Homecoming

Chapter 1

I looked out the window of the train and watched the spring scenery pass by. It had been so long since I saw the flourishing hanging willows and dwarf crested iris' that scattered along the riverbanks below the towns train pass. The water ran so clear below and I inhaled in relief as I cradled my pregnant stomach lovingly. The last time I had been home I had been a child and now I was bringing a child here. I figured if I moved back to a simpler life, I could escape the train wreck I was running away from. I knew people were going to look down upon me, but I shook my head at the thought. My family knew I was more progressive than others, but my late grandmother would be shaking her finger in my face.

"Julia, Nabbs are born strong and willful. We do not run from a fight!" She would point that long, polished finger at me and shake her head while she said it too.

The willows passed by with their pale pink blossoms hanging from the thick vines and I felt my heart thud with a low sadness for the life I was leaving behind. Grandmother's words haunted me since I was running away from my marriage. I had stayed for 6 long years, but with my hand on my enlarged stomach, I did not have to remind myself why I was leaving. I was leaving so much child and I did not have to grow up in fear. I wanted to give them a better shot at happiness. I didn't want them to get caught up in what my marriage had become.

I was set to arrive at the Tennessee Terminal at 6pm and my sister, Rachel, was going to pick me up there. We had already decided on the game plan and my family was extremely excited to see me since I hadn't been home in so long. I would get back on my feet by working for my sister's law firm. It wasn't a huge job, but Assistant Management at her law firm didn't sound so bad. I ran the idea of a tiny house with my child and I in my head and sighed with relief as the train came to a stop. Noises dinged around me, alerting passengers they were safe to move, and I stood with a grunt as I stretched out my sore muscles.

After grabbing my things, I stepped out on the train platform and looked down at the edge, moving smoke out of my face and trying to choke back the gag that was set to come. After a moment, I gathered myself and spotted my sister Rachel waiting for me alone. I hurried to her side and smiled brightly at her. She had changed so much over the years! Once a shy, nerdy kid, was now a grown woman with that same sparkling smile and twinkle in her hazel eyes. Her black hair was tied back in a ponytail and she was dressed like a typical toddler mother. Checkered button up shirt and some worn out jeans. Classic Rachel look.

"Wow, Sis! You look fantastic! I'm so happy to see ya!" She basically squealed with excitement. We had not seen each other since I left for college.

I was speechless and just hugged her for a long moment before she scooped up some of my luggage and showed me to the car. After loading everything in and settling in the cool truck cab air, she turned and smiled mischievously.

"So, I was goin' to cancel my group meeting tonight, but Ma and Kelsey are going to be there, and they haven't seen ya in so long." She drawled on slowly, not really getting to the point.

I pushed my bangs out of my face with a tired smile, "Your book club. I forgot you hosted that. It won't be a problem. I can just unpack in my room." I assured her.

She twiddled her fingers in her lap, "Well, Ma invited a few of her friends and Kelsey got some friends from school involved and now there is a welcoming party waiting for ya! Just a little shin-dig."

I looked at her for a long moment and then smile in relief, "Better to be around people I haven't seen in so long! It will be fun." I patted her hand to stop the fidgeting and chuckled alongside her.

I should have expected this.