𝓕𝓪𝓵𝓵𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓕𝓵𝓪𝓶𝓮𝓼 ~ 𝓙𝓲𝓪𝓻𝓪

𝘾𝙝𝙖𝙥𝙩𝙚𝙧 34

Kiara did go home that night. It was inevitable, she thought. She couldn't run away from her problems even if she didn't mind taking up track again. She informed Sarah of her decision and the blonde understood. So now the keys just dangled in her hand making a quiet, clinking sound. Their car was home but it was only the truck that they barely used, so automatically she prepared herself for whatever she gets if she gets anything at all.

She turned the keys and opened the door. At first she saw no one and heard no one, but it was only for a few seconds until they came down the stairs with a subtle eagerness laced in their steps. Once they were down the air felt almost hazy as if it were a fever dream and that none of what she believes to be seeing is real.

She stared cluelessly at them, closing the door, "You're back?"

"We never left," Anna said.

She set the keys on the table letting her hand linger near the edge, "So you changed your mind?" She didn't look at them. She didn't want to.

Mike was the first to speak, "Your mother told me about how you felt and how distant we've been all these years. How we've spent so much time on our jobs for so long that we never gave you the time of day. We've been so selfish towards you without even realizing it and I am sorry."

Anna came up to her, resting her fingertips near Kiara's, "We're so sorry that we weren't there when you needed us. We gave you everything we thought you wanted but never a full holiday together and I can never forgive myself for that. We love you more than anything sweetheart and for that we're taking a vacation to wherever you want. It could be a day here, out of town, or wherever. We called off for tomorrow and the next day. The holidays and even your birthday because that's the most important. It is coming up y'know.."

"Oh you guys don-"

"We are and we will. We've missed too many and God knows we can't afford to lose another one."

The rush of emotions was unfathomable. She felt relieved and happy that they finally decided to stay; however, she couldn't help but give in to the little devil on her shoulder and feel angry at them for taking so long. It was so much all in one day.

"I know it'll take some time but we're willing to give it all it'll take if you let us," Mike added as was he now with them.

Their expression was hopeful and desperate as they anxiously waited for her answer. Kiara has longed for this day and each time she'd believe she had gotten it, it turned out to be the exact opposite.

"I just have one condition."

They both nodded agreeing to the words that never left yet.

"Promise me that you'll call me when you REALLY need to leave. Tell me something that shows you actually care and do it this time. I don't want your word alone but the actual actions behind them, and promise me that y'all will keep your promises."

Their arms enclosed around her without a moment of hesitation, "We promise."

She finally let herself indulge into their void with tears flowing like currents in the Nile, "Then I forgive you."

"We love you Kie, truly."

"...I love you too."

***
The next morning Kiara, Mike, and Anna boarded a ferry ride to town. The air was crisp as the birds perched themselves on the electrical lines. The ride was about two hours long as it glided along the coast with the saltiness of the ocean emitting from beneath. Kiara placed herself against the wooden ledge, looking far beyond the eyes could see. Her mother stood with her, both of them soaked in the breeze like two sponges soaking in water. It felt more than wonderful to have them with her and most importantly, no distractions.