The Many Regrets of a Cyborg Werewolf

Homecoming - XXI

It had been a few years since Erin had been to the farm. Last Christmas her parents stayed at her and Kyle's place, and the year before they had only met up at a party of a family friend. It hadn't changed much. The property was still surrounded by evergreens, with a wire fence just before it. The wooden fence separated the cattle's corral and the horse's, with a smaller fenced area just beyond for the chickens that wasn't visible from the driveway. The barn was likewise obscured by this angle, but the house was in clear view. Her parents' home was large yet modest, purchased several years ago, and though Erin didn't associate it with home, it was inviting. Hopefully it wasn't empty, though Erin saw her father's truck as well as their station wagon, and while she didn't speak to her parents over the phone, the answering machine had their reassuring voices.

"I just hope they don't mind the sudden visit," Erin said as she continued up the snowy driveway.

"I never took you for a farm girl," Mahi glanced at the pens and stables.

"I'm not," she explained. "We lived in the city most of my life, but my parents retired just before the bubble burst. Mom was an accountant, and has always been money smart, so they had quite a bit saved to make sure their last home was a good one."

"It's a beautiful property," Mercer added. "Truth be told this is the first time I've ever been to a farm."

"Me, too," Mahi said excitedly, only to point his arm right in front of Mercer's face. "Look! They got horses!" Sure enough the stable doors were open, showing the bobbing heads of horses inside. This relieved Erin, as it meant at least one of her parents were home if stable doors were left open. She pulled the minivan up next to the other vehicles and turned off the engine.

"Alright," she began, "I only ask that you guys don't act too... weird. My parents have no clue what's happened. I'm not even sure what to tell them."

"Tell them the truth," Luke said.

"I don't want them to be involved," Erin sighed, only to drop her head into her hands, "God, like I'm not involving them right now. Everywhere we go someone gets hurt."

"I won't let that happen," he looked her in the eye as Erin brought her hands down. She wished she could believe him. Erin nodded regardless, and everyone began exiting the van. Mercer once again called on his cane to assist with walking, only for Mahi to offer him a hand.

"I'm quite alright," the doctor smiled, "but thank you. It's just stiff from the ride and the cold."

"You could've stayed at the apartment," Luke pointed out. "This could be dangerous."

"No," Mercer replied. "You're running low on Lycan shots, and my expertise might be needed. Besides, I'm safer with you." Mahi and Luke exchanged glances, the former refraining from comment. Luke didn't press the issue as they approached the front door of the house, and Erin gathered the nerve to knock. A moment later the door opened, and a shorter woman with red hair peered through the screen door, only to push it aside and leap towards Erin, wrapping her arms around her daughter.

"Hi, mom," Erin chuckled as they hugged.

"Oh God, Erin," the woman sighed in relief, "I'm so glad you're alright! When Alex called, then I got your message, and-" the woman took a step back to look at her daughter. "You're alright? You look so thin... and pale."

"I'm fine, mom," Erin assured her, and only now did the woman notice the others behind her daughter. Erin cleared her throat, "these are... work friends. Guys, this is my mom, Monica."

"Doctor Mercer Ray," he offered his hand to shake. Monica accepted.

"Mahi, ma'am," he smiled and likewise gave a friendly handshake. Monica turned to Luke next, only for him to keep his hands in his pockets. This earned a rather frustrated look from Erin, and he begrudgingly offered his hand next.