Chapter 28

Since news came that I was back, you can bet your ass that it meant a very critical eye was laid on me. Well, to be more accurate, there were just more eyes since nobody was ever not judging me. Damn people. I'm embarrassed to say I'm a part of the human race.

In fact, it brought more news than the first time I ran away or any time before that. That might be because they hadn't expected to find me (or rather me to just show up) home and alive. When young, I would occasionally be on the news for stupid things they blamed me for doing. Plus, I was naïve and didn't know better but to not say anything to them. That gave me attention all my life. But after I ran away, I knew it was huge news. I didn't have to watch the local channel to know. It was in the papers that I used to keep warm at night. It was all over posters, even in other towns passing through. But now, it was out of control it seemed. I soon discovered that.

The time after I was on the news was spent with much pressure. Pounding on the door, all over the news.... At least Luke was a cop and made them leave. But that didn't stop Clare from telling me I needed to do an interview. She was determined to get me on TV. She was obviously more willing to share that wish with me than with Luke, though he at least knew Clare wanted me to do an interview. I noted he no longer asked why. He was afraid of the answer. He gave her the cold shoulder for a while; until they kind of made up. I say 'kind of' because I knew Luke's heart wasn't into making up with her yet but I saw he felt he needed to. For everyone’s sake; didn't want any more drama.

Luke would ask me whether I wanted to offer up anything to those gossiping animals. I said no, as you probably already knew. Clare gained from my popularity. That was not good for me on a number of levels. He said I didn't need to do it and, though he didn't say anything, I think he took my side on the issue. But that couldn't stop Clare from giving a word or two to the public. She knew she shouldn't because the Clare that Luke knew wouldn't do that. She saw that this might make him a tiny bit more suspicious of her but she convinced herself that she can fix that later. Now, she needed to shine. She would be somewhat vague but that was because she knew Luke was watching. Though not as tamed as she was before, she knew how far she was able to go before things would break between them. She was just bending their marriage. Clare didn't want break it for Luke's sake.

Because they both had jobs, Luke started taking me to the station every day. He was just too nervous to leave me alone on my own and plus, it was safe at the station. But talk about incredibly boring. When not at the station, we would be in his car - which I still didn't think was allowed but oh well. For those day, they were a relief. We would talk more and in that time, my thoughts didn't travel to getting beat by my friends or the public.

However, once news was out there that I was home, Luke had to tell the rest of his family. He didn't tell his family about me at first because, by luck, he hadn't seen them (other than his mom and probably dad of course). But really, like before, he said there was enough drama to deal with and he didn't need his family involved in putting more pressure on him. I understood that fine, why he wouldn't tell them. But now, they knew and I was curious and anxious to see what they would think of me.

Today, I got to find out. After the news died down slightly - just slightly – Luke and I were going over to his parents house for dinner. Since his major family would be there for me to meet, we didn’t want any conflict happening between what happened. So Clare wasn’t going because we knew it wouldn’t be a welcoming environment and Luke wanted that for me. Surprisingly, I wasn’t sure how I felt about it other than uneasy. But I had reason to feel that way.

I’m use to people pointing fingers at me and became accustom to just brushing their remarks off. This was different though. I didn't care about what they thought of me so much as I worried about how they would think of Luke. This was his family; how would they treat him: with respect or despair for staying with that bitch? Jan obviously was on board with me but there was a lot more than just her in the family. I just hope Luke's relationship with them will stay strong no matter their opinions on me. I didn't want to stress that. Yeah, yeah I know I shouldn't care or really want to. I was ashamed at myself for how soft I was going. But it wasn't like I could help it.

"Ready?" I heard a deep voice say, meeting my ears as well as the warm breeze that blew in from my window. I applied a little make up. I really shouldn't have bothered; nobody will miss my cuts and bruises and my black eye. Couldn't do much about that though, unfortunately. I was wearing blue jeans and a red silky tank top. It wasn't too formal but I didn't look like a slob either. Really, I didn't care how they perceived me. But I cared about how they looked at Luke.

