Here's to New Beginnings

The drive home was boring, entertaining, and depressing all in one. Matt didn't ask a lot of questions about what happened, which I was thankful for. After two days of driving, we pulled into Matt's driveway in Long Beach.

"Thank you so much. For everything" I said to Matt as we got out of the car.

"No need to thank me", he said as he grabbed his bags out of the car. "You know I would do it again in a heartbeat".

"Yeah well, we won't be making that drive ever again", I said with a dry laugh. "Because that's one mistake I will never ever be making again".

I felt the tears well up in my eyes as I cleared my throat. Matt wrapped his arms around my shoulders.

"Everything is going to be just fine, Lil. We're all here for you".

I returned the hug and let out a sigh before letting my arms fall from his back.

"I better get home before Mom calls again for the tenth time today".

Matt laughed. "Yeah, she's probably getting ready to send out a search party".

I walked over to the driver's side of my car and opened the door to get in.

"Hey Lil, you know I'm always here for you right?"

"Yeah, I know" I replied, offering Matt a small smile.

I made the short 5 minute drive over to my parent's house. I sighed as I pulled into the driveway. Moving back in with my parents wasn't my idea of a good time, but I had to save up money for a place of my own.

I got out of the car, grabbing my purse and a few bags and made my way to the front door. Before I could even get on the porch, the door swung open and my mom flew out.

"Oh, sweetheart" she said as she pulled me into a hug.

"Hey mama", I said as I hugged her back. Being home felt better than I ever thought it would. It was good being back with my parents.

My dad walked out onto the porch and gave me a knowing look.

"I know, I know. No 'I told you so', please" I said to my dad as I walked around my mom to give him a hug.

"I wouldn't dream of it" he said as he pulled me into a hug.

Throughout my whole life, if I was ever sad or upset all my dad had to do was give me a hug and I fell to pieces. This time was no different. The second my head touched his shoulder, the tears were falling. We stood together on the porch for a few minutes before I pulled away and wiped my eyes.

"God, I'm such a cry baby", I chuckled.

"Come on, kiddo. Let's get your car unloaded" my dad said as he rubbed my back.

My parents, Jamie and Tom, have always been my rocks. They have always supported me, no matter how dumb my decisions have been.

As I carried my bags upstairs to my room, I felt myself relax a little more. I was finally home.

Notes