SAGE novel Chapter 22

Sage Miller

Monday morning the bags were packed, flight book. Zac drove us to the airport and of course Wren tagged along.

I'd flatter myself and say she couldn't get enough of me but she was her for Eve and I really couldn't blame her though, my sister is hard not to love or get attached to her, ask Styles.

"Call me if you don't feel comfortable or you just wanna leave. I'll book you a flight or just come get you myself." She instructed as she inspected Eve.

She had confessed to me that she was worried about Eve's mental stability. I agreed with her. I was also worried.

"Ok mom, I think she gets it." Zac chuckled as he got his Wren off Eve.

"I also wanna say goodbye to her." I loved how they all fussed over her.

I wasn't jealous or envious. I was just happy she had more people that cared about her as much as I am because let's face it. I'll die before I reach 20. Just thinking that if our trip goes well she'll have more people to look after here when I no longer can brings me great relief.

I watched with a smile as they argued about who wants to hug. Eve just stood there uncomfortable.

My eyes moved to a familiar unwelcome figure casually approaching us with his hands in his pockets.

"I thought this was a family thing." I said loud enough for him to hear me.

He rolled his eyes.

"I didn't come for you little man." Mason said and Eve snapped her head up and her face lit up and I groaned along with Zac.

Little man my ass.

"I came to say goodbye to my princess." He said looking at Eve.

Both Zac and I scoffed.

"I thought you were attending a meeting with you dad." Eve exclaimed happily.

Clearly she was the only person happy to see him her expect Wren but let's not count Wren because she's too nice to dislike anyone or show her displeasure to anyone.

I didn't realize Zac had made his way next to me until he spoke.

"I don't like this." He pointed out.

"He's your friend. Get him to stop." I told him bitterly.

"Don't you think I've tried but it's Eve man. It would be like taking candy from a baby. How cruel will that be, look at her, she smiles and laugh whenever he's around." He pointed out and I agreed. "She seems happy, how can I take that away from her and you know her, she'll do whatever she goddamn please."

I hated that I saw what Zac meant, she's seemed a thousand times better whenever he's around. I wasn't blind I saw it, every time he was around she looks more alive. Just a few minutes ago before he came here she was sulking and brooding now she's all smiles.

"Honestly dude, it's weird. My sister friends with my best friend. I can't process it." I felt bad for his sanity. I couldn't handle Eve being friends with either Connor or Sebastian, I know how they think, it'll be too freaky and weird.

I chuckled.

"Sucks to be you." I said just as my phone vibrated indicating a new a text.

I took out my phone and almost choked on my spit.

'Get him away from her if you don't want me making an appreciate' the text was from Styles.

I reread the message again and again. I looked around the busy airport but didn't see any suspicious cars

The nerve of him for texting me or even stalking us when he's avoiding my calls all day yesterday.

I'm not angry he's stalking us. I've had a feeling he's been doing that for a while now.

Another massage popped. It's just annoying.

'Get a move on slowpoke and stop gauging you look ridiculous, now on it. I mean it' It was another text from him.

Even though what I just read sounded deranged. I didn't want Eve seeing Styles.

I really wanted to go to Toronto and if she saw him. Things may get a little ugly and we'll  end up not going anywhere.

Like my ass was on fire I strode to Eve and pulled her back with a scowl.

"That's enough. She gave you attention now run along." I shooed him and I heard a snort from Zac.

"Sage that's rude." Eve whined as she shrugged my hand off her but I didn't let her go.

"Yeah well we got a flight to catch." I shrugged and she rolled her eyes.

"This was nice surprise Mason. I'm sorry about Sage." She said softly at him and like a starved puppy he bounced at the attention.

"I couldn't just let you go without saying goodbye."  He told her but he was looking at me.

"Well thank you anyway. I'm more at ease now. More calm." I gagged and Wren decided to save Zac's sanity.

"Well Ben and Alex are in Toronto." Wren said. "They'll be happy to see you. They visited their father and it's a couple of neighborhoods from where you'll be."

I was glad for the change of topic. Just than I got yet another massage.

'Good job, now go before I murder him for staring at her.'

I rolled my eyes as I read the message but no doubt that I believed him. I've spent enough time with him to know he doesn't bluff.

"I think we should go before we get stuck on TSA and miss our flight." I suggested preventing Wren from crying again.

The woman is overly emotional.

"Yes, yes. You should leave before mom suggest to board the plane too." Zac joked.

"You wound me Zac." Wren joked and we laughed.

"We'll go now. Bye Mason. Bye Zac. Bye Wren." She said and I just waved.

"Take care of my favorite sister." Zac teased.

"I'm your only sister Zac." She pointed out and noticed both Zac and Wren tensed and they chuckled.

"Yeah right.." he trailed off and casted his eyes to his shoes.

I sighed and grabbed Eve and walked away.

I had never been on a plane or left Miami or the country for that matter but here I was, on a plane visiting my estranged family.

