. She had never loved him more than in that moment.

Flora turned into Sophie’s hug and then stood back so she could look her friend in the eye. ‘I’ve thought about it, Soph, non-stop. But I feel closer to them here. I think they would want me to be here. To remember them and restore this house and make it a home again.’

Sophie looked away quickly but not before Flora saw the tears in her eyes. Sophie had always seemed to share Flora’s loss keenly. All those nights she had cried on Sophie’s shoulder when the grief overcame her, Sophie would hold her and cry with her. Although Sophie’s mother hadn’t died Flora knew that Sophie grieved for the mother she should have had. The one who wouldn’t try to convince her to steal bottles of wine from the shops. Sophie didn’t even know who her dad was. At least Flora had precious memories of being loved by her parents. In some ways, Sophie had it worse out of the two of them.

‘But we’ve always been by each other’s side. This is all the way across town. What if you need help and I’m not able to get here in time?’

Flora grinned. Sophie was so overprotective. ‘Oh, Soph, don’t be so dramatic. Why would I need help?’ She grabbed her hands and pulled a funny face. ‘Is the bogey man going to get me?’

Sophie’s face paled. Flora pulled her into a hug, concerned. ‘Sophieeee, I’m all grown up now. A married lady, even! I’m not that little fourteen-year-old girl with the psycho-aunt anymore. I’ll be fine and so will you. This is a good thing.’

Sophie pushed her away gently, not hiding her tears anymore. ‘But what about me? You’re leaving me alone with the Dragon Lady.’

The sick feeling in her stomach flared at these words. It was their friendship that made Cecelia bearable. Without Flora next door, they would no longer be sharing the burden of being an inappropriate wife as evenly. Sophie would get the full force of Cecelia’s resentment. But the pull of this house where her parents had lived and breathed was overpowering. Plus, Flora reminded herself, Sophie was the only one who could stand up to Cecelia.

‘I’m sorry, Soph. I’ve got to do this. It is time to move forward. Me and Sam are ready to start a family and I want to do that here. Somewhere I know that Cecelia can’t breeze through the door whenever she wants. Please understand.’

Sophie’s shoulders slumped with what appeared to be resignation. ‘I do. I do understand. Ignore me. I’m just going to miss you, that’s all.’ She pulled Flora into another hug. ‘Come on then, give me the rest of the tour.’

16

Sitting on rusty garden furniture in the back garden, Sophie had to admit that she could see why Flora wanted to live here. Without Pauline’s ominous presence the house seemed to have reverted to what it once was before a dark and evil soul inhabited it.

Flora had practically floated around the house talking ten to the dozen about all the changes to be made and once she had breathed life back into the place it was evident that it would be a proper home.

Sophie had never had a proper home. The closest she had come was the one-bedroom studio flat she had shared in university with Flora. They were both so excited to have their own place away from Pauline and Sophie’s mother, Lily. It prevented them from noticing the mould on the walls that triggered Flora’s allergies most nights. It stopped them from moaning when they had no money for the heating and had to wear most of their clothes to stop their teeth from chattering. It was not a proper home in the traditional sense, but it was the best she ever had.

There wasn’t anything she wouldn’t give to have the vision that Flora was painting for her. Flora and Sam living in this house, raising their children together. Flora pushing her little girl on a swing set whilst Sam kicked a ball around with their son.

Pain lanced through Sophie’s chest as she remembered, once again, that she would never have that. Greg had seen to that. Just another sacrifice she had made. Flora did not know the half of it.

Flora believed that the future she had always wanted was within her grasp. But she did not know what Sophie knew. There were no ‘happily ever afters’ when you were married to a Cavendish. A flash of anger pulsed through her causing her hands to shake. She got up and went to the bathroom before Flora could notice. Did Flora walk around with her eyes closed? Did she not realise what type of people the Cavendishes were? Did Cecelia’s never-ending assault not make her question what type of people she was tied to?

Did she really think that the powerful Cavendish family were going to let a member of their family make their own decisions on where they lived and what they did? She wanted to tell Flora everything she knew, explain the danger that they were both in; tell her that announcement had been the final straw that broke the donkey’s back. For so long Sophie had been holding their world together to ensure Flora and Sam were happy. But it was out of her control now. The tide had turned, and all Sophie could do was find a way to make sure Flora was not swept away. She needed