After a quick shower, I packed my things and left the room with one final glance. I felt guilty about cutting my visit here short, but I felt like I had to leave, for my own sanity. I told my in-laws that I needed to get back on the road and to my parents’ house, and even though I could tell they were disappointed, they understood that I needed to go.
“Is it okay if I take this?” I asked my mother-in-law, showing her the necklace resting in my palm.
“Of course, sweetheart,” she responded with a sad smile. “Come back anytime.”
“Thanks,” I replied as I held her tightly, then moved on to embrace Con. “Call me.”
“I will,” she assured me, then added, “Drive safe.”
I nodded in agreement, then got into my car and drove away, waving back as they lifted their hands in farewell.
I felt the tension leave me the farther I down the street I got, and guilt hit me again. I used to love my visits back to Ricky’s childhood home, and I hoped in the years to come I’d be able to come back and feel comfort in the memories, but right now, they felt like a noose around my neck.
Chapter 15
I was exhausted after a night of uncomfortable sleep and a long day of driving, but I pushed myself to finish this trip. I was ready for it to be over. And after almost thirteen hours on the road, four stops for gas, food, and to use the restroom, I was finally almost to my parent’s place in Orlando.
They no longer lived in the house I grew up in. They’d gotten rid of that years ago, and now spent their time in a retirement community. There were two bedrooms, so they had room for company, but the smaller home was much easier for them to maintain. Plus, the community had plenty of amenities and activities, and they’d made a ton of good friends.
My parents were living the good life, which was why this stop was only temporary for me. I didn’t want to interrupt their routine, and I couldn’t live here with them. I’d have to figure out what my next step was going to be, sooner rather than later.
But for now, all I needed was a warm bed, and the comfort of being under my parents’ roof.
‘Mirabelle!” my mother shouted, coming down the path as I gathered all of my things from the car. “I should have your father give you a good talking to for driving straight through from Louisiana the way you did … But, I’m too happy to see your beautiful face.”
“Hi, Mom,” I replied, with the first genuine smile I’d had in days. I reached up to give her a hug and immediately felt at home.
By some strange act of science, both of my parents were taller than me, with my mom coming in at over five foot eleven and my dad standing taller than six foot two. I’d always expected to grow taller. Even when I was seventeen and it was obvious that I was done growing at five foot five, I just knew I had a couple more inches in me.
It never happened.
My parents always joked that they’d picked me up in the Shire, even though by most standards, I was average height.
I always felt like a child again when I was in my mother’s arms.
She pulled back and brought both hands up to cup my cheeks.
“You look tired, Belle, and too skinny.”
“You look great!” I replied, countering her declaration.
“C’mon, let’s get you settled,” my mother said, taking my overnight bag and slinging it over her shoulder. “Your father fell asleep in front of the T.V.”
I chuckled. My dad always fell asleep in front of the television. He had since I was a little girl. He always said sitting in his recliner and watching mindless television helped him let go of his day and relax enough to go to sleep. If he tried to just lie down in bed without unwinding, he’d never get to sleep, because his mind refused to shut down.
I put my stuff in my room, then wandered out into the den, where my mom was gently shaking my father’s arm.
“Howard,” she whispered.
Dad came slowly awake and asked, “Is she here?”
My mom nodded and tilted her head in my direction, causing my dad to turn and crane his neck.
“My Bella,” he said, his smile immediate.
I rushed to him and he stood, folding me into his arms tightly when I got close enough to embrace.
“I’ve missed you, Daddy,” I cried softly.
I felt his lips touch the top of my head and closed my eyes, allowing myself to bask in my father’s love.
After a few minutes my mom declared that it was time for all of us to go to bed and get some sleep. And although I felt like I could stand there in the safety of my father’s arms forever, I knew she was right.
“I love you guys, see you in the morning,” I said as I stood in the doorway of my room and watched them walk hand in hand down the hall to theirs.