Heroes Appear (Under Construction please read author note)

Chapter 4: Roselynn's Garden

Left: Amy // Right: Melody

The next morning came, Caroline staring at her ceiling. Clear dark circles under her eyes, a frown deepened in her soft features. The idea of seeing her father having made her anxiety increase desperately. She attempted every grounding technique she had learned throughout her duration of online therapy sessions, however none were able to ease the negative and fearful emotions surrounding the idea of her father visiting her in a few short hours. Memories flashing through her thoughts regarding the trauma she had endured from her dad after the passing of her mother. Long nights of her fathers slurs due to his alcoholism echoing in her head. Hearing the names he'd call her and the physical abuse she endured before he would black out on the living room couch. All of this occurring before he decided it was best she lived in a secured apartment complex. 

Caroline looked to her side table, her eyes adjusting to the red numbers on her alarm clock reading 5:30AM. She closed her eyes as she rubbed her chest, attempting to settle the knots. She rested a firm palm on her mattress and slowly lifted herself up into a sitting position, leaning back against the headboard. She bit the inside of her bottom lip, chewing the skin as she felt her heart racing. She physically and emotionally felt ill, her chest aching with nerves. She ruffled her hair and removed herself from bed. Walking to the bathroom. She turned on the shower and UA Boom allowing her Iphone to connect to the speaker. Immediately the room filled with her Linkin Park Pandora playlist. She stripped out of her pajamas and undergarments, stepping into the burning water. Sighing in relief as warm steam wafted through the room gently easing her senses. The hot water gently turning her skin a nice red. A breathe of relief escaping her lips. Caroline closed her eyes and stood in the water for a few minutes. Allowing her muscles to relax, practicing deep breathing exercises. Physically and emotionally feeling a comforting aura seep into her features. 

... 

Charles docked on his morning flight. The cold morning weather nipping at his skin raising goosebumps. He sighed as he sat looking at his phone, 8:30AM. In five hours he would see his daughter. He frowned deeply at this, wondering how she was feeling. Nearly a year and a half having passed since they last seen one another. He rarely called during that period of time as well. His stomach twisted in knots with guilt and shame. Wondering if his daughter would ever be able to forgive him. Charles well aware of the harm he had caused when he drowned in alcoholism after the loss of his wife and eldest daughter. Seeking help after sending Caroline to a personal apartment. Entering 30-day programming, afterwards moving forward in his career. Determined to build his business and creating stability before making amends with his youngest. Charles looked out the small window as the airplane started to depart from the terminal. A voice echoing throughout the plane regarding emergency instructions and importance of keeping all electronics on airplane mode during the flight. Charles, shutting off his phone to save battery, secured ear plugs comfortably and rested his head against the window allowing himself drift to sleep. 

... 

1:30PM

Caroline was jogging her usual coarse when she heard her music interrupted with a few beeps. She slowed down and stopping next to a Starbucks. She pulled her phone out of her back pocket and looked at the notification. Just landed, after I drop my stuff off at home I will be over - Dad. Caroline felt her calmed anxiety shoot back into her veins, able to feel the pounding of her heart throughout her body and feeling her skin physically warm. Her feet pacing side to side a bit. She texted back On a jog, heading back now. She looked behind her noticing one of the guards watching her from afar, this often being a usual routine whenever she went on a jog. The guards often in comfortable clothing to camouflage in civilian life. She turned and headed straight for him. His face visibly showing surprise before settling himself. "Dads coming home, don't know if you need to report to him or not. Thought I'd give you a heads up". He nodded curtly "Thankyou, are you heading back then?". Caroline nodded in answer and started jogging home.