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Well what took you so long?" Eliza questioned, as she held the photo album closely to her chest. I felt her stare on and off as we cut our way through the streets. Finally walking up to my house, we started towards the door. "Luna gave me Stone's journal, and told me that I should read it. It's the last thing he ever wrote before he disappeared." "Oh." She muttered, I gave her a once over, she stood aimlessly in the midst of the drive way. "What is it?" I asked worriedly. "My mother is here." Staring at the car parked slanted in the grass, I grabbed Eliza's hand to comfort her. "It's going to be alright. I promise. You'll tell her you're going to stay with me until break is over, and we will cross the other bridge when we get there okay? Now shh, let's go inside." Squeezing with her might, she followed after me. I could feel her fear protrude through her clammy skin, as it continually stabbed at mine. Causing me to shake as well. Her mother was unpredictable at times, sweet and kind for a moment, only to be snarky and evil the next. I've had my fair share encounters with my aunt, especially as I was only a small child. Entering my home, with a smile faked across my blank face, my aunt greeted me. "Hello Grant! How are you sweetie? You look great!" Hugging me with her free arm she scooped me close. She smelled quite nice, lavender just seemed to be a little bit overly generic to me. Her long blonde hair draped over the tips of her breast, and her bangs over the lashes of her eyes. Standing apart now she spotted Eliza. "Well." She dryly expressed. I found my mother staring fearfully for her niece. As my father sipped quietly from his mug, signaling with his eyes for me to let Eliza go, and to mind my own business. But I couldn't just let her go, not when I knew what I knew. Gripping her sweaty palm as it began to anxiously slip away from me, she cleared her throat nervously. "I've missed you darling. Why didn't you tell me or your father where you've been all of these days? I was so worried about you!" Hugging Eliza, Eliza failed in returning her mother's embrace. Instead she peered through cold eyes, at me hoping that she could get away from her mother's act. Even though we all saw straight through her as if she were an open window. "I tried calling and no one answered. So I just stopped, I'm safe here anyway. Me and Grant are working on our project. It's due the day we return back to school." "If you wanted to stay here with your aunt and cousin, Eliza all you had to do was ask. But as long as you are alright, I suppose I'll get going now. I have to meet your father somewhere soon." Turning towards my mother and my father she waved a short goodbye. Strutting in her expensive heels she patted my cousin on the shoulder dismissively. "We'll be in touch, stay well sister." Catching eyes with Eliza, I could tell she was withholding a gut wrench worthy laugh. And as soon as her mother exited, she released. Laughing horrendously I couldn't help but join in on her odd humor, and laugh. My stomach became sore and my throat burned with my amusement. What exactly was going on here? As if she read my mind Eliza plopped a shaky hand on my shoulder. "I don't know!" Catching a glimpse of my cousin in the act, she was relieved. Happy to be around people who would never judge her for her decisions, or who she was as a person. She was uplifted here regardless, and was cherished for her faults, and flaws, just as well as her perfections. "Alright girls, when you're finished cackling like clowns, get washed up and get back downstairs to help with dinner." Taking a moment to catch my breath, Eliza was already making her way up the steps. My mother grabbing me as I followed behind. Kissed my forehead. "Thank you Grant." Confused by her gratitude, I gave a puzzling look. "Thank you for being there for Eliza. She needs you more than you even know." Accepting this I gave a soft smile. "You're welcome."
