My Possessive Protector

Chapter Eight - A whole new beginning

The following days were a total mess. My parents came back from Europe and their faces were strained and skinny. Mom's smile had lost its usual cheeriness and was replaced with a hidden grief which made my heart sink. I tried to soothe her. I knew she was so upset.

She loved my dad so much and they never had a fight. They were what you can call a perfect couple. Their love for each other was so strong that they ignored each other's faults, but not in a foolish manner. They talked everything into solutions. As a family we had a rare unity. Although this incident was a huge blow, we managed to stick together. Nevertheless this sudden change took some time for them to settle.

"Sue, could you get some butter from the store?" Mom asked digging into the refrigerator. "I have forgotten yesterday." She said with her head still buried inside.

"Sure." I said jumping from the kitchen countertop.

I wanted to help them best as I could. That was a quality I inherited from my mother.

Our new home was on the same road Uncle Hank lived. It was smaller than our previous one, but was quite decent with classy furniture and gadgets. Uncle Hank helped us generously with arrangements.

"Hey," a familiar voice called me from behind. "How's your new home?"

"Nick!" I called out happily.

"So you are now living here." He said with a grin.

"Yep." I nodded.

"Adam told me your parents decided to change places. I thought you'll stay there because of," he shrugged, "you know, academic things."

"Uncle Hank helped me with the transfer."

"Good." He gave a genuine smile. "You won't feel outlandish anyway." Nick gave a small laugh.

"Yeah, I'm glad things happened this way. Else I'll have to be the new girl or I'll have to live alone in an apartment. I hate both." I giggled.

"Where're you going? To your Uncle Hank's?" He asked as we neared to Uncle Hank's home.

"No. I'm going to the grocery. Mother wanted me to get some butter." I laughed.

"Okay, I'm going to meet Adam. See ya," Nick turned towards the gate, waving his hand.

"See ya" I shouted back.

It was nice to meet Nick. He had an extraordinary ability to lighten things up. That was what I really needed at the moment. I longed for a little relaxation after spending the morning helping mom with setting up things.

I bought a stick of butter and stepped out from the shop when someone sprang from the shadows. I yelped dropping the parcel in my hand.

"Sorry, didn't mean to scare you." Jesse laughed.

Several people were watching us with confused faces.

"How're the things going on?"

"Um, things are rather fine now." I muttered. "Mom's a little depressed yet, but dad has already found a job too. He's getting on."

"So, you are going to restart your academics from Monday?"

"Yes, but I'm too nervous. I can't think of studies still."

"You'll be okay. Get a grip."

"Hmmm..." I sighed.

"I have to tell you something." Jesse said suddenly.