Coming Home

Chapter 5.

Light fills the room and my eyes flutter open. The events from last night are still fresh in my mind, and exhaustion courses through me from tossing and turning all night in restless sleep.

I can't believe Luke acted like that. I never would have thought he'd be that type of person. He seemed so nice. He had been drinking all night though, so I'm willing to forgive if he can just keep his distance.

My car ride with Adrian sears into my memory, and I feel a now familiar pang of sadness.

He couldn't have said what I think he said. That had to have been my mind playing tricks on me. I'd been drinking, and I wanted him to remember me so badly.

I hear my mom humming and the smell of bacon wafts into my room. I smile and head out to the kitchen in pajamas to greet her.

"Good morning sweetie! Did you sleep well? I didn't even hear you come in. It must have been so late." She turns around to look at me and a worried look crosses her face. "Honey, are you alright? You look like you didn't sleep a wink. What's wrong?"

I try and smile, warming my expression to cover the dull ache pulsing inside of me. "I think it's just the excitement of the past week coming to a close. It was a busy day and I have another busy day today. I'm fine mom. What's for breakfast?"

She hesitates, but decides not to press me. Turning to the stove, she makes me a large plate full of eggs and bacon. A plate of biscuits is already on the table next to a bowl of sausage gravy and my stomach rumbles.

"God I've missed your cooking mom. You can't get food like this in Manhattan." I instantly begin to inhale the food placed in front of me.

She smiles and takes a seat at the table. "I'm just glad to have someone to cook for again. What are your plans today Caroline?"

I sigh before looking up from my plate. "As much as I'm dreading it, I need to go find a place before my stuff gets here from New York. I only have a couple of days to find something."

She gives a hopeful smile. "Are you sure you don't want to stay here sweetie? Your room is just as you left it, and there's plenty of room here."

I smile and take in the empty house. I know she's lonely. "Mom you know I'd love to, but I really do need my own place. Besides, I saved up enough to be able to get straight into somewhere sooner rather than later. "

"Well, if you insist. But you can come here any time you'd like ok? This is your home." A quick sadness crosses her eyes before she pushes it away.

"Mom, are you ok? I know you miss Dad. I miss him too," I say as I place my hand on hers.

She smiles sadly, and then looks back to me. "I do miss him honey. We were married for most of my adult life, and now he's gone. It's just me here, but now that you're home, I'll be fine."

I give her a smile and pat her hand. Finishing my meal, I place the plate in the sink and head upstairs to prepare for the day.

I read about some new condos over across the river. If they have anything available, that'd be great. I could get a little separation but still be close enough to come and go as I need to.

I run my fingers through your messy ponytail before giving up and heading out the door.

It's not like it matters what I look like. This is good enough.

A quick trip from the house brings me to Riverside Condominiums. I pull up to the condo complex and smile.

Well this looks really nice. It's got a view of the river, and overlooks downtown. It's not Manhattan, but it feels a little the same in theory.