Looking For You

Chapter 20 - Memories

Chapter 20 - Memories

Seeing the beautiful blue skies paint the town relaxes me, filling me up with a sense of belonging, knowing that these familiar places have a good effect on me. The luscious green grass line the roads, giving the streets a warm feel to it, knowing that there’s nature to brighten ones day. The faint sounds of hustling cars in the distance give the streets the full effect, knowing that there’s a city nearby. Driving past the beautiful houses that blend in with the background, I know where I’m at.

Home sweet home.

Smelling in the fresh Charlotte air, a faint smile crosses my lips, keeping silent as I listen to the birds chirping and the low wind blowing in through my car window. My heart beats slowly, but gradually picking up the pace as I near my childhood home; one that I haven’t forgotten the route from Raleigh. The soft music that plays on the radio calms me, adding to the perfect scene of colourful nature and a community that is welcoming.

Being a Saturday morning, I see a lot of middle-aged moms going for their daily jog, with earphones plugged into their ears to tune out of their distractions and focus on their main goal. Children play in parks I pass by, running around with big smiles across their faces. I remember when I used to do that with my sister, Maggie — our childhood was the best.

Finally turning into our street, I see my house at the end. My smile brightens as I see my dad washing his car with a hose, running the soap down to the concrete and giving his silver car a summery shine in the bright sunlight, gleaming with glory. I slow down the car, tooting the horn twice to get my dad’s attention. His head immediately snaps up, focusing his eyes on me where I wave to him through the front window. He does the same, dropping everything and waiting for me to park my car on the road.

Turning the engine off, my house comes in my view. It’s still the same from the last time I came, but I have a different feeling towards it — I kind of feel more welcome now that a lot has gone on in college and I needed something familiar to keep my head high through all my tough times. All I need is to meet my family now.

“Aimee!” My dad calls to me as soon as I shut my car door. I run up the sidewalk, extending my arms out for my dad to enter my hug. My large grin opens to a full-teeth smile, replicating my dad’s that shows how much we’re related. Gosh, I’ve missed him.

“Dad!” I hug him with my whole body, wrapping my arms around his back and snuggling my head into his neck that smells like a faint aftershave that still lingers on his skin. It’s one of those moments where you feel totally safe and loved by your family, and right now I just don’t want to end this moment.

“I haven’t seen you in a long time hun! What made you come home for the weekend?” My dad disconnects with my body, still placing an arm on my back as he leads us up the steps towards the front door. I look up at my house with the same large grin painted across my face, still holding the same thoughts and feelings as before. I breathe in the fresh air, feeling like a child again.

“I just needed to see my family, dad.” I say in a polite way. He smiles at me as we open the door, stepping onto the wooden floorboards that lead to the foyer. It’s amazing how I still remember where everything is; the kitchen to the right, the living room to the left and the bedrooms upstairs which join onto a hallway that connects to a small regal-looking staircase that brings so many memories to my mind.

“Aimee is home!” My dad calls out, hoping my mom and Maggie come running out from the stairs. I hear Maggie’s signature shriek, one she always does when she’s excited or scared, say like when a small spider runs across her bed. I finally see her familiar face run down the stairs, along with my mom jogging behind her. Opening my arms again, Maggie hugs me tightly, feeling the sisterly love flow between us. Her soft touch relaxes me, almost bringing tears to my eyes at how long I haven’t seen her for.