Hidden Close (Jr. Year)

Chapter 59

Part 59 Of The First Draft

“Why did you come here? We aren't going back.”

Perry informed me, his attitude stern as always. I answered him, my determination not betraying me,

“It’s more dangerous for me with you gone, honey. I cracked my head open....I nearly died....”

I tossed my hair aside, showing him my scar. When Perry caught a glance at it, his voice tone became apologetic,

“I’m sorry, Mindi, but there's no way that my mother will ever let us go back.”

“Now that isn't true, Perry. I still love this girl like a daughter. If she needs me, then we are heading back to Knoxville.”

Grace had a smile on her face, as if she had wanted us to chase after her and her family. Her hair sparkled as she drew near me, and her eyes still had the same fire as they had when I last saw her. She embraced me, and I hugged her back, tight. Perry, who sounded ticked off, brought up one more question,

“What about Becky?”

I laughed, and told Perry, with passion in each word,

“It’s over between the two of us. I choose you, and I want you in my life, forever, baby.”

Perry seemed pleased, and Grace’s smile never left her face. It was the reunion I had imagined, and it wasn't before long that Perry and Renee had agreed to come back with us the very same day. As for Grace and Brad, they had said they'd come back after they had repacked all of their belongings. Grace had mentioned,

“We still own the house in Knoxville. We'll be back there before you know it.”

Perry and Lana had taken turns in driving the way back to Knoxville. When we had made it finally back home, my mom greeted Perry and Renee with open arms. She expressed to them, with much emotion bleeding from her voice,

“Oh, thank goodness you are back...please, protect my daughter and never leave her again....”

Renee seemed disturbed over my mom's words, and I noticed her expression change to one of sorrow. I asked her about it later, and Renee, who was wearing a zippered sweater and a matching mid-length skirt, each of which made her look more feminine than usual, told me,

“I’m just worried....about what lies ahead for all of us. Our reunion is one that was meant to happen. I'm sorry we had ran away....but I promise you, Mindi, my dear, that I will not abandon you once more.”

Her words sounded.....prophetic. I have no reason to doubt her, but even still, it was impossible for me not to be happy. Later, I kissed Perry on the couch, and recounted to him,

“My relationship with Becky was....in vain. I just wanted someone to hold my hand while you were away. Had you not left, I would have never been with her. Either way, I'm sorry. Please forgive me.”

Perry looked into my eyes, and saw that they were sincere. He stroked my hair, and I wanted to turn away, I was so ashamed. He then whispered to me, ever so softly,

“How can I stop loving you? You were made for me, and I was made for you....”

He kissed me again, myself grateful that my parents had left the room to go lay down. I made out with Perry, kissing him in a deep and hot way. His breath was warm and sweet and I felt like I wanted to kiss him long enough to make us gasp for air. I pulled him in, wanting to pull him on top of me. We pawed at each other, and as I messed up his hair and loosened his shirt, I pulled back, resisting what may have been my biggest temptation ever. After Perry had sat up and straightened himself, he told me,

“We can't now....but one day, we will. We've been through so much together...I mean, what's one more year?”

Oh my. I had forgotten completely what day it was. It's now midnight, my birthday. Today was Monday, though, and I excused myself, telling Perry,

“I have school tomorrow. Try to get registered at Central High as soon as you can. It'll be lonely with you not there.”

I’ll have to face Becky at school tomorrow, too. I'm sure she'll understand, though. Becky knew from the start that I was only with her because Perry was gone. Lana, who was sound asleep in our bedroom, deserves my utter gratitude. I'll have to let her know, somehow, how appreciative I am for everything she's done for me. That can wait, though. Right now, the birthday girl deserves some sleep.

The morning brought forth all sorts of challenges and rewards. When I had told Becky, who was dressed up in a tight white buttoned shirt and a dangerously short skirt, that it was over, she didn't cry or get angry, but instead asked,

“Can we still be friends?”

I smiled, and replied to her,

“Always, and....thank you. Thank you for being there for me during one of the scariest things I have ever faced in life. Without you I don't know what I would have done.”

She smiled and kissed me on the cheek, and just like that, Becky was no longer my girlfriend. When I came back home from school, Renee was there, explaining to me as I sat down next to her,

“This life of ours...you'll be pulled into it forever. In a few months, you will change into a lamia and there is no turning back. I hope you are ready for it, because it'll be a walk on the wild side for you. Fighting vampires and demons will seem like a piece of cake when it comes to dealing with everything that comes with being a lamia.”

I sighed, and laid back on the couch. I sorted the possibilities in my mind, and saw only Perry in my head. I laughed, causing Renee to stare at me funny. I then told her, with booming optimism,

“You know what? I'm excited about it. Bring it on! For you, I'll do anything. For all of you, I'll walk on glass with bare feet!”

It was already decided. I have chosen to fight for him. Perry is everything to me, as he has always been. I love him, that is for sure. As long as I have him, forever isn't so scary.