Chapter 25 Welcome Home #2
I nod, pulling on my favorite hoodie, the one I found that first night. Anders leads me out of the room and walks down the hall. I stall, turning to look at my room, my home, one last time.
My chest constricts, and my throat closes. I tug at the neckline of my hoodie. I can’t breathe. Tears fall, fogging my glasses. My whole world is changing again, and I don’t know what to do.
A warm arm wraps around my shoulder, and a large hand cradles my head, resting it against a warm chest. I take a deep breath, drawing in the fresh smell with a hint of campfire smoke that permeates my senses. I squeeze my eyes closed in relief and cry into Liam’s shirt.
“Shhh. I got you. Breathe.”
I wrap my arms around his waist and cry harder. His other hand rubs my back in small circles. Slowly, my throat opens again, and I can breathe. I feel safe.
Another hand caresses my shoulder, and any lingering panic melts away.
Liam kisses my temple, and I pull back to find Sodie standing beside me. More tears fall. I thought they weren’t coming. I hug Sodie, removing my glasses to bury my face in his chest.
“Don’t cry, Little One. You will like your new home. I promise,” Sodie assures me.
I nod and, pulling back to see his face, offer him a smile. I reach for Liam again and squeeze his arm.
“Come on,” Liam says, clasping my small hand in his much larger one. “Anders looks like he’s ready to murder us. We’re the reason he’s late.”
I wipe my face with the sleeve of my hoodie. Sodie chuckles behind me as Liam leads the way.
Anders waits next to a car. He opens the back passenger door and motions with his head for me to climb in. My heart sinks that I didn’t get to say goodbye to Ean or Charlie. Anders stands by the door, waiting, but I take one last look around before I do.
“I really do hope you’re not contemplating running,” Anders says.
Snorting, I shake my head. If I did, wouldn’t he know? I step toward the car and then stop.
“If it makes you feel better, these two are riding along.” Sodie approaches the front of the car, and Liam rounds the back to enter from the other side.
I sigh and finally get in myself. Anders follows as I scoot across the back seat. As the car pulls away, I look behind, watching the clinic slowly disappear. Anders pats my knee, and Liam reaches for my hand, gently stroking the back with his thumb.
After only five minutes, the car turns into a long driveway with a tall iron gate. A paved roundabout circles a gorgeous fountain in front of a large mansion. My heartbeat races, and the blood drains from my face.
Is this the territory’s children’s home? I knew it! I knew they would take me to an orphanage. The tears well in my eyes, and I want to puke.
“Jessica, this is not an orphanage. Relax. This is your new home.”
The car stops, and Liam squeezes my hand, bringing me back from my panicked state. He whispers in my ear, “Breathe. No one will hurt you. We won’t leave until you’re settled.”
Anders offers a slight smile. “I promise you will be pleasantly surprised.” I exit the car and follow Anders to the front door. He knocks while I try to hide behind him.
A man with thinning black hair, bushy eyebrows, and a thick mustache answers the door.
He nods at Anders and holding the door open for us to enter.
Reaching for me, he ushers me through the door.
“Joe, this is Jessica. Jessica, Joe works here. He is also a trained guard. If you ever feel unsafe or need help, you can trust Joe.”
Joe raises his right hand, showing me the large ring tattooed on the back of his hand. The ring depicts the guard crest, with an emerald and a diamond in its center.
I stretch out my hand, and he shakes it, bowing. There’s something about Joe that instantly resonates with me. Very nice to meet you, Joe. I wish you could hear me say it because I think I already like you.
Joe pulls back his hand sharply, eyes widened.
He stoops forward to meet me at eye level.
“It is very nice to meet you, Jessica. I think I like you already, too.” I smile.
He stands to his full height and offers, “Here, let me take those.” He gestures to both Liam and Sodie to hand him my shopping bags.
“I’ll have these taken to your room, but first, let me show you where everyone is anxiously waiting for you. ”
He ushers us in to close the front door and leads us deeper into the mansion. We pass a grand staircase that leads to a second floor, as well as smaller rooms I can barely peek inside. Then, it hits me—I will work here. I wonder if I’ll be part of the cleaning staff or the kitchen staff.
Joe abruptly stops in front of me, and I almost bump into him. He turns to look at Anders.
Anders chuckles. “You’re not here to work as a servant or on the kitchen staff. Stop dragging your feet, and you’ll find out exactly why you’re here.” He pushes me gently forward as Joe continues down the hallway. Peeking over my shoulder, I see Liam and Sodie close behind.
Familiar voices tickle my mind. The twins. They’re here! Justin and Jeremy are here!
“Surprise!” a group of people shout.
I grab my throat and step back. Anders grasps both of my shoulders and encourages me forward. Ean, Elias, Charlie, and Chris all gather, along with some unfamiliar faces. A large banner hangs on the back wall that reads, “Welcome home, Jessica!”
Shakti walks up to me with a huge smile and gives me a hug. “Welcome to your new home and family, sweetheart.”
I look around the room at all the faces staring back at me, and I want to turn around and run. It is all so overwhelming. I don’t deserve any of this. Everyone has been so nice. I feel guilty for not showing them any appreciation. I have nothing to give in return.
Fear consumes me, instigating another panic attack. I will be punished soon, for making a fool of myself and embarrassing them.
My body trembles. I need to hide. I recall the rooms we passed. Would they mind if I slipped into one of them?