The Cleansing: Part One (Book Two of the Golden Eyes Trilogy)

Chapter 13: Is He Big?

Nova

I made Finn, Finch, and Tommy wake up early enough for us to make the drive to my aunt's house. I convinced Halley and Lily to watch Shasta for us until we came back. I wanted to bring her with us to meet everyone but I wasn't sure what we were walking into and her safety is one of my top priorities. I'm not taking any chances with her life.

Everyone fell back asleep as I drove towards my aunt's with only a map to guide me. I just hope this three hour drive flies by. When we got close to Hillsby I actually knew where we were. We were close. It made me nervous and excited at the same time. I just hope they're all still there and alive.

When we were ten minutes out I woke everyone up. Finch was just like me-excited and nervous at the same time. I really hope they're okay. I pulled down the road leading to my aunt's house and drove slowly until we reached her driveway. I didn't see any cars and felt somewhat deflated. What if they're gone?

"Stay here. I'm going to check it out." I told everyone as I parked and jumped out.

I peeked in the windows but I didn't see anyone. So I knocked on the door. Still nothing. I knocked one more time and waited before kicking the door in. A woman screamed and dropped her glass of wine as she looked at me in shock.

"Aunt Cindy?" I asked, hoping I wasn't seeing things.

She looked at me confusedly before her hands came up to her mouth as she gasped. "Nova? Is that really you?"

I nodded and she ran to me, tackling me in a tight hug and squeezed the life out of me.

"We thought you were dead! I can't believe you're here! Where's Avery? Please tell me she's okay! And how are you gosh you've grown up and you took the red out of your hair! I forgot you were a blonde! Oh yeah about Avery-Yes. She's in the car. I wanted to make sure it was safe before I brought her in." I interjected with a chuckle.

She was always a fast talker.

"Always the protector. I'm glad she had you to look out for her during this time. Go ahead and bring her in. Everyone should be back soon."

"Everyone? So my mom is okay?" I asked hopefully.

I really did miss her.

And my siblings.

"They all got here safely just before they shut down flights in and out of every country. And us Abernathys love to live in the wilderness so we were safe out here while the umm...Biters were being taken care of. They went to the farmers market to get stuff for dinner. They should be back any minute so let's surprise them! Park your car behind the house and hide in the living room! Gosh this is so exciting! I knew you had to be alive us Aberthanys are sturdy bitches!"

I forgot how much she can talk. It used to annoy me but as she rambled on I realized I kind of missed it.

I went to the jeep and told them the plan as I parked it behind the house. Aunt Cindy opened the back door and let us through with another wine glass in her hand.

She's definitely an Abernathy.

We do love our wine.

"Gosh Avery it's so good to see you! Your mother is going to be so happy to see you! And who are these two hunks?! Damn girls you got some fine man candy on your sides! I'm Cindy but you can call me The Dee cause that's what I like."

I rolled my eyes as she openly checked out our men. Aunt Cindy was rich, single, and a bit of a cougar. Tommy should be safe from her pervertedness but Finn? Poor guy. She's got a thing for guys with dark hair and light eyes.