Mine to Keep

Mine to Keep: Chapter 3

Ch 3

Lilly's POV

I slowly sat down in one of the chairs and swallowed hard. "I stayed home when they went out to get groceries and they got in a car accident right before they got back home. A drunk driver smashed into them and threw my dad out of the car. My mom died on impact and John died shortly after." I said feeling a familiar burning sensation in my throat that indicated that I was going to start crying. My grandmother slumped in her chair and looked as though she was fighting off tears herself. I hated delivering news like that but she needed to know this.

"Why didn't the authorities contact us about you? You had to have been about twelve and would've needed a place to go." she said softly shaking her head. I shrugged and twisted my fingers in my lap.

"I don't know. They just stuck me in an orphanage after the trial and everything. I don't think they wanted to deal with me anymore than necessary. I only found you on the internet because I was determined." I said watching her. "I came here because I want to know my family but if you don't want me...then I can go some place else." I said trying not to get discouraged. If she didn't let me stay then I was screwed. I had no way back to Georgia and no money to get a hotel room.

"Of course you can stay here. I know your grandfather would be delighted to have you here, as will I. You can stay in your mom's old room if you'd like." she offered before slowly getting up from her seat. "Why don't you go on up and get settled." she said.

"Okay. Do you mind if I use your shower?" I asked before picking up my duffle bag.

"Go ahead. You must be pretty tired from the bus ride." My grandmother said quietly. I shrugged and looked away.

"It's a long bus ride." I said simply not willing to expand on it, before leaving the kitchen and moved back through the dining room. After the dining room there was the living room then off to the left there was a doorway that led to a down stairs bathroom, the stairs and the front door. I slowly went up stairs and went into the first room on the left. It was a light purple color and slightly smaller than the one I stayed at in the orphanage but it was better taken care of and there weren't multiple girls living in it. It had a light wood dresser, a full bed and a matching night stand. I set my bag on the bed and bit my lip, I suppose I could unpack my things before getting a shower.

I unzipped my bag and pulled out all of my shirts before placing them in their own drawer. I did the same thing with my jeans and other clothing items. I grabbed the only pair of sweat pants I owned and a loose t-shirt. I walked out into the hall way and saw that there was another hall way that led to a room and then right off to the right was the bathroom. I ignored my curiousity and went into the bathroom to take a shower. I felt grungy and dirty from the long bus ride and a hot shower was all I wanted. Once the water was to my liking I stripped off my wrinkled clothing and got in, sighing in bliss when the hot water pounded into my aching muscles. I washed my hair with the shampoo that was in there and used the conditioner as well. After my hair was thoroughly rinsed I washed my body and reluctantly got out. Their shower was absolutely amazing. I dried myself off with one of the towels that was on the rack in the corner before dressing once more. I wiped the foggy mirror off and sighed quietly at my reflection. I had dark circles under my eyes because I hadn't been sleeping well. I combed through my chocolate brown hair which was easier said than done because it was so long and after I finished that I scrutinized my reflection, trying to see my father or mother in me. I had high cheekbones and a small nose and full lips while my eyes were a bright blue. My mom didn't have blue eyes and neither did my father, but my grandfather did. I blew out a soft breath and shook my head. I was just an average girl with average looks and I didn't mind it. I didn't want to be pretty, it took way too much work to maintain that look.