Sometimes You Need To Let Down Your Hair

Chapter 29

       I said "of course silly," and walked out of the room. I ended up going down stairs and started watching TV with Lucas' parents in the living room. It was nice. We talked a little about trivial things like good books or hobbies that we had. After awhile Lucas came downstairs and walked into the living room with a big grin on his face. He had a Darth Vader T-shirt on, and a pair of blue jeans, and I couldn't help but think he was absolutely adorable. His parents looked between us and rolled their eyes in an amused way. 

       Lucas was just standing in the doorway, so I patted the spot next to me on their couch and said, "Do you wanna watch some TV?" He shook his head no, so I raised my eyebrow and asked, "What else is there to do?"

       He shrugged and gestured for me to follow him. he led me down to their basement where they had like a den. There was some comfy furniture and a big screen TV. There was an Xbox hooked up to it, and Lucas decided to show me all of his favorite games. It was pretty fun. We spent around an hour on it before getting some lunch and doing things that normal teenagers would do. It was great. 

       The next day Lucas went back to school and I developed a routine.  I grabbed all of my school stuff from next door and ended up studying on my own like I used to until lunch. I usually studied in my temporary room, which happened to be a guest room, and worked on my art when I couldn't focus. When Lucas got home from school we'd go out and eat at the diner and explore the city for a little bit. When we'd come back it'd be around 4, and hang out until his parents came home from work. Then on the weekends we'd all do something fun together. 

       This whole thing went on for a few weeks before Lucas got out of school for the summer. Within those few weeks I had ended up getting my own cellphone, and actually making more friends. I was having the time of my life! To make it all better, the cops had eventually caught up with Gothel and she was currently on trial. There was only one thing I could think of that would make my life better.

       My real parents. I wanted to actually meet them, but so far Lucas' dad had trouble tracking them down. I was nervous and excited for the day that I'd finally see them. I hope that they'd like me.

       One day while we were all eating breakfast I asked what we had planned to do for the day. Lucas' parents tried to hide a laugh an simply shrugged their shoulders. Automatically suspicious, I said, "What's so funny?" They just shrugged their shoulders again so I laughed and rolled my eyes. "Okay, well since we are all basically done with breakfast, can Lucas and I go out for a walk or something?" I asked. It had become a habit for us to go on a walk every morning and just talk. However,  to my surprise Lucas shook his head no.

       He chuckled and said, "I have something better in mind. Mom, Dad, are you ready to go?" I curiously looked toward his parents and wondered what he was talking about. They just chuckled and stood up to walk to the door. Lucas walked over to me and held out his hand. I found myself taking it and swiftly being pulled to my feet. We walked hand in hand out of his house and to their car. 

       I asked Lucas where we were going, but he wouldn't answer. He'd only smirk and say something along the lines of "Nice try Willow, but it's a surprise." We sat in the back seat of the car and just talked as the landscape flew by the windows. Then his parents turned on the radio and I listened to him attempt to sing along in a goofy off-pitch voice. I chuckled and sat back against my seat and looked out the window. I briefly thought about the last car ride I had, and how different it was from this one. The music was blaring, laughter was everywhere, I felt joyful, and instead of wishing to go on an adventure, in a way I had completed one. Sure it wasn't that great, but things were looking up and I could only hope they would continue to do so. 

       As time passed, I ended up dozing off and taking a nap on Lucas' shoulder. I don't think he minded one bit. I didn't even dream. It was a relief. 

       I woke up when Lucas gently whispered in my ear. I rubbed my eyes and let out a small yawn before blushing. Lucas smiled at me and said, "Willow, we're here. Lets get out."

       I was confused, but I went ahead and got out of the car. When I did I threw my hands up to my face and slightly shook my  head. This couldn't be what I thought, could it? I was standing in front of a medium sized, two story  house with grey siding, a red door, and a nice porch. There was a nice brick pathway leading to the porch that was lined with small flowers and a big willow tree in the front yard. I looked back toward the car and saw Lucas come around to me. 

       He grabbed one of my hands in his and said, "How about we go knock on the door?" I nodded and thoughts furiously roared around my head. Was this really happening? Was this what I thought it was? Lucas and I walked to the door and I knocked on it firmly three times. A few moments passed and in the time I made sure I put on a brave face. I was worried of course. If this is what I thought then I was about to meet two very important people. 

       The door opened up and I was left staring at a woman that looked a lot like me. Standing behind her was a tall man with tears in his eyes. "Mom, Dad?" I whispered softly. Lucas let go of my hand and the people in front of me nodded. My mom smiled brightly as tears ran down her face, and my dad did the same. Then they rushed forward and gave me a giant hug.

       Lucas and his parents joined in and I smiled as happy tears graced my cheeks. I was finally home.