In This Life (Sequel to 'In Another Life')

131

Besides, we'll have to come back often until we get the house the way we want it," Colby said, then leaned over to kiss me comfortingly. I nodded, and wiped my face again. "I know. I just love her so much." "I know you do. We've still got a little time before we have to leave for the airport. What do you want to do?" he asked, trying to distract me. I was quiet for a moment, thinking things over. "My parents. I want to go see them," I said nervously. "Are you sure?" he asked quietly, starting the car and backing out of the driveway. I nodded. "Yes. I need to see them before I go. Mrs. Gail was right. We never know when we'll lose the people in our lives. I may never get along with them, but it's time to let things go." He nodded, and we fell silent as he covered the few miles to my parents house. "Do you want me to come inside with you?" he asked, as we pulled into their driveway. I stared at the massive house, dreading walking inside of it again. "No, I think I need to do this alone. I need to ask you something though," I said, looking him in the eye. "You said that you called my parents to get information about the house. Our house. What did they say?" I wasn't sure I wanted to know, but I needed too. "They didn't know who I was so it was awkward at first," he replied, furrowing his brow. "I explained who I was and what I was looking for. You mother said the only house that she knew of that you used to spend your time at was this old run down place in the middle of a tree orchard. I knew that had to be it, but then I remembered you saying that no one knew that you went there. So I asked her how she knew. She wasn't very nice, and I think she thought I was questioning her parenting skills, but she told me. She said that, even though you didn't know about it, she had followed you there one day because she was worried about you going off alone so much when you were so young. She saw you just sitting on the porch swing, reading. That's how she knew." I let out the breath that I hadn't realized I was holding and wiped the couple of stray tears away that had escaped my eyes. Fucking Georgia was just making me cry nonstop. I couldn't wait to be back home in LA, so that I could stop being such a damn crybaby. I nodded at him, just one short jerk of my head. "Okay. Thank you. I love you and I'll be out soon. Don't even turn the car off," I said, then leaned over to kiss him quickly. I got out of the car, and walked slowly up the steps to the front porch. Nervousness made my stomach clench as hard as I was clenching my hands. I reached out and rang the doorbell, then stood there twisting my rings until the door was opened. "Terra?" My father's disbelieving voice rang out. I stared at the man who had pushed me on the swing set at the park when I was really little. The one who had bounced me on his knee, making me laugh. How had life changed so much to where I had no idea who this person was? And they didn't know me either. I sighed, and lifted my hand at him. "Hello Father, can I come inside? I would like to speak to you and Mother before I leave to go back home." "Yes honey, of course you can. This will always be you home," he responded. I didn't bother correcting him. This hadn't been my home for a very long time. Even when I lived here, it wasn't my home. He held the door and let me pass, before walking with me into the living room. "Have a seat and I'll be right back with your mother," he said, then walked out of the room. I could hear his footsteps on the staircase, leading up to the next floor. I guess my mother was in her room. I still thought it was weird that they had separate rooms. They didn't even sleep in the same bed anymore. Hadn't for years. After a few moments, I heard two sets of footsteps coming down the stairs. My father's heavier ones, combined with my mother's heels click-clacking across the floor as they entered the room. I almost felt like I was in trouble for something, like I was an unruly teenager again. "Terra, is everything okay?" she asked me. Her forehead was creased with what looked a lot like worry. I stood up, since this wouldn't be a long conversation and I didn't want them to think it was. I used the etiquette that they had paid good money for me to learn all those years ago. "Everything is fine Mother," I responded, allowing her stiff arms to come around me for a moment. I pulled back, and took a step away. "I just stopped by to tell you both that I'm leaving for home now. I didn't want to be rude and not say goodbye." My mother started to open her mouth, but I saw my father cut his eyes at her. Hmm, that was strange. "Our relationship is strained at best, but you're both still my parents. Mrs. Gail reminded me that we never know when the people in our lives will be gone forever, so I needed to say this. I'm letting go of the past. I'm letting go of the fact that you never showed me attention unless I embarrassed you somehow or to teach me how to not embarrass you. I'm letting go of the fact that I have never felt loved by either of you. I'm letting go of the fact that this hasn't been my home since I was a very young child. I'm letting it all go and I hope that we can start fresh." I paused, taking in both of their expressions. My Father looked a little shocked, like he wasn't sure what to say. My Mother's expressions hit me the most thought. She was composed except for two tears that had escaped her eyes, and streaked through her perfect makeup and down her face.