A couple of months later, I was released and could go home. Even though I didn’t have a home to go to, more than half my share from the farm was spent on the hospital bills, I was still happy to finally be able to lave. I still had to use the walking cane, but in a few more weeks I could get rid of it. Coming outside, I smiled. My old, beat up Shelby was parked just outside the entrance to the hospital.

Clive, Justin, and Nicholai were leaning against it, waiting on me. Looking around, I sighed deeply. Shay was nowhere to be found. I guess he was still upset over our last conversation. I wasn’t really sorry over what I had said to him that day, I had every right to be mad at him and Nicholai. Nicholai and I had since made amends with each other, but I hadn’t seen Shay since that day. I shook my head, it didn’t matter. The others were here, and that was enough for me.

I smiled as each of them walked up to me and gave me a hug, as well as telling me they were glad I could finally leave. Clive was the last one and kept his arm wrapped around my shoulders. “ My brother wanted me to apologize to you for his not being here. He’s still in the middle of finishing a deal.” My brow creased slightly. “ What type of a deal?” Clive smiled as he opened the passenger side door for me. “ You’ll see shortly.” As he helped me into the seat, Nicholai and Justin said their good byes. “ Where are you going?” They both smiled. “ You’ll see.” Was all they said as they turned and began walking away.

“ The three of you are acting very suspiciously. Do I even want to know what you’re up to?” I asked when Clive got behind the wheel. “ You probably do, but I’m not going to tell you.” He started the car, then began pulling away from the curb, before the car died. He sighed deeply and stared at me as I started laughing. “ It seems my baby doesn’t like you.” He shook his head as he started the car again. “ I think you need a new baby.” I shook my head. “ I’m not giving up this car. My father gave it to me a week before he was killed.” Clive was quiet for a moment, before saying: “ Then you should at least put it in the shop and get it fixed.” I sighed.

“ I doubt I’ll have the money to fix it. Almost all my share went into the hospital bills and I still need to find an apartment. I won’t be able to take on another job for at least half a year still.” “ I know, Gale. Would you be upset at me if I offered to get it fixed for you?” “ Yes.” “ Why? I only want to help.” “ Because, I don’t like hand outs.” Clive smiled slightly. We were quiet after that. I was lost to my thoughts and figured he was back to scheming whatever it was he was up to.

An hour later, he pulled into the driveway of a large house. “ Where are we?” Clive didn’t answer as he shut off the car and got out. He hurried around to my side and opened the door. He then helped me out of the car. “ Clive, where are we?” “ You’ll see in a moment.” I have to admit, I was quite curious about his mood. I don’t think I’ve ever seen him like this before. He smiled as he helped my around the car and up the path to the front door.

The door was opened and he ushered me inside, before I could protest. He then led me through the house and out the back door into a garden. Shay was in the garden, sitting on a bench near a small cod pond. He smiled and stood when he noticed we were approaching him. At seeing him, I felt like turning around and leaving this place. I guess I still felt ire at him for never visiting me while I was injured. “ He wants to talk with you alone, so I’ll see you later, Gale.” Clive tightened his grip around my shoulders for a moment, before releasing me and walking back into the house.

“ What is this all about, Shay?” I asked as I sat beside him on the bench. Once I was seated, he sat back down. Then watched the cod swimming around for a few moments. “ Do you like the house?” “ I really didn’t pay attention to it as your brother ushered me through it. Why?” I had originally planned on buying a place for Clive and me, but after our last talk I’ve been trying to think of a way to make amends with you.” I sighed as I leaned back against the bench and looked around.

The house sat on several acres and was quite large. It was two stories at least, with an attic. My attention shifted back to the garden. It was quite large itself; it seemed to take up an entire acre alone. “ Is this place not a little large for just you and Clive?” “ Yes, it is. But I didn’t buy it for just him and me.” I stared at him for a moment, before groaning and bringing a hand up to rub at my eyes. Everything made sense now.

Sighing, I asked: “ Don’t you think we argue enough already, without living with each other? It’s only going to get worse, with us having to see each other day after day.” He smiled slightly. “ You don’t have to stay after you get back on your feet if you don’t want to. I just know you need a place to recuperate, and don’t have much money left.” “ I have to admit, the garden is lovely.” Shay’s smiled brightened. “ I remember a long time ago you said you loved gardens and always wanted to have one of your own.” “ Are you trying to buy me off with a garden?” “ Did it work?” I smiled slightly, as I shook my head. “ No.” “ Well, I tried. Guess I’ll have to think of something else.”

Shay leaned back against the bench and plopped his feet out before him, thinking. I was quiet as I looked around at the garden. Roses grow in the distance; I loved roses. In a few moments, Shay turned to face me. “ What if I offer to fix your Shelby?” My smile brightened. “ Clive already offered to fix it.” I tried not to laugh as his eyes closed in defeat. “ Damn him, he always ruins my plans.” I couldn’t help but to laugh then. He opened his eyes with a slight smile. “ Will you stay with us?” I nodded. “ I’ll stay as long as I can handle it.” The smile brightened as he pulled me into a tight hug.

Still holding onto me, he asked: “ Are we good now?” I smiled as I pulled away from him. “ Not yet.” He nodded as he stood, then held out his hand to help me up. “ Come on, I’m sure the others are inside anxiously awaiting your decision.” I took his hand and allowed him to help me to my feet. His arm was wrapped around my shoulders as he escorted me back to the house. My smile broadened; this was going to be very interesting. I kind of felt bad for Clive though.