To Call My Own

Chapter Twenty

"It smells amazing in here," I exclaimed as Daniel answered the door and we stepped into a home filled with the aroma of fresh baked goods. Daniel chuckled as he took our jackets.

"Perks of a stay at home mom I guess, and an eager little sister." He replied, leading us into the dinning room.

West, Kennedy, Luna, Olivia, Michael,Carmen and Kent were already sitting around the table, engrossed in conversation. Daniel scooted a chair out which grabbed their attention ans alerted them that Bea and I had arrived. Almost immediately, West came over ans wrapped me up in a warm hug.

"Eww, love." Kent cried, covering his eyes. "I'm too young to witness this." He added for dramaric effect. But then he noticed the bag that I had in my hands. "You brought more snacks!" He excitedly said and snatched the bag to take in it's contents.

"My mom takes snow day baking to an extreme." West said nodding his head towards the kitchen. He grabbed my hand and led me over to an empty seat next to him.

"Hey, Kids." Amy smiled, her hands full of trays of goodies fresh from the oven. From the looks of the junk food on the table, and the amazing treats in Amy's kitchen, I knew that I would be eating well today.

Everyone settled and it looked like we had the perfect number of people for most games; ten. I was bummed that Brynn couldn't make it but apparently her and Shea were going out today, or at least that's what Carmen got out of her and Brynn's conversation.

Brynn wanted to start out the day with some Apples to Apples, which everyone knew would be very interesting. The rounds that we played were entertaining to say the least, and it was an understatement to say we all had our share of good laughs.

Finally, around two in the afternoon we decided to take a break from games and watch a movie. Everyone voted on Home Alone, a personal favourite. We all made our way downstairs and found a place on the couch, I grabbed a blanket and saved a spot for West.

He soon emerged into the living space carrying a tray of cookies and hot chocolate topped with whipped cream, carmel and sprinkles. I felt like I was going to go into a food coma after all the treats I've eaten, but I've never been known to turn down hot chocolate. Especially when West informed me he made it himself with an adorable smile.

Once we all settled in, we turned off the lights and hit play on the movie. After West and I had both drained our mugs, he swung his arm around me as I snuggled deeper into the blanket and placed my head on his chest right above his heart.

"This is my favourite part!" Michael exclaimed as the pizza delivery boy scend flashed onto the screen. I would never stop laughing at this part. I felt thr vibration in West's chest as he let out a chuckle here and there. The sound soothing and relaxing me.

"You look tired." West whispered down to me, I let out a yawn as if on cue. I nodded a little. He pulled me a little closer to him.

Soon, I felt myself drifting off to sleep in West's arms. I awoke to the sound of the credits rolling in the background and the rest of the group emerged into a conversation. I kept my eyes closed a little longer, enjoying the way if felt for West to hold me.

"Yeah, coach was not too happy with me after my game last night." West admitted, I could sense the tension in his voice. I knew he didn't like to let others down.

"Listen, if I would have gotten there first, I would have clocked him. He's just a hot shot thinking he's too cool cause he's a grade ten on the varsity team. Serves him right." Michael responded back, the same tension filled his words.

"Do you guys remember Michael's firsr game playing varsity?" West asked chuckling. Everyone else began to laugh too, now this was a story I was eager to hear.

"West man, do you really have to bring that up every two seconds? I was young and dumb and learned my lesson." Michael retorted back, clearly embarrassed of the story Wesr was about to recall. I began to stir and sit up from my place in West's arms.

"Hey, good nap, eh?" West smiled, reaching over to fix some of my hair that had gotten messed up as I slept. I blushed a little at the thought of my terrible appearance. "You look adorable when you're sleeping." He whispered into my ear with a smile.

"Gross!" Carmem complained, West just pulled me a little closer to his frame.

"You're just jealous Carmen." Michael teased, throwing his arm around her, to which she promptly threw off. Making everyone chuckle.

Sometimes my life seemed completely unreal, like everything that's happening is a dream. Like some day I'm just going to wake up and find out none of was ever real. West didn't exist, Piper still had that same hold over me and I was completely lost and confused about just about everything in my life.

No matter how much I tried to prepare myself to face the worst eventually, I couldn't help but hope this would stay forever. I needed West to stay in my life forever, I want me and Bea to be happy together and to actually keep the tiny bit of self confidence that I've gained. I needed things to stay.

"I suppose we better head out." I said, after checking my phone and seeing that it was nearly six. I stood up and strechded my legs, instantly wanting to be in West's arms once again.

"I'll walk you guys out." West replied smiling. Carmen and Kennedy both came to give me a hig goodbye and the rest called out theirs as we walked up the steps.

"For the first time, I'm actually excited to go to a formal." West told me, opening the door. A breeze blew by and I instantly knew why school was canceled, the air was frigid.

"Me too." I replied happily, pulling my car door open. West leaned in with a smile and placed a quick kiss on my lips. "I'll see you tomorrow."

Bea and I got in and waved to West as he stepped back into the warm house. I let the engine run for a moment before pulling out of their driveway and back onto the icy roads. I was extremely grateful when we were once again safely parked back at home.

We continued to talk about our day and laugh about things people did. The light in Bea's eye had returned once again, and I was all too grateful I was able to save her from that trap before she got too deep. I spent four years of my life in misery because of other people, and I wasn't about to let my baby sister do the same thing.

I decided to quickly make up some rolls and re-heat some left over soup that was in the fridge. I turned on some music and hummed lightly as I stirred the pot. I couldn't help but imagine what tomorrow was going to be like. I pictured it being perfect. Like every single piece of my life had finally fallen together and tomorrow night would be the confirmation.

"Girls, I'm home!" Mom called out from the living room. I felt a sigh of relief escape my lips when I heard she had made it home safely. "Smells great, dear. I'm going to go clean up." Mom said, entering the kitchen and placing a kiss on my forehead.

Bea trotted down the stairs and grabbed some dishes to set the table with. She had changed into the cozy pajama set I had bought her last winter. It was evident that she was done growing, but she still managed to have two inches on me.

"I literally don't know if I can eat after this afternoon." She whined, holding her stomach.

"I think we both know that's not true." I laughed in response, setting the pot on the table.

"What did you girls do today?"Mom questioned, taking a seat at the table.

"We went to the Kelly's to watch a movie and play games."Bea answered, indulging in one of the fresh rolls.

"How nice, I'm sure your excited for tomorrow." Mom said in a giddy tone, turning to me. I smiled and nodded.

"I couldn't be more excited. Plus I can't wait for Felicity to finally meet West." I replied happily. "I just hope everything is fine with Piper." I added, my tone suddenly dropping.

"Don't think like that, I'm certain everything is going to run smoothly." Bea encouraged, reaching to take yet another roll. I swear that girl eats more than more boys I know yet she manages to stay so slim.

"You're right, it's all going to work out." I stated, convincing myself of my own words.