Twisted

Chapter 33- Belonging

Genevieve~

“I can’t believe you talked me into this!” She groaned, covering her face with her hands to hide her embarrassment. Jeff continued driving solemnly while Ron bounced in the back seat. He grinned from ear to ear and pointing accusingly at Genevieve.

“You are going to meet your real parents you know.” He exclaimed. “Be happy!” He sang. Genevieve’s palms were sweaty. What if they did not like her and did not accept her. What would she do?

“Ron, calm down and shut up with all the hyper-ness, you are scaring the daylights out of Genevieve you idiot.” Jeff spoke, for once turning his head around and away from the windscreen. He glared menacingly at Ron and continued driving. Genevieve sighed. She felt someone’s hand on her shoulder, she looked up just to find Jeff smiling down at her.

“They will love you. You will be fine, I promise.” Jeff reassured her. Genevieve gave him a sad smile before continuing to sulk. They drove through a few other smaller buildings before reaching the house. It looked the same as it was last time with the garden and all, however the gravestone was gone. Jennifer was alive as Genevieve. She slowly climbed out of the car and walked a few steps closer to the house. Tears of joy flooded her eyes, it was her home.

“I am back!!!!!!!!” Ron yelled, waving his arms in the air and dashing towards the house. Genevieve followed him, she walked along side with Jeff, who comfortingly held her hand. “Don’t worry. You will be fine.” He whispered softly in her ear.

Then, the red door of the house opened and out came a middle aged man and lady. The man had brown hair and a sharp nose. His lips were tugged into a warming smile. His eyes, were the colour of ocean blue, so deep that you could drown, just by staring into them. The lady, had auburn hair, bright hazel eyes, that matched Genevieve’s and rosy cheeks. She burst out crying, her eyes shone with happiness. Genevieve smiled.

“Meet Mr and Mrs Springfield.” Jeff introduced. Genevieve looked at them in disbelief. “Mom… Dad?” She cried out. They smiled happily and nodded just as Genevieve rushed forward to hug them both. Then the trio burst out crying. Jeff stood at the side looking at the reunion.

“It’s your baby picture.” Mom said to Genevieve, as she saw a 5 month old kid that resembled her with the hazel eyes and brownish baby hair. Genevieve smiled, it was so good to be with her family.

“How about the mailbox?” She asked, “Why isn’t Ron’s name on it?” She asked pointing outside the window, at the mailbox with only the three Springfield names. Her mother laughed and Ron who was silent all this while, widened his eyes in horror and shook his head. “Mom! Don’t tell her!” He shrieked and waved his arms frantically in the air. Genevieve smirked and laughed.

“Well… that day, you were five and he was also five while we were writing, he was staring blankly into space and then suddenly he saw a shadow in the forest and the shadow grew bigger and bigger, then when it was his turn to write his name, he peed on his pants and said ‘there is a shadow monster id the forest!!!’ And then he went screaming back inside the house. Dad went to investigate afterwards just to find a huge rare owl flying around in there. It was slightly strange though, why would nocturnal creatures suddenly appear in the daylight. But then it rained afterwards and we couldn’t go outside for several days. It was rainy season, but Ron didn’t believe it was an owl so he didn’t dare to go out for a month. And soon enough we forgot about it” Mom explained. Genevieve turned to Ron.

“You were scared of shadow monsters?” Genevieve asked. Ron nodded, “I was only 5 years old!” He retorted as Genevieve and Jeff rolled on the floor laughing. Red-faced Ron groaned and sighed.

“That’s not all.” Dad added, “He is still scared of shadow monsters and still sleeps with his old teddy bear.” Genevieve froze.

“You still sleep with groove the teddy bear?!” She cried out loud. “After all these years!” Ron nodded shamefully. Jeff sniggered. Genevieve laughed. Then, her mother stood out and excused herself to go make dinner, while her dad also dragged Ron and forced his to help out. Then, Genevieve and Jeff were both left in the living room alone. Jeff smiled and held out his hand. “Would you like to go into the garden?” He invited. Genevieve placed her hand on his soft and warm palm.

“Sure. Why not?” She asked. Jeff held her hand as they walked into the haven of flowers. Genevieve gasped as they walked on the luscious green grass, and walked through bushes of well-trimmed roses. They ended up sitting on the grass with lavender and daffodils surrounding them.

“This is amazing.” She gasped and ran her fingers through the soft petals of a yellow hibiscus. Jeff smiled and looked away into the distant. “I know.”

Then he turned to look into her eyes. “You know that winter homecoming is coming up right?” He asked and Genevieve blushed and nodded, trying to avert his eyes.

“Will you go with me to the dance?” He asked, his cheeks slightly flushed with pink. Genevieve hugged him. “Of course I will!” She exclaimed, her heart racing and a smile was plastered on her face. She was over the moon. Jeff asked her to homecoming also known as senior prom. She regretted that it wasn’t Valentine’s Day dance, it would had made the event more special, and however, she was contended with what she had already.

They had home-grown pasta for dinner, they ate while they laughed. Genevieve felt bliss. She was part of the family, a sense of belonging welled up in her. Then it was time to leave, Jeff and Genevieve left together as Ron decided to stay there for a few more days. After all, they had a week of holidays due to the upcoming exams. Jeff drove Genevieve back home. Fatigue washed over her and she fell into a deep sleep on the car, feeling safe with Jeff beside her.