Final Footsteps (Running Series Finale)

Chapter 41: Tearful goodbyes, smiling hello's

Song for chapter is Heart of Stone by Six

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It was 8am. I sat up and rubbed my eyes yawning. Keane was lying on his front, hugging the pillow,

"Baby we need to get up, we've got an hour before we leave," I said gently, kissing between his shoulder blades.

"That's plenty of time," he mumbled rolling over and kissing me.

...

"Morning," We said coming into the kitchen,

"Morning," Eliah said,

"Where's Mum and Forrest?" I asked,

"They've popped out, will be back soon,"

"Where's Torah?" Keane asked, he loved her so much.

"In her Moses basket in the sitting room" He headed in,

"Hello my little gorgeous angel," I heard him say picking her up for a cuddle.

"Are you packed?" Eliah asked as we came into the room,

"Yes, good to go," I answered, kissing my sister in Keane's arms,

"Take her whilst I take my tablets," He said,

"You know you need to eat before you take them," I told him, holding my baby sister in my arms and smiling at her,

"I'll bite an apple," he retorted.

Mum and Forrest came back, went and hid something, a present no doubt and we made sure we had stuff for Torah before we headed out the door,

"Where did you say we were going again?" I asked. We couldn't all fit in the car so we were walking.

"You don't need to walk, it's literally a 3 minute drive, Forrest will drop me and Eliah off and then come back for you," Mum said,

"Mum, honestly, we'll walk,"

"I'll walk with them, make sure we get there," Eliah said, "We'll meet you there,"

10 minutes later after a much needed breath of fresh air, we got to the Green Owl Café and Deli. Mum had called yesterday so we found them sat at a large oak table, Torah asleep in her pram.

We glanced at menus. I had a feeling Keane wasn't hungry,

"Hey, you okay?" I whispered,

"I feel sick," he answered, I was horrified, mainly because he didn't just say he was fine.

"We can go back," there was no point in Keane feeling like shit and making it worse knowing we have a long day ahead of us.

"It's probably because I took my tablets with a few apple bites, sure I'll feel better once I've eaten,"

"If you're sure?" he nodded. I wasn't entirely convinced.

"All okay?" Jen asked,

"Yes Mum,"

I could tell Keane was struggling to choose something, so I ordered him a bacon butty, and myself an eggs benedict, he smiled at me.

"I'm sad to see you both go," Mum said, "It's been wonderful having you home with me,"

"I'd loved every minute of it Mum," I answered, and I really did. I had honestly forgotten how much Mum meant to me, how close I was to her growing up and how much I missed her.

"We'll be back soon Jen, for another visit and then for good," Keane said, her eyes lit up,

"I know you mentioned it before but, is this really a possibility?" Mum asked,