But that's what they were. Strangers. But not just any strangers, strangers I wanted to know. To call family.

I glanced at Eve who was seated next to me. Her mind was aloof and I knew what she was thinking.

I placed my hand on top of hers to stop them from shaking. I gave her a little squeeze.

"Don't worry they'll love you." I reassured her.

She always had an obsession with being liked.

"But what if they don't." She voiced her concerns.

"Then they are fools. Besides you heard Wren the moment you want to get the hell out of the we'll just ring her okay?"

"Okay." She nodded.

Yep, that just confirmed it. I'm never going on a plane again.

Don't get me wrong. The plane experience is great and all since we were on first class so that was cool.

But the baggage claim is a nightmare. I've never had to wait that long for something. Especially something that was mine.

I was aggravated and finally getting our luggage. I texted Wren as instructed to tell her we've arrived safely and made our way outside where our ride was apparently waiting.

"Relax okay." I coaxed Eve next to me.

"I'm trying to okay." She snapped I was gravely taken aback but she quickly mended her mistake.

"I'm sorry Sage. I didn't mean to snap at you I'm just nervous and we've been waiting for such a long time to claim out luggage." She said remorseful.

"It's okay. No harm done." I told her and when we made it to the front I was shocked and amused. Yet embarrassed.

A large banner with our faces on it was displayed. Wren had told me he sent pictures and I DID not expect them to use them for this.

"Woah." Eve said beside me as she saw the banner.

I agreed. That was a bit to much.

As we got closer they recognized us and a woman squealed. I stopped and so did Eve.

She didn't look anything like a grandma. In fact she looked like she was Wren's age.

Next to her was a man almost her age. I think.

"Over here." The lady shouted while the man's cheeks turned red.

I looked at Eve and she had her brow raise. I shrugged and started walking towards them.

"I'm so excited." The woman told the man and I realized that the had a kid next to them who was typing on his phone. He was probably younger than me by 2 years.

"I'm Michela." She said excitedly. "And you're Evernly and Sage."

I watched as the kid rolled his eyes and I almost snort.

"Uhmm.. yeah." Eve awkwardly said.

"I'm your Aunt." She said and squealed. "Feels so exciting to say it."

She suddenly dropped the banner and hugged Eve who looked like she was gonna pass out any moment.

"You look so much like your mom. In fact you look exactly like her." She added as she pulled back and held her at arms length just checking her.

"And you..." She turned to me. "You look so much like Mike but of course I can see Clara in there but you look like Mike mostly. You're even taller than he was when he was sixteen."

She rambled as she examined me from head to toe.

"Mom let them breath." The kid said without looking up from her phone.

I could tell he was a spoilt rotten brat.

Her mom glared at him playfully.

"That rude brat is my son.." He once again rolled his eyes. "... Damien, your cousin. And my husband over here, your uncle Andrew."

"How was your flight?" Andrew spoke for the first time.

"Umm. It was good." Eve answered since Andrew was looking at her.

Eve shifted uncomfortable as Andrew continued to stare at her.

"Sorry I didn't mean to stare." Andrew chuckled. "I just can't get over how much you look like Wren. Do you know Wren's mother?"

"Umm No." Eve answered.

"The three of you look exactly like each other." He told her and I was stunned. "I'll show you pictures."

"I'd like that." She surprised me by saying.

"Ok now now. Let's get home before Miranda blow a fuse. She's so anxious to meet you two." Michela said.

We all got into the care and we drive off. Damien was still on his phone while Eve fiddle with her fingers.

I must tell you that Michela doesn't shut up. The whole ride to the house she was the only one talking.

Andrew asked a few questions and would give his input from time to time.

They asked about Clara's whereabouts and I said I didn't know. I didn't want to talk about Clara.

Turns out the family didn't even know dad and Aunt Lauren had died. Andrew cried but more so Michela.

We found out Andrew was Wren's best friend despite the age difference. Michela is a doctor and Andrew too over the law firm after dad left since it was his duty to take over from grandfather since he was older.

Andrew is the youngest. The first born was dad then Aunt Lauren and lastly it was Andrew.

"We're here." Michela announced. "I had to stop Miranda from inviting the whole neighborhood to announce your arrival."

Andrew chuckled and I noticed Eve's leg bouncing nervously.

I placed my hand on her knee to offer comfort.

"Mom is way too excited." Andrew added.

"You'll be fine." I whispered loud enough for only Eve to hear. She nodded as we got out of the car.

I looked  up just as Eve did. I gasped as I saw how bit is the house. It wasn't Wren's house big but close.

"Wow." I muttered.

"It seems like we were living in poverty while our families lived in pure luxury." Eve said bitterly which made me frown completely taken aback by her bitterness.

"It's not their fault." I defended them.

But Eve was right. We barely got by while they had all the riches. Don't get me wrong. I'm not an envious person and I'm not bitter.

In fact, in a twisted fate of logic, I'm happy I grew up the way I did.

