Faded Memories | lp

Chapter Twenty-Four

November 2nd, 2014

The plane lands with turbulence. I grit my teeth at the roughness, but my mother squeals in delight. She does this much too often.

I'm still steaming from what happened yesterday, I can't believe my mother treated that woman like that. Like she was...higher than the hostess. More important. I was disgusted.

We mill through the people and find our bags. I really wish she would've given me more time to get ready this morning. I'm wearing yoga pants and a Where We Are Tour tank top that Liam gave me. My black flip flops make annoying clicking sounds as we head out of the airport. My sunglasses shield me from the sun, but since my hair is up in a bun, I've already started to sweat at the crook of my neck.

My mom glances around before her eyes settle on something to the right.

"Aha, Dylan came to pick us up. He's back from college, just graduated last year. I don't believe you've ever met him." She tells me quickly, taking off towards the way she was staring.

"I wouldn't remember him if I did meet him." I grumble.

At this moment exactly, I wish I would've prettied myself up some more. Dylan is tall, dark, and handsome. He holds a certain mysterious aura. In the heat of Florida, he's wearing a leather jacket and black jeans.

I get lost staring at his ruffled brown hair and startling green eyes. He's maybe a foot taller than me but definitely a lot more muscular.

"Hey mom." He greets my mother and I cringe. Even though we're not on the best of terms, she's still mine. I'm her only daughter.

"Oh Dylan, sweetheart, this is Jo." My mom introduces me. I stand there and watch him slowly extend his hand. I shake it and ouch, he has a strong grip.

"Is Jo short for Johanna, or Josephine, maybe-"

"It's just Jo." I cut him off, intimidated by his stature and smoothness.

"Father told you Mr. Rockefeller was coming over for business dinner?" Dylan gets in the drivers seat and I'm left alone in the back. I already regret coming, I should text Liam.

My mother shushes him and that gains my suspicion. Something she didn't want me to know about?

To Liam: Hey, I'm in Florida with my mom. I miss you x

He doesn't respond until we pull into a massive neighborhood. This place must have its own area code. The houses are bigger than anything I've ever seen. My phone buzzes and I hurry to quiet it.

From Liam: why?? is something happening??

To Liam: Everything's fine, I just wanted to spend some time with my mom. Don't worry:)

From Liam: You know how I feel about this...

To Liam: sorry

He doesn't say anything after that, I think I made him mad.

Speaking of mad, why did Dylan call my mom his mom? I don't want to show up and start bossing people around but she's not his. We finally pull into a driveway and I'm stunned. The ginormous brick house is accompanied by a fountain and decorative trees and bushes. I spot a swimming pool and deck out back, behind the iron fence.

Dylan gets my moms bags and I walk behind them, struggling with my suitcase and carry-on. Thanks for the help, I think to myself. I make it up past the massive white columns before I have to stop and readjust my grip. Dylan smirk in the reflective glass and I shoot him back a cold stare. He seems unfazed. I don't know why, I just don't like him.

The house seems bigger inside than it does the outside, and the outside is pretty damn huge. The chandelier reflects specks of the rainbow all over the hard wood floor. The cream-colored walls show family pictures, none of me.

I'm starting to realize why Liam dislikes my mother and her husband.

"Johanna, darling. Welcome home!" John, I'm assuming, comes downstairs in a crisp suit. His black hair has gray edges and it's all slicked back like he's from the 90's. His face is very wrinkles and his hands are cold when he hugs me.

"It's just Jo." I mutter. And this is not my home, I think to myself, not daring say it aloud.

"Get dressed for dinner, my boss, Mr. Rockefeller, is coming over for dinner." He smiles and I return it half-hearted. I notice Dylan staring at us from the corner of the stairwell.

"Dylan, please show Johanna her room." John gestures his open hand to Dylan, and I gulp.

"Thank you." And my name's not Johanna!

Dylan runs his hand along the banister, beckoning for me to follow him. I grab my bags and follow him up the stairs.

"You're room is coincidentally right next to mine." He smiles his wicked smile, pushing open a cream colored door. I walk inside.

The quilt on the bed is familiar, but I don't know how. It's like I've seen it before, but I can't place it.

"If you need anything, I'm right next door." Dylan smirks and leaves the room, but I feel his presence still.