Break Me (Chapter One) - PurpleCloud88
Natalie stepped out of the cab and smiled. After all this time, she was finally home. "Home," she chuckled to herself. Her home had been burned down last January. Viki wrote to her telling her the house was being rebuilt. She promised it would be just like the original. "Let's hope," she said, walking up the porch. She took a deep breath. No one was expecting her. She wasn't supposed to be released for another three months, but she had been making remarkable progress. She knew as soon as she walked in those doors she would be pounded with questions, ones she didn't really want to answer but knew she had to. Sighing, she swung open the doors and stepped in.
"It smells the same," she thought as the aroma of Lois' cinnamon rolls filled the air. She carefully set down her bags and ventured farther into the living room. Finding her way to the couch, she sat down and waited. Sooner or later, someone would walk in. Sighing, she played with the fringe on her skirt.
"Natalie!" Viki's voice called out in joy to see her daughter. "Natalie, honey, why didn't you tell us you were coming back? We weren't expecting you until March," she declared, rushing over to the sofa to hug her.
"I wanted to surprise you."
"And you certainly have! How have you been? We haven't seen you since Thanksgiving."
"I'm good. I'm doing great, that's why I'm here so early. I've been released."
"Released? Oh my God, that's fantastic news! I'm so glad to have you back. Oh, and Jessie will be so happy you're home for Christmas."
"How is she?"
"She's fine. She and Seth are....nevermind."
"No, it's okay. I'm over that, I'm over Seth. They are what?"
"Engaged."
"What?! Since when?" she asked, a little shocked but happy nonetheless for her sister.
"Since a few weeks ago."
"That's great. I'm happy for them, really."
"Jessica will be so happy to hear that."
Natalie smiled. It wasn't a lie, she was happy for them, and she was over him, but a part of her still ached. Seth was her first love, but she knew he didn't love her anymore, and she was okay; still standing.
"Do you have anything left in Boston?" Viki asked, bringing her out of her daze.
"Nope. I'm having the rest shipped."
Viki sighed, and after a moment, hugged her. "I love you, Natalie."
"I love you too, Vi.......Mom."
"Well," Viki started, wiping her eyes. "Let's get you unpacked."
"All right," she agreed, standing up and following her mother to her room. Once inside, she sighed.
"It's a little different," her mother said.
"I wouldn't have noticed," she told her, unzipping the suitcases.
At a loss for words, Viki went over to her and started helping her hang up her clothes. After a few minutes they were done.
"Mom, if you don't mind, I think I'd like to be alone."
"Sure, honey, call if you need anything, anything at all, okay?"
"Okay," she said as her mother left. Nat flopped down on her bed. Although she was happy to be home, part of her still wished she was in Boston. At least there no one pitied her. She sighed. Her life had changed last January, and she had a feeling it was changing again.