Mismatched Hearts

Chapter 38

ROYANNE

Lucas's birthday was at the end of the month and despite it being the second week of November, I was stressing on what to do for him. What if he wanted to go back home and spend it with his family?

I realized our dynamic changed a bit ever since I started acting. We barely had time for each other and when we did, we acted like bunnies in heat. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy myself and I am a satisfied woman. But I miss the times we just enjoyed each other's company and watched series or cooked or something.
Maybe that's why you have a tiny crush on Demetri.

"Royanne, is that you?" Mom called from the living room as I walked into the house and closed the door.

"Yes Ma," I called back while walking into the living. I stopped dead in my tracks. My body refused to move any further.

"There she is," mom smiled, "your uncle and aunt were in the city and stopped by."

My gaze avoid the two.

"Why are you standing there darling? Come and say hey to us properly. It's been so long," Aunt Betty said in an over sweet tone.

Despite my mental protests I walked towards where they were seated. Aunt Betty gave me a hug. Hesitantly I turned to uncle Derek. He had a smile on his face but years of knowing him has tainted it for me.

"How are you doing Royanne? How was school?" He asked while extending his hand.

He took any excuse to lay his hands on me and he knew it bothered me. He also knew I would greet him to save face on front of my parents. Hesitantly, I placed my hand in his.

"It was okay," I mumbled while trying to pull away. Not before he stroked, or rather scratched, my palm with his middle finger.
A gesture I was all too familiar with but still managed to shake me.

"Honey, there's food in the kitchen if you are hungry," mom said. Pulling me out of my head.

"No thank you. I'll be in my room," I mumbled and hurriedly left the living room.

Upon reaching my room, I shut the door and went to my closet where I sat down in a corner. Tears threatened to fall but I wouldn't let them. He was in our house.

I don't know how long I stayed there but I panicked when I heard my closet door open. Relief washed over me when I saw my mom.

"Baby, what are you doing in here?" He asked. Worry laced in her voice as she came over and sat down next to me.

"Oh nothing, just you know. Twenties drama and hormones," I said, sounding a bit too enthusiastic.

"No don't do that princess. I know it's not that. Your entire demeanor changed when you walked into the living room. Don't think I didn't notice," she said while cupping my face.

She looked at me as if trying to read me. I wanted to tell her but would she believe me. It had been years. And I still remember the disappointment on her face when she found out her 17 year old daughter was going out with a married man.

I shut my eyes.

"Sweetheart, I know your father and I aren't home as much as we want to be. Trust me, it hurts us more than you think. But honey that doesn't mean you shouldn't trust us. You're our little princess, we're on your side, please tell me what's happening," she said.