As I was brushing my hair out in front of the mirror on my wall, hearing him, I turned and met his eyes in the door frame. He wore a nice blue and white button up. It was flannel, which I liked on him, tucked into his jeans he wore. There was a belt around his waist somehow supporting his curves and where his muscles lied. Don't ask how; it just does people! He didn't put as much effort in it as I did; hair was sloppy and he didn't shave off the little stubble growing on his chin and cheeks. When I met his tired eyes, he gave me a kind smile as he took me in - but he looked a little surprised.

"Why are you so dressed up? It's just my family."

I sighed, setting my brush down and grabbing my hair tie on instinct. "I don't know."

He smirked. "You want to impress them?"

Wrapping the band around my fingers, I collected all my hair in my hand as I started putting it up in its bun. I internally sighed. Why was he questioning me on this?! The truth was embarrassing to admit. "No, can't I just look nice for once?"

I didn't fool him. What a surprise. He stepped into my room more and came to stand in front of me. He shook his head. Honestly, besides wanting them to not be ashamed of me for Luke's sake, there is always hope. Every human can't help but have it, including me. I knew it was pointless to try to get on anybody’s good side or to try to impress them but I felt as if I still should try at least. Like there was some sort of chance of an understanding somehow between my 'insanity' and their sanity. I knew better than to get my hopes too high though.

"Don't worry, they will like you. Well," he paused, looking slightly worried. "Maybe not everyone. But you'll get use to them."

I pursed my lips as I started wrapping my hair up. But before I could fully do so, or say anything, Luke noticed and stepped closer. A few feet away soon became just over a foot as he raised his hand and grabbed my arm in action, stopping me. He was so close and I wanted him even more. His eyes were very bright yet strained. I could tell he wasn't getting much sleep again but could you blame him?

Pushing those thoughts of his aside, I observed what he was doing. He made me lower my arm and let my hair fall down naturally. His eyes searched my face. Then he smiled lightly at me as he reached forward on either side of me and brushed my hair forward over my shoulders.

"Keep it down today,” he said simply. The night he told me I had beautiful hair, I loved that and liked how I felt around him with it down. Yet the next day, I put it back in its bun and did so from there on because it just felt so different with it down and it made me feel vulnerable. Yeah, maybe it was a childish thought but whatever; that's how I felt. However, with him so close and admiration in his eyes, I wanted to keep it down. He now directly said to and that was a good sign. Of what, I don't know and shouldn't ask. But I smiled lightly and nodded at him. I took a deep breath.

"Why are you nervous? Tell me the truth; you are never nervous."

I hesitated but decided to go on. "I just... I don't want your family to hate you over me. You actually have something I always wanted and I don't like even thinking about you ending up like me with no family and alone." His expression shifted and told me he didn't like what I said about having nobody but I didn't stop. "Plus, I'm not looking forward to seeing your mother again,” I mumbled that last part.

Biting my lip, I saw I didn't need to go on and elaborate what I meant by his mom. He knew and could see how she affected me even though we never spoke of it or my feelings because I didn’t want to yet. But I knew he could see it and I wasn't sure how he felt about it.

He shrugged his shoulders and didn’t look worried. "Hey, just be yourself. And it's my choice to stay with Clare and you; I'm to blame for whatever dumb issue they have, not you."

I nodded after thinking it over. He was right. Clare really was to blame for the entire thing. But technically, if I was never caught and didn’t come home, his life with his family wouldn’t be strained right now. His whole life was. Though not exactly my fault, he’s done so much for me and I wanted to at least do this for him, wanted his family to like me and to not get mad at Luke. I wouldn’t admit it to myself then but later I would realize there was another reason I wanted them to like me.

I smirked a moment later. "Be myself? Do you know what you are asking?"

Luke chuckled. "Yes. I know the dangers but please, just be yourself. Maybe minus a little swearing though."

***

His parents’ house was very private. A long and winding driveway through the woods led to their house. You couldn’t even see it from the road because of the surrounding trees. They lived out in the woods clearly. But once I saw their rich green property and a beautiful fountain perched on the porch, I knew the trees were only meant for privacy.

