Back to You

Chapter:5 Broken Promises

Anna's heart raced as she stepped into the house, hoping the warmth and familiarity would offer her some comfort. Her mother, Laura, was sitting in the living room, her face a mask of concern that Anna had come to recognize.

"Where's Dad?" Anna asked, trying to keep her voice steady.

Laura looked up from her knitting, her brow furrowed with worry. "He went to his friend Danny's house. I don't know if you remember him—he's one of the pastors from our church."

"Why? Is there an occasion?" Anna inquired, her mind already racing with possibilities.

"No, Danny's car was stolen," Laura replied, her voice tinged with frustration. "It's the first time something like that's happened in San Clemente. Most people here are so religious and careful. It's really out of character for our town."

Anna's breath caught in her throat. "Stolen? Do they have a plan to find it?"

Laura sighed, shaking her head. "Danny hasn't called the police yet. He hired private investigators instead. He's trying to avoid any unnecessary issues for the town. He's such a kind man."

Anna's mind churned as she processed the news. She knew all too well the gnawing guilt that had settled in her chest since last night. The stolen car, though not directly linked to her, was too close to the reckless decisions she had made with Jaycee. She forced a reassuring smile. "I hope they find it soon."

Laura gave her a weary smile. "Me too. Anyway, can I go to Emily's? I'll head home later," Anna said, her voice carrying a tone of urgency she hoped her mother wouldn't notice.

"Alright," Laura said, though a trace of worry lingered in her eyes. "Just don't be too late."

Anna nodded, her stomach in knots as she made her way out. The crisp air of San Clemente did little to calm her. As she walked, she felt the weight of her actions from the previous night bearing down on her. The stolen car, the secret rendezvous with Jaycee—everything felt like a heavy, unspoken burden.

Arriving at Emily's house, Anna knocked on the door, her heart pounding. The events of the past few days felt like a whirlwind of guilt and confusion. She hoped Emily would have some answers or, at the very least, a comforting presence to help her sort through the mess she had created.

As she waited for Emily to open the door, Anna couldn't shake the feeling that her world was closing in. The echoes of her mistakes reverberated through her mind, mingling with the secrets she was desperate to keep hidden. She took a deep breath, preparing herself for the confrontation she knew was inevitable.

Anna sat on the edge of her bed, her heart pounding as she wrestled with her thoughts. Emily's earlier words echoed in her mind, a stark reminder of the person she had become. The weight of her decisions pressed heavily on her, amplifying her fears and doubts.

When Emily had first reacted to the news of Anna's reckless night with Jaycee, her shock was palpable. "Oh my, don't tell me you're not a virgin anymore! That's great!" she had exclaimed, but when Anna hesitated, Emily's expression had shifted to one of concern.

"It's not that, Emily," Anna had admitted, her voice trembling. "We did something bad."

Emily's eyes widened. "You took drugs?"

"No," Anna had said, shaking her head. "That night, we were so drunk, and Jaycee got carried away. We stole a car."

Emily's reaction was one of disbelief. "OMG! All I want for you is to be happy and have a boyfriend, but stealing a car? Anna, are you okay? You have your own gorgeous car..."