I'm hoping that if you all like this maybe I could get some comments/votes :) I want to improve my writing skills so any kind of feedback would be nice.... Thanks :)
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How did I let her rope me into this?! I thought to myself as I loaded the last box into the u-haul. She is one sneaky little seven year old.
"Mom come on. It's a long drive to Louisiana." Riley called as she beeped the horn, again.
I took one last look at our house before heading to the SUV and driving off.
"Soooo.....it's a twelve hour trip. Want to tell me everything I need to know about my dad before we get there?" she asked me expectantly.
"Baby girl, I have already told you everything I remember." I said honestly.
"Mama! Just tell me again." she protested.
I ruffled her blonde curls and gave a small smile. She's so pushy just like her daddy.
"Well, he's tall with blonde hair just like yours and big blue eyes like yours. Of course your bouncy curls come from me. You're outgoing just like him. Everything about you is just like him. Keep in mind though Riley, he doesn't know about you. If he shows up at your Meme's house let me do the talking. Then I'll come up and get you....ok?" I looked at her intently. She nodded slowly.
God, how am I going to continue on with my life if she's gone? My baby girl, my entire world. She's been the only one I have been with these last seven years. I'm so angry! Why can't you take me instead! I silently begged. I made it onto my famiy's plantation in record time. I did the loop with the u-haul trailer and blew the horn. Riley was asleep on the back seat so I crept out quietly and stretched my legs. That is the last time I do any driving for awhile!
"Hey hunny. How was the drive?" my mother asked as she gave me a death grip hug.
"The last two hours drug on. I think it's because my partner fell asleep on me." I said with a smile.
"Where is my gorgeous grand daughter?" my father called from the porch.
"Nice to see you too Dad." I snorted as I pointed to the back seat.
"Have you phoned the school about your job?" mom asked, as we started to unload the u-haul.
"Yeah. School doesnt start for a few more days here but everything is settled and I'm teaching all four years in various classes. " I laughed.
"Meme! I have missed you! Pa said I couldn't see you yet! Riley yelled, wrapping her tiny frame around my mom.
"Now, why would Pa say such a thing?" my mother mused.
"He said I was his for the first day and I could be yours tomorrow." Riley giggled.
"Come on Frog, let's go get some ice cream while meme and mom unload." my dad called out to her.
"Ok Pa. As long as I can scoop." Riley called over her shoulder.
I shot him a thank you look because I knew mom was getting antsy about wanting to know the true reason I came back.
"So, why did you really move back Erin? Not that I'm not glad you're homoe. It's just been seven years. Why now?" she asked.
I looked towards the old oak tree willing myself not to cry. I swore I would be strong. I put the box of toys down and grabbed her hand. I led us to the steps on the front porch and sat down. I let out a sigh and figured I would start from the beginning.
"Riley needs familiy. She needs to surround herself with love. She needs to know she is loved by more than just me. That and it's her last wish to be here with everyone and to finally meet her dad." I whispered, swallowing the huge lump in my throat.
"So does that mean-" she gulped.
"Six months at most." I breathed and then cried silently as she held me.
The comfort of having someone there who wasn't a doctor was nice and it made me cry more but never once letting a sob escape my lips. I wiped away the rest of the tears and swept the dust from my butt. I went back to unloading and I gave my mom a small smile. She wiped her face clean as well and smiled back. It's gonna be ok. I can get through this.
"So the prodigal daughter returns." I hear a voice say.
"Oh Danny boy, you know I couldn't stay away from my kid brother." I said tauntingly.
He climbed into the trailer give me a hug while spinning me in a circle.
I may be the baby, but I'm still taller than you , short stuff."
"Hey! I'm not short, I'm fun sized." I snapped.
He laughed and ruffled my hair. Then picked four boxes at once as if they weighed nothing. Once out of sight I gave my mom a smirk.
"What's the look for?" she asked me curiously.
"Danny is in my class and doesn't know it yet." I cupped my hand over my mouth to muffle a laugh.