I got the most thing I value the most out of it that I'm sure I wouldn't have got it if I had riches and luxury.

My sister. I treasure the hell out of her.

"Whatever." She said as she followed Damien inside the house.

5 days. Just 5 days.

I said a little prayer. I didn't even know what are was praying for.

Maybe my sanity or that Eve last 5 days. But I was praying for 5 days.

The moment I stepped inside the house I was overwhelmed. It was homey and warm.

"I didn't know what you two like a so I  asked the maids to make everything. Is that okay or did I forget something?" Grandma asked nervously.

"No. You did not forget anything." I said chuckling while eying everything in the table.

"Yes. You got everything." Eve added.

"I'm glad like it." She beamed. "Now let's each I have so much to show you."

We sat down on the table and they served us just like maids does at Wren's house.

Stories were shared of Dad and Aunt Lauren. Tears were shed and laughs were shared.

"Sorry Sage but I never liked your mom." Grandma unapologetically said and I chuckled.

"Me too." I surprised everyone in the room and myself by saying it out loud.

Eve choked on her food and all eyes were on me.

"You never did." Andrew said with his eyes wide.

I shifted in my seat uncomfortable.

"Umm.. eh." I stuttered and Eve was staring at me. She of all people knew why I didn't like her.

"Leave my grandbaby. I don't blame him. She was a bitch." Grandma saved me from answering.

You'd be surprised how much of a free spirit she was. She even cussed a few time since I've known her and it hasn't been more than three hours.

Eve surprised me by bursting out laughing. I join and so did grandma. Andrew and Michela just did it out of awkwardness and politeness.

"Your dad was a fool to leave Wren for her. Then Wren was unlucky and married that bustard down the road."

Andrew didn't miss a chance to pipe in how foolish dad was for leaving Wren. It almost sounded like he was resentful.

"Mom." Andrew warned. "Don't talk like that about other people."

Eve snorted then almost choked.

It seems like Andrew lives to scold or correct his mother with her foul mouth.

He's an innocent soul. Just like dad.

"It doesn't make any less true." Grandma muttered under her breath.

From then we ate our food in silence.

Then the maids cleared the table and we chatted and they practically interrogated us to no end.

"Um... Damien.. why didn't he eat with us?" I heard Eve ask Michela and my head whipped towards her and my feet were making their way toward her without me even realizing.

I could practically hear her thought as the gears inside her heard turned. She thought he didn't like her.

That little piece of shit. I'll strangle him before he ruined this for him. Actually I'll have a little 'chat' with that piece of shit.

"Don't mind him. He's in that phrase you know when he thinks he hates every human." She explained. "I'm sure you saw that with Sage."

No she doesn't know. I wanted to say but bit my tongue. I never went through that stage because I didn't have the luxury to. I had to watch my back and Eve's so no I missed it.

"Don't take it personal." She added.

"Okay." Eve whispered frowning and I knew then that she took it personally.

"Honestly I was surprised when he agreed to come fetch you from the airport. He's such a headache lately." Michela obliviously added.

"Your presents are ready grandbabies." I heard grandma yell.

I will never get use to calling someone my grandma.

And the woman is a whole mood on her own. She is obnoxiously loud for a grandma.

"Over here grandbabies."  She hollered for us. And we all followed her voice.

Andrew and Michela were smiling warmly as they walked with us.

"Surprise." She yelled two cars with bows stood on front of us.

And not just any cars. A Mustang Shelby and a Hennessey Venom GT. Sitting in the driveway.

I looked at Michela and she smiled.

I was stunned. Shocked even.

"Come on. Don't you like it." Grandma asked as she chuckled.

Eve was the first to snap out of whatever daze we were in.

She stunned me when she threw her hands around grandma.

"You didn't have to grandma. Thank you so much. They're so beautiful." She gushed and I knew she had tears in her eyes.

"It's no trouble granddaughter. My husband left me all this money I didn't know what to do with. An old lady like me can only need so much you know. Buying this cars was an honor."

"Thank you grandma." I finally said as I made my way to her.

"My grandbabies deserves the best." She said as I hugged her and Eve joined in.

"What are you two doing over there? Come join in on this hug." She called for Andrew and his wife.

I heard them chuckle but seconds later I felt them hug all of us.

Seconds or even minutes later we pulled apart.

"Don't you want to take them for a test drive." Grandma dangled keys in front of us.

"You get the red one." She handed me keys of the Hennessey Venom GT. "You get the blue one."

She gave an overly excited Eve her keys to the Mustang.

"Thank you grandma." She beamed. I was happy that she was happy.

"All the best for my granddaughter."

"Don't go far. You need to open the other presents." She told us.

"There's more." Eve said. Shocked evident in her tone.

"Of course. Did you think that was all?" She asked like she couldn't believe us.

"Honestly... yeah." I said.

"Trust mom to buy her grandchildren's love." Andrew joked.

"It never fails." She teased. "And I'm not buying their love. Just spoiling them."