His Attention ~Completed~

Chapter Fourteen

I lie awake staring at my plain white ceiling. I should really paint that. A soft knock on the door catches my attention.

"Come in." I mumble. My mom slowly opens my door and walks in. She slowly closes the door and walks over. I pull myself up and make room for her to sit on my bed.

"Hi." I say casually. She raises an eyebrow at me. "Naomi, what's bothering you? You've been...different lately. More on edge for starters." She says, sighing. I chew on my bottom lip and shrug, avoiding her eyes.

"I'm fine." I lie. Mom gives me a knowing look. I sigh and finally look at her.

"Would you be mad if I got myself mixed into something that could be dangerous? And I'm lying to everyone about it? And it could put my family in danger?" I ask cautiously. Mom tilts her head, thinking.

"Yes. I love you Naomi. Okay? I don't want you involved in something that could cost your life. Or the life of those we love. But, if you are handling whatever it is, and you're okay I can slightly back off." She says. I release a breath and fall back onto my bed.

"Damien wasn't at a friend's house." I admit. She's silent. "He was kidnapped. Colton, Duncan, Nick and I found him. He's okay. But it's my fault. I put my baby brother's life in jeopardy." I tell her. I feel a tear rolling down my cheek. Mom sighs and pulls me up into her arms.

"Shh. Shhh. It's okay baby. You're okay." She soothes. I eventually calm down and just let myself relax in her arms. "You know, Damien looks up to you Naomi." She tells me. I shake my head. "No he doesn't. And even if he did, I let him down Mom. He could've died." I mumble.

She pulls away to look at me. "He does. And you didn't let him down Babygirl. Just talk to him. Okay?" I nod slowly. She smiles down at me and stands.

"Goodnight Naomi."

"Night Mom....thank you." She smiles softly and heads out.

I eventually pass out crying.

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"Naomi get started on the salad! Nicholas please put the book down and help your father with the grill! Damien, sweetie, can you get me the flour?" I laugh as Mom runs around like a chicken with her head cut off. Want to guess what day it is?

If you guessed Sunday, you're correct.

The doorbell suddenly rings. "I'll get it! Damien start the salad for me." He hands Mom the flour and nods. I wipe my hands on my jeans and open the front door. "Colton?" I ask. I haven't seen him since the night we got Damien back.

He shuffles his feet nervously. "Um hi Naomi." He pauses and looks past me into the busy house. "Bad time?" I laugh and shrug. "Sunday family cookout. Want to stay? We could use all the help we can get." I offer. He hesitates before nodding. I open the door wider and step aside for him to come in.

"Who is it Naomi? If it was Riley please tell her she's ten minutes late to help me with the brownies!" Mom yells. I laugh and motion for Colt to follow me. "Hi Christina." He greets. She turns and smiles widely. "Colton! Hi Hunny. How are you? Sorry, I'm a mess. Sunday Family Cookout." Mom says, chuckling.