Unexpected

[24] Dangerous Discovery

Hey guys! So I know I updated a few days ago, but I figured I'd give you another one since I had a little free time. :) Hope you like it! PLEASE vote and/or comment. It really helps! Thank you so much for following so far!

Clara.

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My time in Michigan seemed to pass in a blur. I spent nearly every moment with Jake and Paige, visiting my old friends, seeing family, and just having fun. I didn’t realize until now how much I needed a vacation, even if it was only a small one, but before I knew it the week was almost over. As much as I wished I could stay longer, I couldn’t deny I wasn’t a little anxious to get back. Halfway into the week storm clouds rolled in from the horizon and it wasn’t long before nearly a foot of glistening white snow covered every surface. The morning I was set to leave, I woke up to a fresh coat of snow and still more floating steadily from the thick gray sky. An absent smile slipped over my lips as I stared out the kitchen window while Mrs. Hoffmann made breakfast. I’d always loved snow and though I enjoyed the mild coastal winter, I missed the cold sometimes. Snowball fights had always been an essential part of winter, but in California there was no snow to throw.

     “What are you thinking?” Jake asked, nudging my arm as popped a few chocolate chips into his mouth.

    I shrugged and turned my attention on him. “Just that I’m going to miss this weather a little, is all.”

    He gave me a sad smile, nodding in understanding. Paige came in from the bathroom just then, sitting down at the breakfast bar on my other side. Her blue shoulder-length hair was all over the place, but she didn’t seem to care. I’d always admired that about Paige—she never let anyone else’s perception of her affect her.

    “I’m going to miss you guys,” I sighed and looked from her to Jake.

    They both nodded, giving me sad smiles. We didn’t have time to feel sorry for ourselves, though, because Mrs. Hoffmann slid several plates of steaming chocolate chip pancakes our way. After breakfast, I made sure I had all my things packed. Last night I had gone to dinner at my grandparents’ house to spend some more time with my family and to say goodbye. Now there was only one thing left to do before going home.

    “Hey Jake?”

    “What’s up?”

     “You think we could leave for the airport a little early? I want to go see my mom’s grave.”

    “’Course,” he nodded. “We can go now, if you’re ready.”

    “I am. Paige, you good to go?”

    She nodded her agreement and started to search for her shoes. Once all my bags were in the car, I came back inside to say goodbye to the Hoffmann’s. It was harder than I’d expected and I hugged them all tightly, wondering sadly when I would see them again. They had always been like a second family to me and I would always be grateful for all the things they had taught me.

    “You keep in touch, sweetheart.” Mrs. Hoffmann smiled, her eyes, so like her son’s, glistening with a few tears. “I want to be sure you’re doing okay over there, alright? If you ever need anything, you call me.”

     I smiled, nodding as I held back a few tears of my own. “I promise.”

    We all exchanged hugs and promises to keep in touch and then Jake, Paige, and I were piling into his car. I sucked in a deep breath to steady myself and wiped at a few stray tears. It didn’t take long to get to the cemetery and for a moment I simply stared out the windshield, chewing my bottom lip.