Unfinished Business

Chapter 2

Abby

When Caleb sat me down, he took a step back to look at me. He spread his arms and looked at me from head to toe and back again. I did the same to him, but when my eyes got to his head, I saw Owen standing behind him. I tried to avoid his gaze by looking back at my older brother, but it was hard because I could feel his eyes on me, burning me.

"It sure looks like New York is doing you well," Caleb said as I nearly turned back to look at Owen. I smiled and nodded my head. I just moved a week ago along with my best friend, Monica. We both had met when we taught at a private school in Ohio. Unfortunately, there had been a problem when it came to funding the school so we were both let go. The only place we could find jobs together was at a public school in New York so we took them hoping we could eventually find a better one. "You look more beautiful and brighter than when I saw you a few months ago. Is this school better than the one in Ohio?" I shrug and force a smile on my face.

"It's getting better," I answer his question as honestly as I can. No one in my family knew that I took a significant pay cut or that the school is not in the best part of the city and I didn't plan on telling them. I lived on the campus in Ohio so I saved enough money that I was able to buy a nice apartment in a safer part of the city. I'm happy as long as I'm teaching and that is all that matters. They have worried about me enough in this lifetime.

Caleb seemed happy enough with my answer. Kissing me on the cheek, he stepped to the side as my mom came out of the kitchen, wiping her hands on a towel before throwing it over her shoulder. "My girl," she opened her arms and pulled me to her to hug me. "I'm so glad you're here," she whispered in my ear before letting me go. "Your bedroom is all ready for you. Owen and I just finished making your bed, not long ago," she smiles his way and my eyes follow.

"Thanks," I say, trying not to break eye contact. I really should make a point to not let him know he ever hurt me. He shrugs his should as if to tell me it was no big deal, but doesn't say anything which doesn't really surprise me. The last time I saw him was my high school graduation party and he stood to the side and just watched me and my friends. He didn't say anything to me before leaving early. I turn to mom again and smile, "I'm just going to go up and change. How long until dinner?"

"It should be ready soon. We still are waiting for Mr. and Mrs. Moore and of course Bree," mom looks at Owen with a smile as she says the name 'Bree.' I open my mouth to ask who Bree is but mom cuts me off, "You are just going to love Bree, Abby," she smiles, "she is so pretty and sweet and just... well perfect," she smiles at Owen again before she turns and heads back to the kitchen muttering about getting the cookies made for Bree.

I feel a slight pain in my chest when I look at Owen and see the smile that the name has brought him. He isn't single. I don't know why I thought he would be, but I tell myself it doesn't matter as I turn without saying anything to anyone and walk up the stairs.

I walk into my room and smile. Still the same, "she will never change these rooms," I laugh to myself. I walk to my bed and put my bag down, then pull my shoulder purse off and dig through it. Pulling out my phone, I push the call button next to Monica's name and place it to my ear.

"Hey! You made it home?" Monica's always cheery voice comes through the line.

I nod, "Yep. I made it, "I sigh. She is quiet for a minute and I know that she is reading into the tone in my voice. Monica is able to pick up on people moods easily. Even when she doesn't know them well. It's actually almost scary. She also hates it when you interrupt her interpreting your feelings. I have learned to just let her do it and get it over with.

"Sooo," she finally starts, "it's worse than you expected?"

I flop back on my bed and run my free hand down my face. "Yep." I don't know what else to say. I haven't even gotten my head wrapped around it.