The entirety of the car ride was silent. The only noise was The Runaways in the background.

Turn up that radio

Hear the rock and roll

Malibu shines like summer gold

Wild beaches

In the salty wind

California summers never end

"Ok," I muttered as we pulled into the driveway, "We're going to go in through the back door, and I want you to stay in the mudroom until I tell you it's ok to come in."

"Alright."

So, we went in through the back door, and I walked into the kitchen.

"Hey, Bri. Dinner's almost ready. Can you help set the table?" Katie said as Emily filled a pitcher with water.

"Yea, sure. Um, guys. I have something to tell you, and it may take you by surprise," I said.

"What is it?"

"Ok, you can come in now," I called to Cook. Then, he entered the kitchen, and Katie and Emily's mouths dropped.

"Fucking Cook?! What the hell?!" Katie said.

"What is he doing here, Bri??" Emily said.

"To be honest with you, I don't know. How about you tell us what's going on, huh, Cook?"

To sum it up for you, Cook had been dealing drugs and getting in trouble with his boss. He also ended up fucking his boss's girl and running away with her and some girl named Emma. Eventually, Louie caught up with them and killed Emma. Louie was presumably arrested, Charlie drove off because Cook told her to, and Cook stole a car and drove it all the way to Paignton.

"Holy fucking shit. That's- a lot to take in," I said. Emily and Katie nodded their heads, "Well, who wants dinner?"

While the twins washed the dishes, Cook and I went up to my room.

"So, what's been going on with you? You wind up going to Trinity?"

I nodded and curled my lip, "Yes. I had a great time there, but I would've had an even better time if you were there with me. Where the fuck were you? You tell me you're going to use the bathroom, and then you take off?? Four fucking years? I texted you and left you several phone calls, and you couldn't be bothered to answer me ONCE? What was SO important that-

"I killed someone."

My eyes widened, "You WHAT?"

"Freddie. Effy's shrink killed him. So, that night, I caught him, and I killed him. I've been on the run ever since," he sighed, "And I did get your message about something you wanted to tell me. What happened?"

I sighed and started to tear up, "I was pregnant with your child. The night you left, I fainted and miscarried. That's why everyone was trying to contact you. I needed you there with me, Cook."

Cook's face softened, and he cupped my face with his hands, "I know you needed me. I am so sorry, Bri. If I could go back in time and fix things, I would. But I can't. I'm here now, though."

I nodded my head and let out a stifled sob.

"Come here."

We hugged, and he held me as I continued to cry. That was what we did for most of the night. Hug and hold each other.

"I missed you so much," I cried.

"I missed you too," he said, "I missed you too."