I Trusted You

Chapter 24.

Jasleena

The day has come to go back home for Thanksgiving. Nervous was not the proper word to explain how I felt. I hoped my parents didn't tell Jacob or Paola that I was going. But she did probably tell Tia, which would have told Paola. And Paola probably told Jacob. Ugh, just great. I finished putting my small bag in the car, double checked my apartment windows and that the door was locked. I got into my car and started my drive back to my hometown. I had stopped for gas and some lunch at a rest stop. I looked at my phone and had a few texts. Some from my mom and two from Luka.

Luka. He's definitely different, but my doubts still clouded it all. I was on high alert with everything. He is an amazing friend so far but that's all we can be for now. I need to heal, if I can. I need to learn to love myself again. I've lost myself so badly. But what I did love most was that he didn't give up on me. He'd still text me everyday, now a few times a day with funny or cute memes. It's only been a few days since we hung out. But he's already asked which day would be our hang out day. I told him I'd be traveling back home, so maybe Saturday would be good. He said Saturday would definitely work and asked me if I'd be ok going back. I said I would be, but I'm not even sure about that. He said I could call him whenever I felt myself getting uncomfortable. His texts were just wishing me a great day and to have a safe drive. Also reminding me to call or text if I needed him. He was simply the sweetest. I texted him and my mom back. I finished pumping gas after having my lunch and headed out.

A few hours later I was pulling into my parents house. I turned the car off and sat in it for a few more minutes. Right then it wouldn't be too bad but I wasn't sure about the following day. I knew my Tia would come over for thanksgiving they always did. I never asked my mom if she knew about Paola's pregnancy. Neither did she tell me anything about it. I wondered if Tia had even mentioned it to mom. I wondered if Tia knew the whole situation. I wondered if she was upset, or just felt bad for me. I shook my head trying to get all of it out of my head. I took a few deep breaths and got out of the car. Grabbed my phone, keys and bag and headed in. I unlocked the door still having the key. The smell of my mothers food smacked me the minute I opened the door. " Mama, I'm here." I called out, closing the door and taking my shoes off. I heard her shuffling around the kitchen, then practically running out of the kitchen to come to me. She enveloped me in such a big hug, I wrapped my hands around her and hugged her back. It felt good to be hugged by her. "Quan! Our baby girl is here! Girls! You're sister is here!" She yelled. They each quickly made their way to me and hugged me. "Ok. Ok let's let her put her things away. So she can come down for dinner after, since dinner is done." I smiled and nodded and headed to my old room. It was more of a guest room than mine but still the room I used to be mine. I put my things down and head to the bathroom down the hall. I wash my hands and face, take a few more deep breaths and prepare myself for whatever questions are thrown at me during dinner.

We were all at the dinner table and it went well. No one asked me anything about Jacob nor Paola. They only asked about work and if I was making any friends. I told them work was great and I have a friend that likes to hang out with me. "Maybe the next time you visit you can bring your friend. Or when we go visit you, your friend can come over." Mom always liked to meet anyone we became friends with. She knew I didn't like people so to have a friend is unexpected from me. I shook my head and laughed, "Sure mom, if he agrees." Her eyes widened, "Ooh it's a he!" I already knew where she was going with that. "It isn't like that mom. He is literally just my friend." She gives me a look, "Whatever you say Leena." Everyone at the table laughed. Mj and Yaz updated me with a few things that have been going on with them, while our parents spoke within themselves. It was nice to be with all of them again. I missed them.