Chapter 18: Welcome Home

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Hours later, it was time for Kitsune to initiate her plan. She had her stuff all packed up and ready to go. All she had to do now was wait for Tessa, sneak outside, get to the bus stop, and get the fuck out of dodge. As she waited, she figured she'd write a brief note to her so called family.

Tearing out a page from her journal and a pen, she sat at the windowsill and began writing. The entire time, she had a blank expression as she wrote. She just didn't didn't care at this point. Once the she was done, the note read as follows.

"Dear mother and Mike

I'm leaving. Don't come after me, I'm moving out for good. I'm an adult, and I have every right to make my own decisions, and go wherever I want. By the time you read this, I'll be with my ACTUAL family. Goodbye. -Kitsune"

Just as she finished, she heard her phone buzz. Setting the note on the bed, she pulled it out of her pocket. It was from Tessa, informing her that she was outside.

"Great timing as usual, Tess." Kitsune said to no one, smiling to herself. Carrying all her bags, she carefully and quietly went downstairs.

Much to her relief, Kitsune was successful in sneaking out of the house. Tessa excitedly waved to her, unlocking the car. Kitsune smiled, running over and lugging her bags into the backseat before sitting in the front seat.

"Ready to go?" The pink and purple haired girl asked.

"Honey, I've BEEN ready." Kitsune nodded. With a nod, Tessa turned on the ignition and began driving. Kitsune smiled, watching as her old house got further and further away.

"So, Auburnsville, huh?" Tessa asked, getting her attention.

"Mmmhm. Met a lot of really nice people there- including my new boyfriend." Kitsune answered, Tessa nearly taking her eyes off the road at the nonchalant mention of her partner.

"BOYFRIEND?" She repeated.

"You didn't tell me you had a boyfriend! Why didn't you tell meeeeee?" Tessa whined, being silly.

"I didn't know how to bring it up, heh." Kitsune admitted.

"Well, tell me about him! What's he like?" Tessa asked, excited for her friend.

"His name's Christopher, Chris for short. He's really tall, the way he talks is really fancy, he's been nothing but kind to me, and he's just... super pretty..." Kitsune responded, smiling at the mention of her partner.

"I'd love to meet him some day!" Tessa stated.

"Heh, when you visit, I'll introduce you." Kitsune remarked.

"Sounds good!" Her shorter friend said, excitedly.

Soon enough, they reached the bus stop. "Well, here's your stop." Tessa stated. "Want me to help you with your bags?" She asked, to which Kitsune nodded.

With a nod, the two young women got out of the car and took the bags out of the car. Tessa gave her friend a quick hug, wishing her luck before getting back into the car and driving away. Kitsune checked her phone. 9:15 p.m. Perfect. The bus would be here in five minutes. With a smile, she clutched onto the heart locket around her neck.

Soon enough, the bus had arrived. To her surprise, the bus driver was the same one as her original trip to the lovely little town. His ruby eyes widened in surprise. "Hey, it's you!" He couldn't help but say.

"Yep, it's me." Kitsune chuckled.

"What are you doing out there? Get on, it's dangerous to be out here by yourself- especially for a young woman like you." He insisted. With a nod, Kitsune hopped onto the bus.

With a friendly smile, the man tilted his head to a seat. Sitting close to the driver, Kitsune noticed that she was the only one onboard. "So, where you headed?" He asked, his slightly Swedish accent prominent.

"Auburnsville, please." Kitsune responded. With a nod, the young male began driving.

"You know, ma'am, I'm a little surprised. I stop by there really regularly, and while I know I dropped you off, I didn't expect to drive you back. You really liked that place, I take it?" He asked.

"Oh, I really do. Everyone there is really nice." Kitsune said, smiling to herself.

"Heh, agreed. How's that journalist thing going? Did you get the information you wanted?" He asked.

"More than you can imagine, buddy." Kitsune stated, the young male chuckling to himself.

"What's your name if you don't mind my asking, miss?" He asked.

"Kitsune, or Kit. And you?" Kitsune responded. The male smiled, glancing at her from the corner of his eye.

"Yohio. Hio for short."

---

Eventually, they had made it to the familiar small town. "Here's your stop, Kit. Enjoy your new home." Yohio said, before realizing something. "Do you need help with your bags or anything?" He asked.

"Oh, no, thank you, Hio. I've got it from here." Kitsune responded, grabbing her bags and walking off the bus.

"Have a good night!" She called, before Yohio closed the doors. With a smile, Kitsune turned an began walking... Which proved to be a bit more difficult than expected.

"Do you need help, miss?" A young girl asked. Turning around, Kitsune saw a pale young girl with navy blue hair and sapphire eyes.

"That'd be appreciated, thank you." Kitsune stated. With a smile, the young girl walked over and began helping her.

That's when a memory clicked in her head. "Hey, wait, didn't I see you at the party?" Kitsune asked, to which the girl nodded.

"Yeah, you did. I wanted to talk to you, but I was too shy, sorry. My name is Astra." The child introduced herself, her voice soft.

"Nice to meet you, Astra." Kitsune smiled, as they continued their path to the oh-so familiar inn. Eventually, they reached the building. "Well, this is it. Thanks again for your help." Kitsune said, as the young girl handed her the other bags.

"No problem, Kit! Happy to help!" Astra chirped, before turning to leave. "Oh, and... Welcome home. I'm looking forward to talking to you more." She smiled, walking off.

With a deep breath, Kitsune pushed open the inn door with her body as her hand were full. Sitting at the front desk was Adres, reading what looked to be a novel of some type.

"Hey, Adres." She greeted, the person behind the desk promptly lifting their head to look at her.

"Missed me?"

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