HOMEBOUND.
(Chapter has been edited)
12/18/24Clouds filled the light blue sky, captivating me as I tried to forget the chaos ahead. After what felt like decades, my plane landed back in my hometown, and I realized how much I missed this small place and its fresh pine-scented air.
As the announcement urged passengers to collect their belongings, I waited for the crowd to thin. I wasn't about to get pushed around, especially with my bag blocked by a tall, unfriendly guy. I tied my hair up and held my phone, eager to reunite with my sister Kenny.
Although I expected boredom during my visit, I couldn't wait to catch up with her. It would be nice to share my progress as I approached graduation.
Finally, I stepped off the plane, suitcase in hand, and spotted a familiar green pickup truck where my excited sister was waiting.
"My baby sis is back!" she shouted, leaning over to open the passenger door.
"Omg, look at you, fancy!" she gushed, making me second-guess my outfit. Had I dressed too formally?
You can just toss your suitcase in the back," she said with a grin. "Mom's been really looking forward to your arrival. Don't let her know I'm spilling the beans, but she's got a few guests at the house who are waiting to surprise you."
I threw my bags into the back and turned to my sister, grinning from ear to ear.
Then, I settled into my seat and pinched the bridge of my nose. Our mom was well aware of my aversion to large crowds and social gatherings in general.
She chuckled softly as she shifted the car into drive, pulling out of the airport parking lot and heading home.
I leaned against the door and closed my eyes. "I've got such a headache, and Mom knows how much I hate surprises and crowds," I complained. Shea merely shrugged her shoulders, her gaze fixed ahead on the road.
After a moment of silence, my sister began to fidget, clearly uncomfortable with the quiet.
"So, have you heard from Victor?" she asked casually, but my heart skipped at the mention of his name.
I glanced at her, but her focus remained on the road as we turned onto a bumpy dirt path.
"I heard he's been busy handling his dad's company. Kendall hasn't said anything about her father, has she?" Shea kept her tone light.
"No, Kendall hasn't mentioned anything," I replied, addressing her second question while intentionally sidestepping the first one.
She noticed the sudden tension and fell silent until we reached our family home.
Shea quickly hopped out to grab my bags from the back seat, then dashed up the steps to our parents' house.
Just before opening the door, she paused and looked back at me. "Just a heads up, Kendall's whole family might be in there, so get ready to see Victor, sis.
My sister stood nearby, a mischievous smirk curling at the corners of her mouth as my eyes practically bulged from their sockets. I swallowed hard, the name that slipped from her lips sending a jolt of unease through me. Victor. How could my mother be so thoughtless? She was well aware of my discomfort around him, and yet here we were.
Despite that turmoil in my chest, I felt a flicker of excitement at the prospect of seeing my best friend again. After all, she was the one constant in my whirlwind of anxiety.
I took a deep breath, steeling myself for the onslaught of faces I was about to encounter. The gathering was a vibrant tapestry of laughter and chatter, courtesy of my social butterfly of a mother, who seemed to thrive on hosting these events. It was supposed to be a warm welcome for my return from college, but all I felt was the tightening grip of dread.

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