I pulled on jeans and a navy blue sweater, a little light makeup, and made sure my hair looked nice. I went downstairs and made myself a massive coffee. As I sipped it, I picked at a bowl of cereal. My stomach was in knots so I couldn't manage more than a couple bites.
"Morning," Lorraine said as she walked in. I dropped my spoon in surprise, not expecting anyone to walk into the kitchen. "Sorry, didn't mean to startle you!"
"All good," I smiled. Or tried. It was forced and I knew it. Lorraine did too.
"Are you nervous about today?" she asked. I nodded and took another sip of coffee. "No matter what happens, everything will be okay."
"Thank you," I said softly. She gave my shaking hand a little squeeze before she began making herself breakfast.
Shortly after, Mason texted me to let me know he was outside. I downed the rest of my coffee and rushed out the door. Once in his car he pulled me into a hug and I felt a little comfort being close to him. But the hug had to end and I knew that we were driving to a place that wouldn't feel the same even if it looked like it was.
Mason put on some chill music and we began to drive. He didn't say much, somehow seeming to know that my nerves had a vice grip on my vocal chords.
When we pulled onto the street that was my house my heart began hammering in my chest. It felt familiar and odd all at the same time. Like a fever dream or a waking nightmare. As we approached the house my breath felt like it didn't want to make it all the way into my lungs. Mason parked in the driveway and turned to me. He gently pulled my chin to look at him and cupped my face with his hands.
"Hey," he started gently. "Close your eyes," he whispered. I held his gaze for a moment in confusion, but let my eyes close. "Take a deep breath." I tried to take as deep a breath as I could and let it out slowly. I opened my eyes and met his beautiful forest green eyes. "It's okay to be nervous and if it feels weird when you go in. I'm not going anywhere. If it feels like too much and you want to leave, I'm right here."
I nodded. "Thank you."
Mason kissed my nose and let me go. I undid my seatbelt and got out of the car, closing the door behind me.
I walked to the front door, and tried not to be overcome with the images I had of me leaving this porch with a small suitcase and a backpack, knowing I wouldn't be coming back. Or with images of my mother and I coming home after leaving the hospital without my dad.
I swallowed hard and blinked it away as I stepped up the stairs. I took a deep breath and rang the doorbell, hoping this would be as smooth as possible.
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Author's Note: Happy February! Hope you enjoyed this chapter! <3
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Nothing's Fine
Teen FictionCharlie Ross was a teenage runaway before she was rescued by a compassionate Linda Wilson. Three years later and currently in high school, life is only slightly less difficult as it was before. No longer running away from dangers outside, but she h...
