12-in-1

~10~ Welcome Home

*Jasper*

Callie was the first to get out of the car and she ran towards the house.

Chase followed in hot pursuit but instead of waiting at the door like Callie for me to open it, he hugged the door making everyone laugh.

The Coles, on the other hand, had gotten out of the car and were in a straight line, gaping at the mansion we called home.

Dad laughed and clapped his hand on Alex's shoulder before saying, "it's something, eh?"

He was infinitely proud of the house and never hesitated to show it especially to guests.

*Alexa*

'They call this a house?!' I mentally communicated to my twin who was too amazed to reply.

Granted, it was a three storey building like a friend of mine's but this was MASSIVE!

I had thought we'd have to share rooms or something but this place looked like it could house a basketball team including its substitutes quite comfortably.

The outside was done in peach and lemon and immediately gave it the homey feeling mum would have loved.

Jasper smiled at all of us, and with Mia's hand in his, he unlocked the door through which Callie and Chase ran through, screaming so much I was afraid they would need help soon.

Michelle encouraged us with her eyes and April confidently strolled through it but I noticed how she had a bittersweet smile on her face.

Derek and Daniel then went after with Andrew and they were chatting excitedly.

And then Alex squeezed my hand before going in too.

By then I was the last one outside.

Their excited voices could be heard from here quite clearly and a part of me itched to join in the noise but my legs just wouldn't move.

They wouldn't budge.

When I had spent over three minutes standing and staring at the door that would seal my parent's death finally, someone walked through that door looking at me.

Jasper.

He walked up to me and asked quietly, "is something wrong?"

I laughed bitterly though I could feel my tears and I spat out, "I'm perfectly dandy."

"Come on, let's go in."

"I don't want to!" I shouted at him and the tears flowed down.

"Okay then." he said and stood next to me, staring at nothing.

We stood like that for over five minutes when Andrew came out looking worried, "I thought you couldn't find her. What are you two doing?"

"Chilling." he said nonchalantly.

"Oh? Well we want to pray, eat and then you can chill."

"We'll be there in five."

Andrew looked at us like we had gone mad, but walked away.

"I'm not going in in five." I said adamantly to Jasper.

"It's fine."

Precisely five minutes later, Jasper walked towards the door and held it open for me.

I shook my head wordlessly but he remained there and without knowing what I was doing, I walked in and I heard the silent click of the closing door in the hallway and then everyone started talking again.