Chapter 17-Homecoming Reflections

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We arrived in our hometown a little past noon, and since it's just a short walk from the bus stop to our house, we decided to stretch our legs. As I look around the village where Nick and I grew up, a wave of nostalgia sweeps over me. Arch de San Miguel is a peaceful and progressive town. If there was a university here, I would've stayed.

As we pass the town hall and the park, I smile, remembering the times I spent playing there with my childhood friends. It feels like ages since I've seen or talked to them. Of course, I have other friends besides Josh and Leroy, but those old ties still linger in the back of my mind.

When we finally reached home, I saw Papa with Grae on the balcony. "Hi, Papa," I greeted him, planting a kiss on his cheek. "Hey, baby bro, how are you?" I added, kissing Grae on both cheeks. He smiled at me and playfully tugged on a strand of my hair.

I set down my bag and sat in one of the chairs, taking a moment to play with Grae.

"Hey, didn't expect you guys to arrive this early," Mom said, kissing Nick before walking toward me.

She sat in front of me, smiling warmly. "How are you, sweetheart?"

"I'm fine, Mom. How about you?"

"Everything's peachy. Are you hungry?" she asked, giving Grae a little squeeze.

"What's for lunch?" I asked, handing Grae over to her.

"Well... I made chicken casserole and baked some mocha muffins," she said, standing up. "Come on, go to your room, put your things away. I'll call you for lunch in about thirty minutes."

Nick and Papa had already gone inside, so I picked up my bag and headed straight to my room on the second floor. My room is the farthest one down the hall, and unlike Nick's, I have my own bathroom. Stepping inside, I noticed that everything was exactly as I left it—white walls adorned with posters of my favorite bands and artists from when I was younger. Firefly lights twinkled gently around the edges of the room, adding a magical glow.

I smiled, remembering how my best friend Alice helped me decorate it almost five years ago. Alice and Bran, her cousin, are two of my closest friends. They're both studying in Europe now, but I hope to see them soon. It's been a year since we last met, and since it's their summer vacation, maybe they'll come visit.

Before I could dwell too much on the past, I heard Mom calling me for lunch.

After lunch, we gathered in the living room. Papa asked, "How are you two doing?" I glanced at him, smiled, and continued playing a game on my phone.

"I'd say I'm doing great, Pa," Nick replied after sipping his coffee.

"And you, Arwen?" Mom chimed in, eyes full of concern. Grae was already fast asleep in his crib.

I put down my phone and looked at them both. "I'm fine, really. I've come to terms with everything. I spent six months looking for Jaimes, and I did everything in my power. Even his mom has asked me to let go."

I saw the look on Mom's face—sympathetic, yet knowing.

Papa nodded thoughtfully. "It's time to live your life again."

"By the way," Mom interjected, "where's the bracelet I gave you?"

I pulled back my sleeve to show her. "Here it is, Mom. Why?"

"I need to clean it, along with mine and Nick's," she said. Nick handed her his earring, which made me chuckle—he'd always had an unconventional style.

"So, we'll have some visitors tonight," Papa announced casually, standing up and heading to the kitchen.

"Who's coming?" I asked, confused.

"You'll find out later," Papa said, waving off my question. "Meanwhile, go with your mom."

I followed her downstairs, my curiosity piqued.

Before heading into the basement, I glanced back at Nick, who just smiled at me.

As Mom and I sat down, she looked at me seriously. "We need to talk, sweetheart."

"Mom, I'm okay now. But I don't know if it's time to let him go or if I should keep hoping."

She sighed, looking at me with a mother's endless wisdom. "Arwen, Jaimes' mother herself told you to let go, and for a mother to say that—especially after all the time you spent with her—that's not easy. But it's what's best for both of you."

I shook my head in confusion. "I just don't understand why Jaimes got involved with his father again after all these years."

"Did she say that?"

"No, but she did say Jaimes' body was found in Spain."

"What?" Mom whispered.

Mom stayed silent for a long moment before she finally asked, "Arwen, I know you've heard this before, but I need to ask you again—how are you?"

That simple question broke the dam I had been holding back for so long. I burst into tears, collapsing into my mother's arms. She held me as I sobbed, my heart pouring out every ounce of grief and pain.

"It hurts so much, Mom. I can't even breathe without feeling like something's crushing me. I waited for him that night, and he didn't even call. I didn't know it would be the last time I'd ever hear from him."

Mom stroked my hair, her presence grounding me. "No one is blaming you, sweetheart. But you need to forgive yourself. You can't just stop loving him to move on—it doesn't work that way. It will take time, but you'll get there."

I nodded, feeling a little lighter, though the pain was still very much alive.

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