Homebound

Prologue: Kicked Out

"So, what street corner did you say you wanted to be dropped off again?"

Kitsune's mother, Tara, asked her as they drove throughout their town. Though, this wasn't a mother-daughter day, no. This was a punishment- one taken too far. But of course, Tara wouldn't listen to reason. Kitsune was supposed to clean the kitchen, and yet she didn't. What with how strict Tara was, this was absolutely unacceptable- so thus she was being evicted.

Kitsune sat in the back seat, blankly staring out the back window. She had various suitcases with her belongings inside. With a sigh, she finally responded to her mother. "Auburn Lane- the one by the antique shop that I visit in my free time." She said, pulling one of her bags onto her lap and hugging it. She had informed her friend, Chris, what had happened and he was coming to get her.

Tara hummed a little, narrowing her eyes. "Right... You know, I never knew why you'd rather spend time THERE instead of being a good daughter and spending time at home." She stated. Kitsune winced a little, trying not to snap. She was already in enough trouble as it was.

"You brought this upon yourself, you know. I didn't ask for much. Now you can be independent all by yourself." Tara bluntly remarked. Kitsune bit her lip, trying not to tear up or let her emotions take hold of her. She wasn't about to give her mother the satisfaction of knowing that she was distraught.

Finally, the car had stopped- they reached their destination. "Well, here we are- ...huh. Didn't expect anyone to be out this late." Tara remarked, prompting Kitsune to look up. They were outside of the antique shop that Kitsune often visited, her friend Chris standing in front of it- a concerned look on his face.

For the first time that evening, Kitsune smiled a little. She hopped out of the car, the chilly air passing through her hair and dress as she approached Chris. "H-Hi, Chris... Sorry for dragging you out here like this.." She greeted. "Oh, it's no trouble at all, dear... I'm just glad I can help." Her friend stated, tilting her chin up with his finger. He frowned a little, noticing the tears in her eyes.

"Oh, you poor thing..." He said, pulling her closer and giving her a well needed hug. Kitsune hugged back, burying her face into his chest as she tried to refrain from sobbing. Chris looked up, noticing her mother looking at the two in slight shock. He narrowed his eyes, giving a glare.

"I hope you're fucking satisfied... Some mother you turned out to be..." He muttered, making Tara jump. "W-What?" She said.

"Your daughter is nineteen years old- she's a college student. She has other things to worry about- and your biggest concern is that she missed a FEW chores?! If I remember correctly, she also works for YOUR company. So why are CHORES your biggest issue with her?" Chris snapped, tightening his grip on the redhead.

With a huff, he let go- helping Kitsune take her bags out of the car. "Come along, Kitsune. We're going now." He stated. Kitsune nodded, silently trotting after him as she held two of her bags- an extra backpack on her back.

Chris glanced at her, concern in his eyes. She was oddly quiet. "Are you doing alright?" He asked. "N... Not really..." Kitsune responded, sighing. The taller male hummed a bit. "Well... Rest assured, it's going to be ok. You have my word." He stated.

Kitsune smiled a little, looking up at him. "Thanks, Chris... I really appreciate your help..." She said. "There's no need to thank me, dear. I'm always glad to help." Chris responded.

"Ah, before it slips my mind, have you eaten yet?" He asked. "I-I don't think so- not since last night." Kitsune answered. "Not since last night?! Heavens, alright, I'm getting dinner started as soon as we get home." Chris stated.

Once they got to Chris's fairly large house, Chris helped Kitsune carry her belongings to the guest room. "We can decorate it more to your liking later in the week, if you'd like. As soon as you told me what happened, I immediately started cleaning up in here." He told her.

"I appreciate that, th-thank you." Kitsune said, looking up at him. "D-Do you mind if I take a shower while you get dinner going?" She asked. "By all means, go right ahead. I'll get you when it's done." Chris responded, ruffling her hair.

Kitsune smiled, taking out some nightclothes and heading down the hall to the bathroom. Chris walked out of the room, heading down to the kitchen to get dinner started. As he started making the preparations, only one thought went through his head. He knew that Kitsune had definitely been through a hell of a lot- he could just tell from her current demeanor. 

Just what was the full extent of it?