His to Claim

Chapter 1

Here's the first chapter of my new book. I hop you enjoy it as much as you all did the others.  Don't forget to vote and comment since I'm adding it to the watty awards.

The pic is of Rose's scar although it isn't as bad as this. It's just a long raged line leading from her forehead to her chin.

I was finally going home. I had made the decision last year to finish my degree as soon as possible and to move back home. It feels so strange now that the moment was finally here, I was scared. I knew I had nothing to be scared of but that wasn't helping my heartbeat to slow down or my palms to stop sweating.

I had been away from home for about 5 years, lived in a boarding house during school, sure I went back for visits but I've always distanced myself, only staying as long as I necessarily had to. For a minute there I was seriously considering turning around and going back inside. It was only the image of my mom's disappointing face that kept me from chickening out - that and Susan. My parents had gone through enough because of me that I didn't want to cause any more problems for them, I never wanted to see that guarded look in there eyes as if they're protecting themselves, preparing themselves for what I'll throw at them next.

"Are you sure you have everything?" I started at Sue's voice hoping she didn't catch my guilty look.

"You're coming for the party right?" I asked Sue as I straightened up from placing the last of my bags in the car and was now standing in front of the driver seat holding the door open as I looked at her. 

"I wouldn't miss it for the world." She smiled as she moved forward to hug me. I hugged her back just as enthusiastically. I looked around once I pulled back, when I saw no sign of the rest of the group, I turned towards my car with a sigh. I knew I shouldn't blame them they still had classes but I was still disappointed. We've all been joined to the hip for so long that it felt strange being away from them even if just for a week. At least Susan will be there for the party, I kept reassuring myself but it wasn't really working.

"They're probably still in class" Sue said with a small smile, understanding what the look meant.

"Yeah. Probably. Thanks again for helping me with my stuff." I smiled at her in thanks as I hugged her once again. She had shown up this morning to make sure I left on time and didn't forget anything behind. It was just my luck that she had no classes today or I probably would still be sleeping right now.

"Drive safe and let me know when you reach your place. Okay? Don't forget." Sue said playfully narrowing her eyes at me as I got in the driver's seat. I knew what the look meant, I gave a sheepish smile in return because we both knew that I'll forget as usual.

I had a crappy memory and at the sight of my family I'll be too busy catching up that calling Sue would fly out of my mind. However, Sue was the motherly type who always worried about others and kept a look out even when you were invisible to everyone else.

That's what she did for me, she helped me out of the darkness. She was so resilient, she stayed by my side while everyone considered me a lost cause. She was the only one who understood my cry for help. That I wasn't just acting out for the fun of it but that it was my coping mechanism. She was the big sister I never had.

"I'm sorry. I'll try my best to remember." I smiled again as I started the car and she smiled back already knowing that I was going to forget.

The long drive to my parents place passed by without much excitement. I stopped halfway once to fill gas and get lunch since I didn't have time for breakfast before I left.