Unlikely Homecoming (book 3)

Welcome Home

Carter

Stepping off the plane was a nightmare. It was so cold outside and the baggage claim had lost our bags. That was until Mason complained and then they suddenly appeared. The airport lineup was also on lockdown because of a threat which took three hours. On top of that the cab driver was drunk and has his air conditioner on.

Mason mouthed the words I'm sorry to me and looked down in disappointment. I grabbed his hand and scooted closer to him.

" Mason it's okay, really it can't be bad forever."

" well it could I mean this town wasn't really the best to us."

" the town I am pretty sure has changed, nothing can stay bad....well except for Adrian."

By the time I had said his name Mason had already looked out the window. Something about his name makes the air thicker and gives us an unsettling feeling. the girls were in a car behind us most likely laughing and looking at all the things that made us who we are. I refused to look at the buildings. what I said to Mason was a lie. some things can stay bad forever but I am hoping that this isn't the case.

"so Mason you said you got us a rental home?"

" Yeah, its actually a street over from our old house."

" wait is it that really big fancy house?"

" yes, it cheaper that I thought so I rented it."

"I love that house."

"Yes I know you keep telling me."

We sat in silence, the car ride was awkward and lonely. It seemed like hours before the driver dropped us off at the door. Us four got out and paid the drivers. We stood there looking up at the two story house. We kept standing there as the cold wind nipped at my fingers.

Mason was the first to move dragging me in with him. The girls walked in and ran around like little kids while mason and I sat on the couch in the living room.

"Mason I love this place, thank you."

"Well you are a very special person and you deserve a very special place."

"Wh- then why the hell do I live in New York?"

"Really Carter."

"I'm kidding, I love you."

Mason grabbed my side and pulled me towards him.
The girls relaxed into some rooms upstairs and we're immediately asleep. Mason and I found them with their mouths wide and snoring.

"Look, our kids are growing up." Mason says wiping an imaginary tear.

After napping for a bit Mason and I ran out and went to the store. We walked because I refuse to get back in a cab.

20 minutes later

Mason and I finally reached the store. Both of our legs burned but we needed supplies. I went to the cleaning section while Mason covered  the food part of things.
The store smelled the same from when I left. The same old woman works here and I thought she would be dead by now. She even looked at me the same way..... like I'm a piece of crap. Oh and this guy kept staring at me and no its not Mason. This dude just kept looking and biting his lip. Usually I would find that attractive but I'm with Mason. That and he ruined it for me because he does it wrong.

"Hey."

The dude walked closer to me and rustled my hair. Nervously I looked up.

"You look super cute."

Something about his voice was familiar and his body type was muscular and taaaaa.......

"Joe?"

"Wow you remember me?"

"Well I almost didn't but I'm smart you see."

"Ya Mason put me up to it."

Without thinking I turn around and cross my arms to see Mason trying to sneak up on me.

"Mason you have got to stop walking so loud. You also have to stop sending people to sneak up on me."

"It's the first time in awhile."

"Well ya we don't know anyone that well in New York."

Mason looked around as if he didn't hear me so I turned my attention back to Joe.

"So Joe, what are you doing here?"

"I never left, after college I came back to help my parents with their farm and I'm still here."

"How are your parents?"

"Well dad died of cancer and mom died of broken heart syndrome."

"Oh....... Joe I-i'm sorry."

"No no it's fine, I mean these things happen. I wasn't prepared for it but who ever is?"

"No Joe, sure you trying to deal with it but I for one am sorry. I should have been here."

"Not really I was so mean to you why would you come."

"Well actually towards the end of our Senior year summer break you finally understood being gay isn't so bad, and besides I cared about you."

Joe had tears forming in his eyes so I decided to ditch the conversation since he hates crying.

"Where did Mason go?" I say looking at my phone. "Oh uh Joe, Mason is waiting for me in the car."

"It's okay, I'll catch up with you later. Joe says turning on his heels and strolling towards the back of the store.

I walk down the aisles and look for any last minute things before checking out. After that I run back to the car and strap in as Mason begins to drive off.

"Mason did you Joe's parents are dead?"

"Yeah he told me, when I was trying to scare you."

"It's a shame, he is a good person and so were they, none of them deserved death and heartbreak."

"Ya but life happens."

"Sadly, sometimes I wish we could stop time. Just long enough to figure out what's ahead."

"I know, I do too."

The soft and soothing music on the radio cut out. It was replaced with static a voice that sounds patched in from 50 years ago.

"...... prison........ convict....  escaped. "

After hearing that I nervously turned up the radio. The voice continued and I waited until the person repeated what they said. Mason pulled over because of a line of cop cars had their sirens on.

Something is going to happen.... and it bad.

The person repeated what they said.

"Repeat, a convict has escaped from a correctional facility. We recommend to stay inside. The escaped convict goes by the name Adrian Adams."