Tethered (Book Two of The Invisible String Series)

Welcome To The Farm

Y/N POV

Seven hours later and we've finally landed, and I can't help but smile a little to myself when we step out of the airport and the familiar crisp Kentucky air. I haven't been back home in a while, it's usually my mom who makes the trip out to LA to come see me, but as I've gotten older and found my place in this world I've realized that a small part of me will always be happy to be home.

"Oh my god, why the fuck is it so cold?!"

Laughing lightly, I gently tug on Lizzie's hand that's connected with mine, pulling her closer to me. I find myself even more amused when she practically tucks herself into my chest, and use my free hand to rub up and down her back in the hopes that the friction brings her a little more warmth. Despite the obvious sunshine, it is a bit cold out. But hey, that's Kentucky weather for you. "I told you it was going to be cold."

The brunette peeks her head out from my chest, her green eyes narrowed at me as her teeth chatter against each other. "You didn't say it'd be this cold!"

I promptly let go of the other woman (much to her displeasure as she lets out a low whine) and shed my outer jacket, slinging it over Lizzie's shoulders before rewrapping her back up in my embrace. Thankfully the brunette doesn't have to endure the cold for much longer, because I instantly see my father's old GMC pull up into the drop-off lane and usher both Lizzie and myself towards it.

My mother, in all her wonderful glory, steps out of the driver's seat with a blanket folded over her arm, and I load our bags into the backseat with a smile as my mother proceeds to wrap Lizzie up in said blanket before hugging her tightly.

My mom moves to hug me next, and I readily accept it, breathing in the comforting scent that always hangs around her. "Hi, sweetheart. It's so good to have you home."

"Hi, Mom. It's good to be home."

The older woman eventually pulls away, giving my cheeks a quick squeeze before gently pushing me towards the passenger side of the truck. "Well, let's not just stand here. I'm afraid if we do, Lizzie might turn into a popsicle."

I can't help but chuckle at that, watching as my girlfriend slides into the middle seat, still shivering despite having my jacket and a blanket wrapped around her. I make sure to turn the truck's heat up, opening all the vents before placing a light kiss to Lizzie's cold cheek. "We obviously can't let that happen."

The drive home is spent warming Lizzie up and with light conversation. It's a quiet part of the day, so there's not too many people out and the miles of green we pass are quiet. The farm is about an hour outside of the main city where the airport's located, and Lizzie falls asleep on my shoulder pretty early on in the drive, leaving a comfortable silence in the truck's cab.

"So how's that teenage shadow of yours? Is she still doing okay in the group home?"

I shift in my seat slightly, making sure that my movements are slow and careful so as not to wake the brunette that's lightly snoring against my shoulder. "She's good. She had a little trouble adjusting at first, but her social worker keeps me updated and we talk at least every other day."

My mother hums, eyes remaining on the road. "And when exactly are you two planning on taking her in?"

Frowning, I turn my head to watch as my mother smiles slightly, wondering how in the hell she knew about our plants. Lizzie and I both agreed that we'd take these respective holidays to inform our families, and Jarnie and Lizzie's siblings all were extremely supportive of the idea. And I knew my mother would be as well- her and Olivia managed to get along pretty well over Thanksgiving, but I hadn't expected to be having this conversation at this exact moment. "How did you know?"