A Way to Yesterday

Chapter 24- Homebound

Liam's POV: 

Past.

"Are you sure you don't want to come with me?" I ask Cara again. She laughs and shakes her head. 

"I think it's best if you go home alone. It's probably going to be rocky and me being there would just make it awkward too. Besides I have to see my parents too," she reminds me. I nod. She was right. Things were going to be weird after all that's happened in the last two months. 

"Yeah. You're right. But I wish you could come," I say. Again. 

"Hey. It'll be fine. Just get through the next two weeks and then you'll be back here. But if at any time it becomes too much to handle then call me. I'll stay on the phone as long as you need," she assures me. 

"I will. Thank you. I should probably get going before my mom texts me again," I say. She nods and leans in to kiss me. I wrap my arms around her to drag the kiss out longer. I really didn't want to go. These two weeks were going to be hell. I pull away but hold her a little longer then necessary.  

"Call me as soon as you get there," she tells me. 

"I will. I'll see you in two weeks," I say. She pulls away and gives me a quick peck before stepping back from the curb. I walk around to the drivers side and pull open the door. I pause before getting inside. My eyes meet hers and she smiles. "I love you," I call to her. She blushes and looks down. 

"I love you too," she calls back. With that I get in the car and drive off. Once I'm a few streets away from where I left her I start to feel nervous. I didn't know how this visit was going to go but I was preparing for the worst. In just four short hours I'd be home. I had four hours to psych myself up for this. 

*       *       *

The drive wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. I made it there with twenty minutes to spare. So  instead of going inside right away I sat outside in my car in the driveway. My mom and dads car were parked in the driveway so I knew they were both home. The last I heard he was doing better and the released him yesterday. 

I was still curious as to what caused all of this to happen. What changed? Everything was fine between my parents when I was home. So why the sudden tension? Even though I was technically an adult now they still kept things from me. Some things I didn't need to know but that didn't mean I would stop wondering or worrying. 

After sitting in my car for fifteen minutes I finally get out and make my way up the steps. I knock on the door before I remember that I have a key. I hear muffled voices on the other side and they sound angry. I dig my key out of my pocket and unlock the door. 

"Why don't you say it then? Explain to me why you left?" my mom yells. 

"There's nothing to explain Karen. I just wasn't happy anymore and I needed time," my dad shouts back. 

"That's bullshit. You couldn't at least call your son who was worried sick about you? I understand not calling me but what about Liam? He was having nightmares and he thought you were dead Geoff." my moms voice breaks at the end. This was going to be worse then I thought. I step into the living room and clear my throat. My mom jumps and my dad smiles weakly. 

"Oh. Liam. Honey. I didn't hear you come in," she wipes under her eyes and walks over to hug me. I hug her back tightly. 

"Hi mom," I say. I let her go and look to my dad. 

"Hi son. How's college life treating you?" he asks. 

"Um. Great. Yeah. Great. I'm doing good in my classes nothing really new since last year. Oh but I met a girl," I add. My mom smiles widely but it seems forced.