Page 21 of Leafpoint Lighthouse

“I always dreamt of owning one,” I confessed.

“It suits the room. Anyway. Dad and I are coming down in two weeks,” she announced, and we became silent.

“Does he know about us?” I asked.

That had been a delicate subject. For the first fortnight, Poppy kept our existence quiet, and then ten days ago she informed him about his mother’s death. Edmund had gone silent, and Poppy had been scared to bring anything up. This was my fourth week here.

“Yes. He wants to meet you all. Dad’s excited to have nieces.”

“That’s nice. My father warned me to watch out and be careful that you don’t take after your fathers,” Ophelia stated.

“Wow,” Thea gasped.

I was unsure how to react to Ophelia. Obviously, she had a better upbringing than the rest of us. Her father, Christopher, had married money and had a successful career. Ophelia was educated and worked in a high-powered job too. She seemed stand-offish, but then she’d make a comment, and I’d think she was not so bad.

“Yes, Daddy-dearest called Joseph and wanted to contest the will. Joseph wasn’t amused. Neither was Dad when he realised Lyle had a daughter older than me. Dad’s in two minds whether to track Lyle down and have him challenge the will with him, or try to scam money from me. Dad won’t contact Edmund because he claims he’s spineless.”

“Wow, nice, Ophelia,” Poppy bitched.

“I didn’t say it. My useless father did,” Ophelia defended herself.

“Dad said he’ll explain everything when we come down. I’m guessing Kingfisher Lighthouse isn’t going to be habitable. Luckily, Dad is good with his hands.”

“When are you going?” Ophelia questioned.

“The weekend after this. We’ve been sorting the house out to move,” Poppy replied.

“Your dad is moving?” Thea inquired.

“Yes. We’re all each other has. There’s nothing in the will that says he can’t come,” Poppy snapped defensively.

“Hey, calm down. Thea wasn’t saying that,” I interrupted, and Poppy looked shamed.

“Sorry, I’m defensive of him.”

“I’m glad you got a good dad, because mine and Ophelia’s seem like a total waste of space. I’m really looking forward to meeting him,” I said with a smile.

“Dad’s excited. He wanted more children than just me, but it never happened. Mum was a vile bitch. Anyway, that’s a long story. Thea, how is Seareef coming along?” Poppy changed the subject.

“Slowly, but it’s entertaining. I’m enjoying it. Dad taught me how to use my hands, so this is fun for me. Are you going to stay at the Gull’s Nest?” Thea asked.

“No, don’t. I have the guest bedrooms if you are okay with cabin beds. You should see what Benny created! Please stay with me,” I invited, surprised at myself.

“Are you sure you won’t be bothered?” Poppy quizzed.

“No. Why waste money? I am unsure about you three, but I keep expecting a phone call saying this has all been a mistake.”

“I agree,” Thea admitted.

“Sorry, I can’t relate, but I understand how you feel. But even if it did, I wouldn’t leave you to suffer,” Ophelia said firmly. “As you have extra bedrooms, can I stay?”

“Of course! That would be amazing, the four of us together!” I exclaimed warmly. Ophelia smiled, but it was empty.

I stiffened, recognising that expression. That was one I’d worn myself often. Someone had hurt Ophelia. Did I reach out to her? She might resent that, as we weren’t exactly close.

“I’m going to go. This will be exciting, everyone together in one place!” Poppy squealed as we all said goodbye.

I bit the bullet and messaged Ophelia, saying that if she wanted to talk, I was there. She sent me back a smiley face, and I left it alone.