The flight lasted about 9 hours, and in the mean time, all I could think about was why Brad didn’t show up at the airport.
He didn’t know? Or he didn’t care enough to waste his time trying to save me?
Either way, I came. And now there’s no turning back.
I gathered my baggage, wiping a few tears away from my face. They didn’t belong there, and, as much as I was hurting, I didn’t want my aunt to see me like this.
The last time I saw her I was still a little girl - I didn’t even know where she was until my mom mentioned her. The memories of that day crashed through my mind; everything was normal, Brad and I were still a couple of cousins to everyone. A smile almost moved my lips, but the effort only made my chest hurt again.
My eyes searched the crowd, trying to remember the looks of Lynn; it didn’t take long until a mass of black hair appeared running towards me and engulfing me in a tight hug.
“My God, Heloise! Look at you! I knew you would turn into a gorgeous girl!” she smirked, staring at me. She looked just like in my weak memories; time wasn’t really helping my head.
“Thanks, auntie.” I forced a smile, feeling my lips dry.
“Ready to go?” she asked, grabbing my bags.
“Sure.”
*
“How are things back in England? I haven’t been there since… Well, since I last saw you!” Lynn looked like a pure bubble of joy, and it kinda made me feel bad about looking like I was at a funeral.
And how the hell is she asking how things are? Doesn’t she know about all the mess?
“Uhm… Things are normal, I guess.” I shrugged, accepting the mug of tea she offered me. “You haven't been there for years, but the habits didn’t change, huh?”
“Of course not. I still want to go back living there. Guess I already saw whatever I wanted to see here.” she laughed, taking a bite off a cookie.
“When are you planning on going back?” I asked, hopeful.
“Well, I was going soon, but now your mom sent you over here! I want you to experience this place then.”
“Oh, sorry about that.”
“By the way, when are you going to tell me why she practically kicked you to another continent out of the blue?”
She didn’t know about all the mess. My mom was probably too ashamed, so she decided to let me explain it.
Nice, Norah. Thanks.
“I… Uhm… Auntie, I- I don’t really want to discuss it right now and-” I stumbled on my words, suddenly nervous.
“It’s no problem, dear. You can talk when you’re ready. I think I have an idea of what it might be, though.” she winked, laughing.
“You do?” my cheeks were probably blushing by now.
“Is it a boy?”
“Uhm… Yes, you’re right.”
“I can’t believe your mom is doing this to you! You’re 17! I bet you’re not even a virgin anymore, are you? At least in your age neither me or Norah were.”
“Auntie!” I squealed, trying to cover my face.
“Heloise! Ok, I’m sorry. But you’re not a virgin, I can see that.”
“Alright, I’m not! Happy now?”
“Thrilled!” she laughed again, sipping on her tea. “Listen, darling, whatever the hell of the reason why Norah is doing this, I’m sure it’s just to protect you.”