It was a large, light blue two story house. It was beautiful with trees surrounding the property yet a few were scattered around the front lawn. There were a few windows besides the elegant front door and painted white porch. On the second story, unlike our upstairs windows, there were sliding doors with elaborate balconies that offered a grand sight of their property. If you haven't noticed so far, this was a pretty classy place. In other words, money ran in the family. Yet, at the same time, it was... comfortable. I could tell, by the magnificent sight and the feeling of welcome through the air.

"So, what do you think?" he asked, drawing my eyes back to his from where he parked his truck behind a few other vehicles. Getting out, I looked over to where he began walking towards me. He buried his fingers in his front pockets casually, a nice smile on his face, his eyes curious and kind.

"Um... does 'holy shit' sum it up?"

He gave a throaty laugh, one that made my heart flutter. Stupid heart.

He guided me up the small stone walk from the driveway and up to the front porch. As we stood side by side in front of the door, before he knocked or opened it, he sighed and looked down on me. His warm eyes engulfed mine. "Remember, just be yourself."

I scoffed. "I'll never understand you."

His smirked lips turned into a bright smile when he chuckled. Raising his hand, he knocked on the door, the sound echoing loudly through the summer air. Not a few minutes later, the door swung open and Jan was standing there, a bright smile on her face for her son and me. She wore a plain brown skirt but it balanced out with her white and brown blouse with ruffles along her collar.

I swallowed hard but tried to not make it obvious that this was really hurting me. It shouldn't; she wasn't doing a damn thing wrong. I was the fucked-up one. "Hey, sweetie, nice to see you again." Why did she have to call me sweetie? Why did I really like it when she said it to me?

"Yeah... nice to see you too," I said as her arms folded around me. I slowly managed to raise my arms and hug her back. It wasn't that great of one; rather really awkward looking but she didn't let it faze her. It still made me feel sick though, deep in me. She didn't appear to have noticed my lack of affection towards her.

She turned more from me to her stare up at her son. "Lucas, you know better than to knock," she lightly scolded but with a smile in her voice as she then hugged Luke.

He rolled his eyes with a smile as Jan led us inside. And let me tell you: holy fucking wow!

Walking in, you could tell they had money. But it wasn't to the point to where it was ridiculous. The hard wood floors looked shiny and new. Walking in a bit further, I observed more than just the floors and the brightly lit walls. Decorations and pictures... but conversation was instant. We walked into the kitchen first and that chatter seemed to have neared.

The kitchen was huge with granite counter tops that stretched along the walls of the kitchen. An entrance leading into what I would assume would be the living room was also clear. But at the moment, those were the only details I picked up. There were more important things to focus on. Like the smell that became evident; it invaded my nose and it made my stomach growl in want. I didn't know what we were eating for dinner but whatever was in the oven would soon be in my stomach. More than that though, I noticed there were two people standing there.

The man was tall and lean, his brown eyes sharp and observing; they fell on mine after we walked in and the conversation he was having was now on hold. He had facial hair but nothing over the top, a grey color occupying the roots of his otherwise wavy brown hair. His bushy eyebrows framed his eyes filled with experience and age. A few wrinkles existed around his mouth when he gave a crooked smile to me as well as some on his forehead too. He looked to be approaching his 60s. The man was wearing a black tee-shirt and khakis as well, complementing his good and strong shape for his age. I was guessing this was Luke's dad. I think I was pretty spot on, seeing as Jan walked up to him and wrapped an arm around him, guiding him over towards me.

"Hey, dad," Luke said, leaving my side, and giving him a big hug. It was then that I recalled what Jan said before. That her husband was home; that must mean that he was out of town or gone for a while and hadn't seen Luke in a while. Luke seemed happy enough to see him.

"Hey, Luke! Haven't seen you since the wedding," he said with an even deeper voice than Luke's. I couldn't really see the man's facial expression but in his voice, I heard sadness at mentioning the wedding. Huh. Wonder why. Maybe because the results were going down to shitter would be my guess.

