Escaping Love (Rewrite) [Book #1]

Chapter 31

|| CHARLOTTE ||

|| Saturday, January 4th ||

"Charlotte?" I heard, and snapped out of my thoughts, "Are you okay?" Cindy asked as she sat next to me as Jackie and her father went to send our luggage.

"I'm not sure. Are my parents going to show up?" I asked, looking at Cindy. She had this look of concern, instead of saying something, she looked up at Avery. "They're not even going to say goodbye to their daughter. I'm not surprised."

"Honey, I'm sure they're running late," Avery said.

"Are you saying that to make me feel better?" I asked her. My eyes closed and I let out a sigh, "I'm sorry, I shouldn't be salty with either of you. You all have done so much to help me the past week. I should be saying thank you."

Avery rubbed my back, "You know you are always welcome to reach out to either of us if you need any advice. Or if you would like to talk with someone."

I nodded and turned my head. Jackie and Noah were coming back, and Jackie had a look of concern wash over her face.

"Okay. All the bags are boarding," Noah sighed.

I felt Jackie hold my hand. She let her fingers rub mine and squeezed my palm. I smiled at her, and we all stood up to walk towards the line that only travelers can pass. I glanced around one last time, but there's no sign of anyone familiar.

"Well, I guess this is farewell," Tim said.

We all began hugging them before grabbing our carry-on bags. Jackie held out her hand to me, and I took it. We all waved at Tim and Avery before walking off.

"Wait! Charlotte!" I heard, and I stopped in my tracks. I swallowed the lump in my throat, nervous about turning around.

Jackie looked at me and gave me a warm smile. She was telling me I should turn around. When I did, I saw a woman running up and hugging me. My eyes widened, and I was taken back by the impact. My hand let go of Jackie's, and the other dropped my carry-on. Out of instinct, my hands went around the person that's hugging me.

I looked down, and my mother was gripping me tightly. It took everything in me not to cry right now and only hugged her back.

"Mom?" I asked.

"I'm sorry, I was going to come sooner, but I got stuck in traffic. I'm so glad I made it before you got on the plane," my mom said.

I didn't even know what to say. I haven't spoken to her since New Year's night is hugging me and telling me she was glad to catch me before it was too late.

"Is dad..."

She shook her head, "I know, Charlotte. It might have been best if he didn't come. I don't want to watch you get hurt all over again right before you leave. You know I can't let you leave without a proper goodbye. I love you for who you are. I know it doesn't seem like it, but you are still my baby girl. Even if you're grown up, states away, with the job of your dreams. I was a terrible mother, and I wish I stood up for you sooner, and I let him hurt you. You don't deserve the abuse he had put you through. I know deep down that your father loves you, and I'm praying to God that he will see that you are still his one and only daughter one day. I wanted to let you know that I love you for who you are and what you've become, but I still need the time to get used to it. It's all new to me, but I don't want you to think I've pushed you away too."

I couldn't contain my tears as they just fell. "Thank you, mom," I said, crying in her arms. "As long as you still see me as the same daughter you raised, it will make me happy."