Chapter 26 Shayla

“Shayla?” I stare at the front door to the house I grew up in, my heart beating up in my throat. “Shayla.” I blink and look over at Cole, who was standing beside me, watching me with a frown. “It’s going to be okay.” He assures me, and I inhale a deep breath to calm my nerves. He turns me so I could face him, and he brushes his hands down my arms supportively. “I’ll be right there if you need me, okay?” I nod and turn to face the door. I slide my key in the lock and hesitate until I feel Cole’s fingers lace with mine and his soft lips on my temple. I glance up at him, and he nods encouragingly. Unlocking the door, I walk into my childhood home with Cole behind me. It’s quiet, but I can hear the faint sound of the tv coming from the living room.

I close the door, and I walk through the corridor toward the living room. “Mum? Sam?” I call out when I see the living room was empty, but the tv was o