Chapter 27 - boxes

Amelia's POV:

"Are you sure that you don't need help? Dad can get a bit over the top when it comes to lifting things in the presence of another male," i say, Becca already laughing in agreement with me next to me.

Zack laughs lightly; a good sound, a happy sound that i believe is genuine. "No, my love, i think we've got it. There should only be a few more boxes left anyway now," he says, stopping by the sofa to kiss me on the forehead. 

He leaves to collect some more of my boxes, and i feel Becca turn to me as soon as we can't see him in the doorway anymore. 

"So, how is he doing?" Becca asks gently, taking my hand in hers.

I smile at her, knowing that i can't bullshit her because she was Zackary's friend since primary and they know everything about eachother. "It's going well, i think. He's- you know, self harming a lot less."

Becca nods, "are you sure? Because i used to not know when he was doing it. Couldn't notice the differences in behaviours for a long time, he hid it so well."

"No, i don't know for sure, but i trust him enough to tell me if it's getting bad again. Plus i can see it on him."

Becca's fingers still in mine. "You're seen him without a long sleeve on?"

I laugh, "Becca we're living together, i'm literally moving in! Of course i've seen him without a long sleeve on!"

But Becca pulls a face, shaking her head. "No, Amelia. You don't understand. I have known Zack for my whole life, and not once have i seen him without a long sleeve shirt on. Even when we went swimming. Even when we went on overnight school trips. Never."

"Oh," i say, my brows furrowing slightly.

"He must really trust you," Becca states simply, looking at me with an expression i can't place. 

"Yeah, i'd hope so. I trust him." I find myself saying it before i can think, and then i realise that i do actually mean it. I trust him again. 

"Have you looked, though? I mean really looked? I saw his legs once when he was getting changed and it made me cry. I was thinking about it for days. I just want you to be prepared for if you do really look," She says softly, her eyes shining. 

I nod, "i haven't properly looked, no. I am scared to, i admit. I know that he is getting better, but it hurts me to even think about him doing that to himself."

"I know what you mean, that's how i felt when i saw. But that was like when i saw your injuries from a couple of years ago, Am, i wanted to undo everything bad that had ever happened to you, but i couldn't, because we just have to accept that some things cannot be altered. Scars will always remain within you, and within Zack, even if he stops cutting himself. He will never be the same person as he was when he picked up the razor for the first time, and nor will you be the same person as you were when that disgusting man started to destroy you. Amelia, you are whole, and so is Zack. You just need care and patience, like one of Zack's plants."

I nod, smiling. "You always know what to say."

Becca giggle softly. "It's because i'm gay, i have the art of being able to be a brilliant therapist without any sort of licencing."

I join in her laughing as my dad and Zack come into the flat, closing the door behind them.  

"What's all this giggling for, ladies," my dad says, smiling as he stands next to Zack comfortably. They look at ease around eachother, which makes me smile. 

"Oh, nothing. Just a bit of sister banter," i say, wiping my eyes with my fingers. 

Becca slaps me lightly on the thigh, "right, time dad and i left, i reckon. Leave these two lovebirds to do what people who just moved in together do." Becca smiles and winks at me, hyperbolising the action to the point where i burst out laughing again. 

"But i do need a hand getting up off this sofa. I'm far too many weeks and months and years along to do this by myself," She says, gesturing to her heavily pregnant stomach. 

I get up and make my way around so i'm standing infront of her, watching my sister put her swollen feet onto the ground and scooch to the edge of the sofa. She puts her ringed fingers into my hands and i pull her up slowly. She groans and laughs.

"How many weeks left, Becca?" I say. Even though her stomach is big, she has managed to maintain her style; she wears a light blue maxi sundress that billows majestically around her feet, making her look cool in an effortless sort of way. 

"Three weeks. Three long weeks, unfortunately.  Wifey wants this babino out of me as much as i do, i think. She's got me drinking raspberry leaf tea, eating curries, giving me extra orgasms in the hope that this bugger will decide it's time to exit château de Rebecca," she says, rubbing her back and grimacing slightly. 

My dad clears his throat, "and in light of that conversation topic, we will definitely be taking our leave," he says with a smile.

Becca kisses me on the cheek and gives me a side hug. "Love you, Am. Keep going, and look, but be strong," she whispers into my ear. I nod, a silent promise that i will. 

My dad pulls me into a hug, wrapping his arms around me and squeezing tight as he used to do when i was a child. "I love you, and am proud of you for how far you've come. You call me if this fucker ever lays a hand on you, and i swear to God i will come and chop o-"

"Okayy! Let's go now, Dad, shall we?" Becca says loudly, to cover what my dad's still saying to me. He lets go and a just laugh, and see that Zack's laughing too, which makes me feel less guilty. 

"Yes, yes, coming," He says, looping my sister's arm into his to keep her my his side. They walk out of the door, offering goodbyes to Zack, who stands patiently holding the door open for them. 

I walk to the door and we both wave until they're gone down the stairs. Zack closes the door, and immediately turns to me. 

"So, Amelia. What do newly moved in together couples do?"He says with a cheeky grin.