The Headturner

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Chapter Eleven - Back Home

Anne never liked flying. The overly suspicious airport staff and the overly friendly airlines crew confused her. She absolutely hated the food. The only thing she liked was the in-flight entertainment. She was a sucker for movies and music. The flight was a little bit bumpy. She just managed to freshen up and tie up her hair in a messy bun after she landed. The queue at the immigration was long as usual. She was so tired and her shoes were not helping at all. Fortunately, her luggage arrived soon and she could finally get out of the airport.

As soon as she got out, she could see her friends with a bouquet and a huge teddy bear, waiting anxiously for her. She looked at her watch. She was twenty minutes late. She waved at them and their faces lit up with excitement. God, she had missed them. She felt a pang of emotions in her gut when she gave them all a bear hug. She felt dirty after long travel, but she didn't mind. She was finally home.

Tanya, her usual self, was chattering in the car throughout their journey. Neil's attempt to calm her down was futile. Anne was too tired to keep up with her, but was certainly amused. Adam was driving the car and had a satisfied smile on his face. 

On arriving home, she could not invite her friends inside. They all understood the situation at her home and after making her promise to meet them the next day, they went away. Anne looked as the car disappeared into the corner, inhaled heavily and pushed her door open.

Her father was in the living room playing with Melanie, her step-sister. 

"Look who's finally here." Her father said with unmasked contempt.

"Look who's still here." She scowled back. All she did was freshen up and rest. 

"Watch your tone, missy."

"Why? Why should I? Who are you to tell me to watch my tone?"

"Who am I? If it weren't for me, you would not be walking this earth."

"Oh!!! So you are the sperm donor for my mother huh? Why are you still here? Why don't you leave us alone?"

"Well that's for your mother to decide, isn't it? This is not your house either now, is it?"

She could not argue with that man when her mom did not have the willpower to keep him at bay. He was shooting at Anne keeping the gun at her mom's shoulder. She screamed in exasperation and ran off to her room.

She locked her room and took the welcoming shower. As the mess washed away, her head got clearer. There was no use arguing with her father. He was not worth it. As she got out, she texted her friends.

"Hey guys! I settled in okay. Can't wait to meet you tomorrow."

Adam replied, "Me too. Got so much to talk about. Wish you weren't tired. Will pick you up at 10."

Tanya replied, "We gotta have a sleepover sometime soon. ;) "

Neil replied, "We'll have fun tomorrow. Rest well."

She played her playlist and went to sleep.

She was woken up by her mom. As soon as she returned from work, she had rushed to see her daughter. Both of them could not stop their tears. They talked whole night and when Anne woke up the next day, her mom was not there. She unpacked her suitcase and got ready for a day of fun. Luckily, her dad was not home when she got downstairs. She had breakfast with her mom and was feeling content.

Adam arrived 15 minutes early. She invited him inside and introduced him to her mom. She ignored the looks her mom was giving them. She would clarify their relationship later. It was far too embarrassing to discuss in front of Adam. 

"Ummm.... aren't we getting late?" Anne said to spare Adam.

"They can wait." Adam was certainly enjoying her discomfort.

"No, I don't like to keep people waiting." She pushed Adam towards the door and mouthed "we will talk later" to her mom.

When she got out the door, she saw Adam who had opened the passenger door for her. 

"Quite the gentleman someone has become, huh?" She teased him while putting on the seat belt.

"I have to match up to the lady." Adam grinned.

"So, where are we going?"

"They will come to my place. We will hang out there and go clubbing later."

"Oooohhh sounds fun."

"I've missed you."

"I've missed you guys too."