CHOKER

Volume 14: All that we've been through

(edited)

*Ana's P.O.V*

Once we got off of the plane and arrived in Waterbridge we were escorted to a large black van. We dumped our luggage in the back and entered. "Where is this taking us?" Nathan asked, not so sure how to feel about this. "Just wait and see," Xander said, dismissing his curiosity and concern. We sat in the van for an hour before reaching our destination.

We exited the car only to be met with a fairly large home, mostly comprised of glass. There was a beautiful fountain on the outside along with a black gate surrounding the place. 

What have I gotten myself into? I thought, not knowing how to feel.  Kimberly squeaked with joy before leading the group to the entrance. A man dressed in business casual attire stood at the door, waiting to greet everyone.

"Richard I've missed you, buddy!" I heard a deep voice say. Xander walked up to the somewhat old man and embraced him. He hugged Xander back tightly before his dark eyes looked into mine. 

"It's good to see you, Fallon," Richard said pulling away from Xander's embrace. The man walked over to me and then tightly embraced me, rocking back and forth slightly.

"You look very healthy!" he proclaimed as I stiffened.

"That's not, Fallon," Xander said slowly, peeling Richard from me.

It's that girl again...

Kimberly suddenly shoved me aside before hugging the old man, "It's nice to see you again Rich," she beamed. 

      Richard pulled open the from door as a loud clicking noise echoed through the downstairs. The swirled stairs complimented the large windows that had lavender drapes covering them.  Above us, laid a low-hanging chandelier with a bright light in the dead center. The focus on admiring this home was suddenly cut short by an approaching older woman and a fairly young-looking man. She had short bob with silver hair that remained dark at the tips, indicating the change with age. She had thin pink lips and a bright smile. She was fairly tall and walked in small black pumps, her white blouse and black pencil skirt complementing her.

"My boy!" She exclaimed happily. The tall figure that walked beside her had a kept short beard and brown curly hair. He stood up straight with his large hands tucked into his jean pockets. He wore glasses, regardless of him being in the house, and a silk scarf around his neck. He had a toothpick sticking out the corner of his mouth and kept his eyes dancing around the crowd. The lady approached Xander and hugged him tightly with a grin. 

"Stephan!" Stacy shot loudly, running up to hug him. He chuckled before hugging her back and approaching Kimberly. He gave her a dull handshake as they avoided eye contact with one another.

What's their deal? I thought, filled with curiosity. Nathan and I stood there awkwardly, watching everyone else enjoy this reunion. "How rude of me, you must be new members," His mother said before pulling me and Nathan into a hug. "Don't worry, you're safe here, this is Stephan," She said, pulling him over by his shirt. He let out a sigh before looking directly at me. I could see Nathan raise an eyebrow from my peripherals before Richard took the others away to their rooms. Dylan quickly flashed me a look before darting off with them.  Richard looked happy but also confused about who some of them were, he was obviously battling memory issues. 

      Stephan stuck out his hand to me, not breaking eye contact. "It's nice to finally meet you, Analise," he said slowly. I could hear the remains of a dwindling accent in his voice, however, it was fading. 

"How do you already know me?" I asked, confused and suspicious. There's something weird here, his parents seem aware but they also don't care, am I the wrong one to be judging here?