Why now?

The arrival

Driving down the old yet similar road was painful. The last time she was here was the day she said goodbye to the one thing she loved and needed the most. She pulled into the drive way and sat in the car. She shook her head.

"You're doing this for your mom." She said to herself.

She saw the car pull up behind her and she knew she couldn't escape now. She faced forward as the man came up to her window. He taped on her window and she lowered it down.

"Need help?" He asked.

She looked at the man she had once called dad. He wasn't her real dad but he always acted like a father to her.

"No. I'm just..." She looked at the house.

"Lori, everything will be fine." he said opening her door.

She sighed and let him help her out. She put her sunglasses on and grabbed her phone.

"I know that." she said.

"So then why are you still out here?" He chuckled.

"You're so annoying sometimes Scott, you know that." she pushed him.

He laughed and nodded. They walked up the path way and she stopped as he opened the door. She could smell the delicious food and hear the conversations going on. she took one foot inside the house and was tackled with hugs.

"You're here!" she yelled in her ear.

"Honey...Michelle..." Scott said.

She pulled away and stared at Lori.

"I'm sorry." she apologized.

"It's fine." Lori replied.

The three of them walked into the living room where everyone was siting. Five new pairs of eyes were on her. She froze when she saw him. His face the way she remembered it to be.

"Batman" she whispered.

Scott looked at her and she shook her head.

"Guys this is Lori, molly's daughter." Scott said.

"Lori this is, Will, Dalton, Dana, And Gabe." He introduced them.

Cole came up behind his dad and stared at Lori. She looked back at her "brother" they shared the same look.

"I'm sorry" Cole said.

She gave him half a smile and then was surrounded by warm bodies. Will and Dalton had gotten and were nor hugging her. She patted their back and then stepped away. Dana stood up and opened his arms half way as if asking for permission to hug her. She shrugged and he wrapped his arms around her. She patted his back and smiled.

"Have you been crying?" Will asked.

"No, why?" Lori asked.

Will shrugged his shoulders and everyone stared at Lori. Gabe walked slowly up to Lori, pushed Dana out of the way and threw himself at Lori. She froze by the sudden move but slowly her arms embraced him back. She hide her face in his chest and felt the burning sting that happens in your throat when you're about to cry.

"I'm glad to have you back."Gabe said and pulled away.

Lori half smiled and shrugged. Everyone stared at them and Scott got that look. Lori rolled her eyes and looked back at Gabe just as he kissed her. Her body reacted so fast she didn't even have time to blink. Gabe held the cheek that she had just slapped.