FLAWLESS

CHAPTER 44

Shanelle POV

As the car glided to a gentle halt, I could feel a nervous flutter in the pit of my stomach. Vincent, ever the gentleman, stepped out and held the door open for me. The warm evening breeze rustled my hair as I stepped out onto the driveway, my hand lingering on the smooth fabric of the lovely, simple dress I had chosen for this occasion. It was a soft shade of lavender, flowing gracefully around me. I had spent hours deciding on the perfect outfit, wanting to make a good impression on my family after my hospital stay. The delicate lace trim at the hem added a touch of femininity, and I hoped it would convey a sense of strength and resilience.

Glancing around the driveway, I noticed a few other cars parked nearby. I guessed they belonged to my sisters, Shelby and Shay, and Shay's fiancé, Jason. It seemed that the whole family had come together to welcome me back home. 

Hooking my arm through Vincent's, we walked toward the grand entrance together. The elegant facade of the house stood tall and imposing, a symbol of the life I had grown up in. As we approached the front door, Jonas, the house butler, opened it with a welcoming smile. His familiar face brought a sense of comfort amidst the fluttering nerves.

Jonas led us through the corridors, guiding us toward the dining room where our family awaited. With each step, I couldn't help but feel the weight of the moment. Tonight, I would face my parents again, and they now knew about my panic disorder situation. Though we never saw eye to eye, they had always tolerated me and allowed me to do whatever I want. SoI hoped that, at least for tonight, they wouldn't press me about it, especially not in front of Vincent.

As we reached the dining room, the scent of a home-cooked meal filled the air, a comforting aroma that mingled with a hint of tension. My mother was the first to greet us, her arms open wide for an embrace. I felt a mix of relief and gratitude as I wrapped my arms around her, taking in the warmth and familiarity.

Shay and Jason followed suit, offering their well wishes. Their love and support meant the world to me. However, my gaze shifted to Shelby, who sat on the other side of the room, sipping her wine with a distant look on her face. Her half-hearted smile lacked the warmth that I had hoped for, but I chose not to dwell on it. The relationship between Shelby and me had always been strained, and tonight was not the time to unravel those complexities.

My father acknowledged our arrival with a simple nod, his eyes briefly meeting mine before turning back to his conversation with Shelby. It was a small gesture, but I understood his way of saying, "Welcome home."

We took our seats next to Shelby, facing Shay and Jason, and across from my mother. As we settled in, the room filled with a mixture of anticipation and unspoken questions. I could feel the curious glances cast my way, but I maintained a composed exterior, hoping to keep my anxiety at bay.

Before the silence grew too heavy, my mother broke it with a gentle smile.

"Shanelle, we're so glad you were discharged early from the hospital and that you're okay." Her words carried a sincerity that touched my heart.

"Thank you, Mom. I'm feeling better, and I'm grateful to be back home with all of you."

As the conversation flowed around me, my mind became a whirlwind of emotions. I realized that, despite our differences and the hurdles we faced, this was my family. They might not always understand, but they cared in their own way. And tonight, surrounded by their love, I would do my best to navigate the evening with strength and grace.

Taking a deep breath, I began to embrace the warmth of the room and the love that filled it. This homecoming was more than just a dinner; it was an opportunity for healing and understanding. 

Amid the chatter, my father's gaze shifted towards Vincent. 

"How are you doing, Vincent?" he asked, genuine concern lacing his words. 

 "I'm doing great, sir." Vincent replied, respect in his tone.

Shelby, seized the opportunity to join the conversation. 

"So, how's your father's company doing these days?" Her words hung in the air, accompanied by a knowing smirk. 

I observed the flicker of a shared glance between them, and I got confused.

What was that all about?

"We're doing fine, thanks for asking." Vincent replied and then looked away from her. 

The exchange left me perplexed, wondering about the unspoken connection they shared. Yet, I pushed the thoughts aside, focusing on the present moment.

We continued with our dinner, the clinking of cutlery filling the gaps in conversation. It seemed as though we were all wrestling with unspoken thoughts, a heaviness hanging in the air. Then,  Shay, broke the silence with a toast, her voice filled with a mixture of joy.

"I'm so happy we're all here tonight as a family," she began. 

"We've been through so much together as a family, and yet, I am deeply grateful that we can still have nights like this." Her words resonated with each of us, a reminder of the bond that held us together through thick and thin.

Shay's eyes met mine, brimming with concern and relief. 

"Shanelle, we're so glad you're okay," she said softly. 

"We hope that you'll take care of yourself better in the future." Her words resonated deeply within me. I know I've done some things in the past that put my family through a lot and I wasn't proud of it, but still, they were here, supporting me and reminding me that whatever happens, we're still a family.

Touched by her sentiment, I looked around the table, meeting the eyes of each family member.  

"To Shanelle," She said, with her glass raised. One by one, the others lifted their glasses, a chorus of "To Shanelle" filling the air.

 Turning to Vincent, I gently placed my hand on top of his, squeezing it lightly. It was a silent gesture, a way of expressing my gratitude for having him by my side on this significant night. Vincent's eyes met mine, and I knew he understood. We were in this together, and nothing was ever going to change that.

As the evening unfolded, our laughter and conversation flowed freely, intertwining with the delicate aromas and flavors of the meal. We savored each bite, cherishing the simple pleasure of being together as a family. And deep within me, a resolve took root—a determination to treasure every moment, to take better care of myself, and to hold on tight to the love that surrounded me.