Escaping Lights - A Greyson Chance Fan Fiction

Chapter 27: Brinks of Hell

I heard the door click then shot up straight from the couch, casting my attention off the TV. Technically, I managed to focus my attention onto something for the first time for I have been staring into space for what seemed like hours now, chin resting on my hands and stomach grumbling from my ignorance of hunger.

     The door swung open to reveal a porter in a fancy emerald green uniform. He was pushing a cart full of trolleys and luggages. He stepped sideways to make room for my family who was following him.

     And then there was my mother, looking as elegant as ever in a gorgeous fuchsia blouse and candy pants. As soon as she entered, she exhaled while studying the surroundings, as if the entire room was incredibly breathtaking. In truth, it really was. Ornate decorations of gold and emerald were strung up around the place. It was fit for someone born of royalty. Her eyes landed on me last. She wasn't surprised to see me. She seemed to have always known she was going to see me standing here. Well, yeah, she did know she was going to see me because Seth obviously told her, but her expression wasn't what I had expected at all. I thought she was going to be more dramatic or whatever, but she was unusually calm.

     "Ah, Phoebe, darling," she greeted, moving towards me and giving me an embrace.

     "Mom," I replied in her hair. I loved the familiar distinct scent of vanilla in her shampoo. It made me feel, what, like I was home?

     She clutched my shoulders and held me at arms length. She tapped a finger underneath my chin. "Now, this is a sight I've missed."

     "Are you mad at me?" I asked straightforwardly. Okay, that sounded childish, but I hardly cared.

     She narrowed her eyes and scrunched up her face and said, "A little. But that doesn't matter. What's important is you're here and you're safe."

     "Don't you want any explanation?"

     "An explanation," a voice that belonged to my dad interrupted, "is what I need. But perhaps your mother would be more interested in your stories about your adventures." He stood beside me, his shadow towering overhead, and the fact he was there made me feel small. Small in a sense that I was intimidated. Fathers were supposed to make you feel like they were always in charge and that they needed respect from their kids. My dad didn't fail at that for the past 15 years. Which was why I looked up to him so much. In my position right now, looking up meant both literally and figuratively.

     "Dad, I...," I started.

      "You understand that your behavior was not exactly what I expected from you?" he asked.

      "I'm sorry. It was wrong, I know. I was just too shocked. But one thing I know now, is the truth," I replied.

      Mom sighed and let go of me. She turned her back and walked towards the porter who had just finished stacking their luggages on the floor. My mom gave him a few instructions, and then handed him his tip. He gave a curt bow to my mother and left us with the door closed.

     I just noticed Seth was there, striding, hands in his pockets. He leaned on wall, and put up one leg against it to help support his weight. He was looking at me apologetically. Yeah, right. He should be. After what he did to me? My patience towards his actions was already near boiling point. I could feel a sizable anger bubble up inside of me. I thought I could trust him. But no. He was a jerk just like all the jerks in the world. A glare was all I could offer him. I would deal with him later.

     I kind of wished that the porter was still inside the room with us. At least, I wouldn't feel so alone, now that I know all I would receive from my parents were long lectures and sermons. I wouldn't count on Seth for help. I was an unclaimed piece of land, and no one was going to fight for me.