The Hidden

Not So Welcome Home

Tara

Rain is my most favorite thing in the world. Watching each drop slowly fall and collide with another. Hearing the sound of it crashing down on Earth. The amazing smell of the world after it all ends. It's the most relaxing thing in the universe. Staring out the window of a taxi, I watch as random strangers walk briskly around the streets, hiding under umbrellas. I see cars wiping their windshields, and drivers putting all their attention to their surroundings so they don't crash into each other in the "dangerous" weather. But to me rain isn't dangerous at all. In fact, rain is a sense of a fresh start. Much like mine right now. Once again I've been shipped off by my parents to a new city, this one being Seattle.

As the car pulls up to my new place, I grab my bags and pay him his money before he drives off. I face my new house and gaze at it for a moment. It's similar to most the houses in this neighborhood, wood with glass windows and an elegant drive through entrance. Classic parents, they couldn't have just bought me a small apartment? No they just have to get me a luxury house. This is one of the many things I hate about my parents. They think they can buy me nice things and that will make up for the fact that they basically are on the other side of the world and never even acknowledge my existence unless I need something or need to get away from him.

It takes me two trips but I manage to get all my stuff into my house. It already has been decorated with fancy furniture and elegant granite counter tops in the kitchen. The stairs to the bedrooms are to the right of the door, the kitchen to the left, and the hallway to the living room dead center. Being the person I am I leave my belongings at the door and go straight to the fridge. Just as I thought it was fully stocked with everything I love. I take out a frozen pizza and stuff it in the oven. While I wait for my delicious food, I bring my bags to my room and start to unpack. I walk over to the box labeled "other" and rummage through. Grabbing the only photo I actually have, I stare at it. It was a selfie I took with Ray about two years ago. I smile as the memory flashes in my mind.

"Cole stop it!" I laugh as he continues to tickle me from my sides. I don't know how but somehow our at-home-movie-date turned into a tickling-wrestling war.

"Not until you say it!"

"Never!"

"Say it!"

"Fine!" He stops the torture and waits for my response, "I love you."

Cole remains straddling me and pins my hands above the head, "I love you too Tare."

I look up to him and meet his eyes as he lowers his head down to me. Our lips gently meet each other, and he presses harder against me. I pull away as he starts to deepen the kiss.

"Cole, I don't want to rush this."

He sighs, "But it's been a year Tara. When are you gunna be ready?"

"When I'm ready, you can't just rush something like this."

"A year is a long fucking time. We aren't rushing. If anything we are going to slow!"

I glare at him and cross my arms, "Don't swear at me. And don't yell at me. I will be ready when I feel like I'm ready."

He lets out another frustrated sigh, "I'm sorry babe. I just get a little too horny sometimes. I understand, I will wait for you."

"Thank you," I smile and grab my Polaroid on the table. "Now smile with me!"

He wraps his arms around my waist and goofily smiles at the camera.

Snap.

It was a good memory. At the time I was truly happy. I had all that I wanted. Him. But now that memory seems like a dream. Well, more like a nightmare. It's a reminder that I have to keep moving. I have to stay unnoticed. I just need to stay strong, not let my guard down, and keep away from trouble.

Starring at the wall in my room after eating all my pizza, I keep wondering how long I have here until I have to move again. It's happened enough times for me know not to get close to anyone. This is all temporary. With these thoughts in my mind, I drift off to sleep.