Heartless

68

The next few days flew by, between planning the trip to Kansas, and working every day. The time was finally here though, Sam, Colby, and I were landing in Kansas. I must have looked visibly nervous because Colby grabbed my hand, "you're gonna be okay. I promise." He said and softly kissed my head as we walked to baggage claim. "I just want them to like me." I whispered, "They will. Right Sam?" He said playfully as Sam nodded, "yeah, they really are going to love you. They HATED Jen." He said and I furrowed my brow, "I thought they liked her?" He chuckled, "no way. They tolerated her for Colby's sake but they were not a fan. But you're a million times better than her so they will love you." I smiled as Colby squeezed my hand lightly, "Thanks Sam."

When we got outside, we saw Colby's dad leaning against his car, "hey dad." Colby said and hugged him, "hey son, who's the pretty girl?" He said "that's Sam....?" He said and Sam's jaw dropped, "Good one!" Mr.Brock said and high fived Colby. "Dad, this is my girlfriend, Cora." He said and wrapped his arm around my waist, pulling me to him. "It's nice to meet you, Mr.Brock." I said and held my hand out to shake his, he just looked it and laughed, pulling me into a hug. "It's nice to meet you Cora, I have heard some pretty great things about you." I smiled, hugging him back.

When we broke away I looked at Colby, he looked so happy, the admiration in his eyes making them look more blue. We all piled into the car, Colby sat in the front, while Sam and I sat in the back. "What are you guys up to while you're here?" Mr. Brock said as we drove to Sam's house. "Well, we are going to try and film our video tonight, and then maybe see Nate and Alex. And of course we want to spend time with you guys, and Sam wants to hang out with his parents" Colby said as his father drummed his hands on the steering wheel. "Sounds like an eventful weekend." Was all he said as he bobbed his head.

We dropped Sam off at his house and drove to Colby's. My stomach clenched with how nervous I was, but I just looked out the window as Colby and his dad caught up in the front seat. I watched the scenery pan out as we raced down the highway. It was honestly beautiful, even if it was mostly corn fields and farms. The sun was fully peaked, and clouds riddled the sky. There were no city buildings in sight, which was a nice change from LA. My phone buzzed causing me to look away from the outside world and to my phone.

Colby 🥰: are you okay?

I couldn't help but breathe a laugh that he was texting me from the same car.

I'm fine, just nervous.

Colby 🥰: I know. We are almost there though and once you meet her all your nerves will go away I promise.

I smiled and looked out the window again, my stomach was still aching with nerves.

We eventually pulled up to his house. It was a cute house with a long driveway, Colby's mom sat on the porch, drinking coffee. She smiled widely and stood as we pulled up. "Hey mom" Colby said and wrapped her in a tight embrace. Her eyes closed as they rocked back and forth. "I missed you so much." She said quietly then broke away. She looked at me and softly smiled before coming up and placing her hand on my cheek gently, I felt myself flinch at her touch but she didn't seem to notice, "you must be Cora." I nodded and gave her a small smile, the next thing I knew she had her arms tightly around me, "it's so nice to finally meet you, Colby talks about you all the time." I smiled and hugged her back, "it's nice to meet you too." I said and we pulled away. "You guys must be hungry, come on." She said and waved for us to follow her.

When the door opened two dogs came running to attack Colby with kisses. "Hi babies!" He said and got on the ground letting them lick his face. "Koki! Foxy! give him a minute!" Mrs. Brock said and clapped once, trying to get the dogs to back away for a second. Of course they didn't listen, but after a minute they did turn their attention to me, cautiously smelling my legs. I bent down and held my hand out to the small one, "Koki, be nice." Colby said and watched as Koki sniffed my hand. She looked at me and then started to lick my hand, her tail wagging. Foxy came up and licked my other hand, I couldn't help but smile as the two of them warmed up to me. Colby came over and scooped Koki up into his arms, "this right here, is my baby girl." He said and kissed her head.

"Looks like I have some competition." I said with a smirk and pet Foxy as his parents went into the kitchen to prepare lunch.

"Come on let me show you my room." Colby said and put Koki down, then grabbed my hand. He led me up the stairs. Pictures of him and his brother riddled the house, causing me to smile. "Is this you?!" I said and pointed to a baby picture hanging on the wall. Colby blushed, "yeah that's me." I smiled wider, "you were so cute!" I giggled and kissed his cheek, "I'm still cute." He mumbled and dragged me up the stairs again. "You are still cute. The cutest person I have ever met." I said as we walked into his room. It was a typical boys room, with minimal furniture. It was spotless, since he hadn't been living in it.

"Wow, this is not what I was expecting." I said and sat on the bed. "What were you expecting?" He said sitting next to me, "well I thought everything would be black. And I thought there would be more angsty stuff on the walls. I don't know" I shrugged and he laughed, wrapping his arms around me. "How are you feeling now?" He said and planted a kiss on the side of my head. "I feel better...but I'm still worried...I flinched at your mom." I said looking down at my hands, which were folded on my lap. "Baby.." he whispered and cupped my chin, pulling it up. "You have been through a lot, trust doesn't come naturally to you, but she would never ever hurt you. I promise."

Just then a light knock was heard coming from the door. "Sorry to bother you guys." Mrs. Brock said and opened the door slowly. "It's okay mom. What's up?" He still held my hand as his mom came in. "I just wanted to make sure Cora likes mac and cheese." Colby chuckled, "mom, everyone loves Mac and cheese." She came over and smacked his head lightly, "not the vegans, Cole." I laughed, "Cole??" Colby blushed and looked down. "That's the name on my birth certificate..but MOM always called me Colby." He said as she laughed. "I thought he would be a lawyer or something..I wanted to give him options." I nodded, "that's very smart. And to answer your question, yes I love Mac and cheese, Thank you!" She smiled warmly at me and leaned down, placing a kiss on Colby's head. "I'm so glad you're here." She said quietly and moved over to stand in front of me. She grabbed my hands, "I hope you feel welcome here, Cora. I can't wait to get to know you better." She spoke so softly, her voice feeling like it was hugging me. It was such a harsh contrast from how my actual mother talked to me.

"Thank you for letting me stay here. I already feel so loved...you have no idea. Thank you." I felt tears start to boil up as she leaned down and kissed my head. Then left the room, I broke down into silent sobs as Colby rubbed my back, "are they happy tears?" I could tell he was smiling from his voice. I nodded and leaned into him, laying my head on his shoulder.

"Thank you for everything." I whispered as he leaned his head on mine.