Chapter 24

The yellow taxi pulled up in front of the huge, oh-so-familiar mansion belonging to Shadee’s grandmother. Even though nothing gave it away, the house’s air seemed to have changed considerably over the past few years, becoming a little gloom and not as warm as it used to be.



Without rushing, Sebastien paid the taxi driver, then proceeded to take out the luggage from the trunk.

‘Okay…you ready?’ Shadee smiled and shook her head in the direction of the front door.



Hardly had the young woman pushed open the door, that a big, red headed someone burst out of the house and almost made her fall backwards with the strength of his bounce.

‘Caleb!’ Shadee gasped for air, stretching a hand to ruffle the teenager’s head ‘Wow! Look at you! Look how tall you got!’

She took a step backwards to eye him carefully from head to foot. The almost fourteen year-old boy was grinning widely at his beloved “niece”. It was incredible how he had grown over the past months since they had last seen each other.



‘Shadee! Seb! I missed you guys!’ Caleb’s voice was significantly deeper and manlier ‘Grandma told me you two are going to stay here until you find a place of your own. That’s going to be so great!’



They all entered the living room. The place hadn’t actually changed at all. A wonderful smell drafted from the kitchen, making Shadee’s stomach grumble loudly.

‘Surprise!’ Shadee gave her grandmother a peck on the cheek and squeezed her tightly before examining her as well.

Comparing to Caleb who had literarily bloomed, Gypsy had withered considerably. It was the same change that had destroyed Menas at the early stages of his illness: deep wrinkles creasing her once smooth face, hair thinner and much whiter than the last time. Her bright green eyes were still warm and loving though, making Shadee feel welcome after all.



‘Ah, I’m glad to see you two love birds have arrived safe and sound.’ the old lady smiled and gave them both a big hug ‘I’m almost finished with dinner, so just give me a few minutes. You’ve got enough time to take a shower and freshen up.’



They carried their suitcases upstairs to Shadee’s old room and were delighted to feel the wonderful smell of freshly changed sheets and general cleanliness. Sebastien took out some clean clothes out of his bag and rushed to the bathroom, leaving Shadee to enjoy the return to her home.



The departure from her room seemed so distant, so many things had happened in-between; but being there at that moment made her feel as if only a few seconds had passed.

Dinner was spent in a very comfortable manner. Gypsy inquired about their plans for the future and offered to give them the necessary money for purchasing a house, but they both refused.

‘I really couldn’t do that, Mrs. Evans!’ Sebastien shook his head ‘Me and Shadee talked about this several times and we’ve got a very clear plan of what to do.’



‘Yeah, gran! We wouldn’t be able to take your money!’



The old lady waved the words away with a sway of her hand.



‘Nonsense! I’ve got enough money to live one hundred years from now without any problems! But I can see you’re too stubborn to accept that. I insist though that you accept this offer of mine: promise to let me borrow you the money for the house once you find a suitable one and you’ll give it back to me in monthly rates, or something similar.’

Shadee smiled and nodded, giving Sebastien’s hand a tight, loving squeeze over the table.



‘In the meantime, you are forbidden to leave the house!’ Gypsy winked, giving both Seb and Shadee another plateful of food.