Fallen

Chapter 13: Partial Resolutions

I went back to my place, grabbed my bag then walked down to the car. Throwing the bag in the backseat, I took a deep breath to get ready for the longest drive of my life. Not in length but in my mind.
"Lisa! Lisa wait!" Shannon's voice came behind me.
"Shannon please." I sighed.
"No. I'm not going to influence you. As long as you come back with the answer that's right for you. I'll be happy. Have a safe drive." He looked at me quietly.
"I will be back no matter what. Don't shut him out okay. There's been enough conflict between you."
"I'll try."
"That's all I ask." I touched his jaw warmly.
His eyes closed at the feel. I fought the urge to kiss him before I got into the car. Shannon opened the door. I sat behind the wheel and let him shut it.
"Thanks. I'll see you in a few days."
"Okay. Don't forget to call." He reminded.
"I won't."
Starting it up, I carefully pulled back and away from the building. I concentrated on the road so I wouldn't think about the problem I left. It was only a fifty minute drive and as I pulled into the driveway, of the large ranch house, I let all of the memories flow back. My family's house was on five acres of land that was well kept and a natural bird sanctuary. I'd forgotten how beautiful it was. I stopped, stepped onto the decorative cobblestones just as the door opened. A woman, about 5'6", light brown hair and a look of curiosity as she saw me. I walked to the door slowly.
"Lisa?" She questioned.
"Hi mom." I greeted.
"It's been so long since you've been home. I almost didn't recognize your car."
"I guess it's has been quite a while."
"Are you able to stay for dinner?"
"Actually, if it's alright, could I stay for a couple of days?"
"Is everything okay at your building? No one's causing problems?" She seemed concerned.
"I need to talk about something and I hoped that you wouldn't mind."
"Of course. Come in. I'll make that tea you like and we'll sit out back." She surprised me by taking me into a tight hug. "I'm happy you're here."
It felt nice and I relaxed in her arms.
The back of the house looked out across a lush, green lawn, perfectly trimmed bushes and colourful flowerbeds. I sat at a small table on a high backed chair. Mom brought out two cups of apple cinnamon tea, handing me one before sitting down.
"So what brings you home finally?"
I wasn't sure how to begin. Would she understand my confusion? How serious I felt this could be?
"I'm.. I'm not sure what to say." I looked at her, then away quickly.
"Did somebody hurt you?" She became concerned. "I'm going to ask. I am your mother."
I nodded. "No one's ever hurt me...unless I needed to be."
She sat up straighter, understanding what I meant.
"So you're still going?"
"Yes. But it's not all what you think. And that's not my problem. A few months ago, I took in this guy. He's very talented, friendly. I actually enjoy when he's around. I've come to really care about him."
"Are you.."
"That's the problem. One day, I was cooking way to much, brought some over to his place. He was upset. He'd found out that his brother was in trouble and his mother was worried. I thought that it would be a good idea to bring him here so he could get away from whatever had their mother worried."
"And his brother is at the building too? Is he a problem?"
"No. He's got a job, not causing any problem, staying clean."
"Somethings on your. I don't. You've never been this worried about one of your people."
"We've spent time together when his brother was off filming. I'm. It sure that I've ever felt relaxed enough to tell anyone anything."
"But.."
I set the porcelain cup on the small table, turned my head to look at my mother. "He knows just about everything. I can't tell you why but I want to make the right decision."
"I can see that. Don't rush into that decision. You can use your old room, as long as you need to."
"Thank you."
To my surprise, she got out of her chair, stepped over and touched my cheek. Her skin was as soft as I remembered.
"Im happy that you came to see me. I'm glad that you came home."
I had always wondered if she would want me to come back. It was when I realized how much I missed her.
"Mom." I stood up, threw my arms around her and started to cry like a child.
"Oh baby." She held me just as I'd wished for.
Back inside the house, mom walked me to my room. Behind the wood door, it hadn't changed. The curtains and bedspread were red, all the shelves and furniture dark wood. It was almost comforting in it's familiarity.
"What about..?"
"Don't worry. Your father has missed you more than he'd admit. He'll be quiet but don't forget that he loves you." Mom touched my shoulder and squeezed.
Later, we went into the kitchen, where I surprised her at how much I'd learned about cooking. She sat at the is.and as I cut up vegetables, marinated salmon steak and talked about what had been going on at the building or how they'd been since that last time we talked.
"Hey honey! I'm back!" My father came home from work. He always greeted mom that way. "I don't know what you're cooking but it smells great!"
I felt like I was a kid again, waiting to get into trouble for something. That's when mom gave me that 'It'll be okay' look. He same into the kitchen dressed in the usual button down shirt and black pants. I stood next to the stove, a little tense and not sure what to do. Stopping at the door, he saw me.
"Hi daddy." I said.
"Uh...." He was uncertain what to say, turned and walked away.
I wasn't sure how to react. Looking at mom, she had no answers and looked puzzled too. Turning off the stove, I headed toward the pool. I used to watch the reflections for hours (the blue sky and clouds calmed me).
"So when did you learn to cook so well?" My father's voice made me jump.
Cautiously, I turned to face him. His expression was soft and calm.
"I had to learn if I wanted to eat." I said quietly.
"It was very good, but you always did learn quickly."
"Thank you."
He stood only a few steps away from me. I felt like I was eight years old and all I wanted was to be noticed.
"Your mother said that you need some advice."
"Kind of."
"I don't know what's going on but I'm glad that it brought you home." He seemed honest. That's when I noticed he was struggling.
"Daddy."
I heard the soft break in his voice. "I've missed you.
That did it. The tears began on both sides and I ran the few steps to his open arms. There was the memory of being soothed and protected by the most important man in my life
"I missed you too." I sobbed.