48|Home

Natalie had barely turned her key in the lock when the front door burst open, and her siblings ran out, squealing their joy, "Nat, you're home!"

"I told you not to wait up for me!" she scolded them but still allowed them to smother her with hugs and kisses before they turned their attention to Emily.

Both fell in love with her friend instantly, but for very different reasons.

Amber liked Emily's weird sense of humour, and she couldn't stop gushing her gratitude—and relief— that Natalie had someone looking out for her back in the big bad city.

Jamie had hearts in his eyes every time he looked at her friend, and Natalie was pretty sure it had very little to do with the collection of past game copies of Speed Freak—all signed by the lead developer—she'd brought him.

After a few minutes of catching up, Amber ushered them to the back of the house, where a modest breakfast spread awaited them in the kitchen.

Natalie and Emily were ravenous since the last meal they had was at the first bus st