His eyes found mine again after a minute. His smile faded slightly as he took me in but it was still there, casually resting on his lips. He took a few steps towards me before stopping, looking down into my eyes as if very curious.

"Your name?" the man asked, his face going blank and teasing at the same time. He hid how he felt about meeting me. Just like his son I thought immediately. After all, Luke's blank expressions drove me crazy and I wished I knew what his dad was thinking now. I first assumed he was upset at me for even coming into his son's life but I wasn't so sure.

I answered on auto-pilot. "Albany," I said blankly as well. He seemed to hide his emotions but I got a good vibe off this guy. "AKA, the crazy girl your daughter-in-law gave birth to and never told your son about until I was found."

He stuck his hand out to shake mine, nodding in approval it seemed at my wit. Shaking his hand, he continued.

"Amuse my terrible sense, girl. Eye color?"

"Light brown," I said.

"Age?"

"17," I said sharply back just as fast as he was asking. I heard Luke say something as if in warning to his father but his questions were too distracting. The man liked a challenge and I smirked.

"Hair color?"

"Black."

"Are you a virgin?" he asked not phasing.

"Dad!" I heard Luke groan just before I answered.

"Why? You interested?"

After that one, his strong façade broke and he nodded in approval over my witty answer. Jan chuckled and Luke groaned. He admired that and he smiled down to me. "I like you Albany."

I wasn't so nervous now. I have my mouth; plus Clare was more at fault. I had a feeling now that I would be more welcome here than she would be. That was the whole reason she wasn't coming but now, I could see that that would actually have been the case. But most of all, with both of his parents, I felt the warmth in the air that they were aiming at me.

"Your obviously not just any old man either," I said just as seriously. Yeah, I was liking this guy. He was different and forward, straight to the point. Plus, I knew he and I shared somewhat of the same humor with an introduction such as that. We would get along great.

After he smiled, he ruffled my hair like I was five. "You're damn right I'm not like any other old man. Nice to meet you crazy girl," he said, using what I said before. "You might be crazy, but I'm sure that not even you would be capable of hurting my son like your mother has. If your fucked-up like everyone is saying, I don't blame you. I'm here to support your cause, my dear," he said, bowing elegantly before me, making me chuckle. "So you never have fucked a guy before? Good for you, kiddo!" He patted my arm. This guy was awesome, even if I did slightly blush.

"Jesus Christ dad!" Luke groaned, looking sorry and humiliated when he glanced to me. "Albany, don't be bothered--"

Jan interrupted, scolding her husband. "Michael! Language!"

I cut Luke off. "Bothered?" I chuckled, looking back to the smirking man. "Dude, you're not bothering me. Don't listen to your dumbass son; I like the way you think."

He laughed and I glanced over to where Luke was standing beside his dad. He shook his head with a small tilt of his lips, mumbling under his breath slightly that he was going to hell just for letting the two of us meet.

"I'm name is Mike by the way," he said, smiling. "Not Michael. Mike."

I nodded, liking that. He had very strong opinions on such small things it seemed. I was a fan of that. Damn. Luke's parents are fucking amazing! I was surprised that this whole time, Jan never stopped smiling or was bothered by her husband's blunt words. But of course, that must have been a trait she loved in him.

It was at that moment where I openly noticed the little girl that was slightly hiding behind Jan. She had long blonde hair - from what I could see. It was obvious she didn't want to be seen by me or she was just shy. She held onto the edge of Jan's skirt, partially blocked from my view as she stared up at me from behind Jan. We turned quiet in the kitchen and that gave Jan a chance to act from what I was observing.

"Oh Albany, this is my granddaughter, Brooke." She looked down at the girl with a small smile and patted her on the shoulder, moving her out and fully into sight. She was playing with her lip with her small fingers that wasn't holding Jan's skirt. Her big blue eyes were sweet and deep yet too wide to be neutral. She looked slightly scared and I can't express the wave of hurt that came over me the second I saw her. Not just because she looked scared. Also because she was just so damn familiar and it pricked my heart.