Healing Hearts

Chapter Two

I walked home.

School finished and it was a tough day but compared to what I was coming home to that was nothing, I think I would have rather of been at school than to walk in on the war that was happening between my parents.

I could hear them before I opened the front door, I was slightly embarrassed by that part.

I slammed to door slightly louder than normal to let them know their daughter had arrived home, dad was first to greet me, wearing running trousers and a long sleeved top, his hair messed up and I knew the fight had been going on since I left, he gave a weak smile and stepped forward, wrapping his arms around me.

“how was school sweetheart?” he asked into my head.

I shrugged “I hid in the bathrooms all morning”

I felt him chuckle slightly “oh well at least you didn't skip”

“Tom and Jasper asked me to visit them if that's ok?” I asked as I pulled back.

“well that might be a good idea, you were with them everyday before so maybe it would help you” he trailed off and his eyes got watery, I sniffed back the tears not wanting to cry yet again today, it seemed as though that was all I did.

“clean your room Tessa, it's filthy” mum's harsh voice startled me a little bit as she stalked down the hallway.

I turned around rolling my eyes at her, my room was clean and she was using it as an excuse to get me away from her.

Like always.

“school was fine thanks for asking” I muttered loud enough for her to hear then slammed my door, flicking the lock over that dad had put on to give me space from her.

I could hear her and dad yelling again, it was like a routine thing for them now, hell I hadn't even seen them kiss or hug each other since the accident, I didn't want to think it but it kind of felt like my parents were heading for a divorce.

I slouched down on the edge of my queen sized bed, running my hand over the black and silver patterned cover spread, I love it and it wasn't at all to girly.

I kicked my shoes off and changed into a pair of his old trackies and red billabong jumper, wearing his clothing seemed to make me feel close to him still, I could still smell his deep aftershave he wore daily, I loved the smell, I laid back on the bed and closed my eyes, thinking of him.

A light knock to the door made me shoot my eyes back open, still in the same position I sat up, making my way to the door and hoping to god it wasn't mum.

Thankfully it wasn't. It was dad and he was actually smiling, a look I hadn't seen on him for a long time.

“sweetheart Jasper is here to visit” he spoke, my eyes darting to the end of the hallway where I could hear him talking to mum quietly.

I made my way down the narrow hallway, passing the same door that was still closed, everyday I had willed myself to in there but I just couldn't bring myself to do so, I couldn't open the handle.

Maybe tonight I could do it.

“hey” Jasper gave me his earth shattering grin.

“hi” I smiled back standing awkwardly in front of him as I shifted on my feet slightly.

I noticed mum had left the room as soon as I walked in there, dad was right behind me, his hand on my back, he had turned overly protective, and I mean following me everywhere in the house, even if it was from the kitchen to the living room.