Captive Book One

1. Welcome Back Barbecue

Love or Lust?

That was the real question. I was pondering to myself as I rested against the seat of a yellow cab. The ride smelled like old cheese and the driver was blasting his music. I would have to yell, just for him to hear me. Quickly rolling down the window, I happily greeted the fresh air flowing from the outside. The ride would only last a few more minutes and then I would have to face my family. And my best friend.

We've been attached at the hip since we were babies and he would steal my teether to make me cry. Then I would wait until later to bite him to pay him back. He spent his entire childhood picking on me but I never got a chance to thank him. Being new to the neighborhood, my best friend made sure I felt like I was part of the crew.

Now as the yellow cab pulled to the side of the road, I was having a hard time finding my confidence again. There were many things I wasn't absolutely sure about. Like what if I wasn't good enough? What if he wasn't into me like that? What if I lose the one person that really cares about me?

I have to get out of my head. Think about what you do know for sure.

I pushed all the negative thoughts away and passed some bills to the taxi driver. Opening the door, I was so happy to finally be out of that stinky car. And as I walked up the sidewalk to the door of my grandmother's house, I had to remind myself of a few things. Last summer was real. And what he said was real. Or am I supposed to forget that he said he dreamt of us being together? Or how warm and electrical his hand felt against mine when he caressed it?

Get it together. Focus on the right now.

I took a deep breath and tried to focus on reuniting with my family after all I was graduating in two weeks. It was also my grandmother's birthday on Sunday. This is supposed to be a joyous occasion. I started to knock again but right before, the door flew open. Andrea was staring at me with wide eyes.

"About time you got here."

Ignoring the sass, I didn't waste any time and dragged her into a hug. She hugged me back without any hesitation.

"Sorry to keep you waiting."

I let her go and she finally smiled at me. "Come on, everyone is waiting for you."

She grabbed my hand and pulled me inside. I didn't know who all to expect to show up this weekend. I was only hoping that the entire family wouldn't show and make a bigger deal out of this than it was. There were several successful people in my family. They always seem to gloat about how smart they are.

As Andrea guided me through the hallway, I told myself that I would be on my best behavior. The last thing I needed was to start any drama. Andrea didn't say anything as we walked which I thought was weird. She always had something to say. Before I could break the silence, we were already walking into the backyard.

"Nessa! It's so good to see you. Come give me a hug girl." My Aunt Alexia didn't waste any time wrapping her arms around me. I hugged her back and then prepared myself for the next embrace. It was like it was mandatory to hug every single family member in the room. 

"It's always good to see you too." I nodded at her husband, Uncle Rob, whose bald spot was growing wider on the top of his head. They had three boys and they were all 2 or 3 years apart. Trent and Trey were athletic built. They played football in the fall and ran track in the spring. The youngest was Trevor who was considered a math and computer genius.  I waved at the boys seated at one of the picnic tables set up outside.