Fault Lines

Chapter 25 ~ Now

Chapter 25

May 30th - Now

I walk through the entryway, my hand leaving November's to hug my chest tightly. Tears still spill down my eyes as they dart across the living room and the kitchen, my memories unfolding again like a book. My home.

I was home.

My eyes catch sight of my older brother, Xavier. He looks up from the newspaper he was reading, his eyes also bloodshot.

"Hazel--" He choked on his words and comes running from the kitchen.

I gasp and let him take me in a hug, wrapping my arms tightly around his back. I hadn't seen him since he moved away to college two years ago, and even then I missed him terribly.

"Xavier, mother--" I choked, and squeezes my eyes shut-- remembering the way she sat limp in the rope. I hated Harrison, I hated him with a terrible yearning.

"No, no shh." Xavier rubbed a hand over my head, and rested his chin on the top of my head. I felt something wet fall into my hair, and realized he was crying.

I slumped my shoulders against his sides and kept my face buried in his shirt to muffle my sobs. My arms fell to my sides limply, and I stood like that for several minutes. Finally, though, I regained myself and rubbed the tears from my eyes. Xavier gave me a small smile, a welcoming one-- and moved to sit on the sofa to my right.

November found my hand again, and I led him over to the other couch that directly faced the one Xavier sat in. Once my father had sat, along with the guy in the gray and a woman with dark blonde hair-- I hear a small pounding of feet from the stairs. My breath caught my throat as my little sister Marcie came down the stairs.

"Hazel!" She squealed, locking her arms firmly around me. I pulled her into a tight hug, having to stifle another wave of tears.

"Marcie, I missed you so much." I whisper in her ear, letting her settle beside me. She took my hand and squeezed it, pulling her eyebrows together.

"You were gone for so long, Hazel." Marcie exclaimed, frowning.

I let out a weak laugh, and pulled an arm around her shoulder. "Yes, I was. I'm sorry."

She nods, and directs her gaze to a very confused looking November.

"Who's that?" She asks, pointing at him. November turns his head to the noise, and gives a small smile.

"That's November."

"What's wrong with him?"

I couldn't help the laugh I let out, and felt his grip on my hand tighten. Even in the worse of moments, she somehow manages to make a smile appear on my lips.

"He's blind, Marcie." I explain, looking up at him.

She gets up and walks straight up to him. "You can't see me?" She asks curiously.

"No," November says, even though he made it seem that way. It was like he had a sixth sense, and knew exactly where she was.

"Oh," She twirls her thumbs together, and looks back up at him-- a full smile on her lips. "I like you!"

Before I knew it, November had been bear-hugged by my sister. He was surprised at first, but almost immediately smiled and helped her sit in his lap. I smiled at the sight, and turn to see my dad smiling too-- along with Derek. I felt my heart speed up a little at the sight of his warm hazel eyes, and couldn't stand to stare at him any longer.

Once everyone seemed comfortable, I cleared my throat and scooted closer to November and my sister. My dad leaned forward and placed his elbows on his knees, his hands holding up his head. I glance down at my feet, which were bare at the moment.