“Yeah, go and put the pan on the stove and give us ten,” Mom says. She raises her brow and sinks into my dad’s grip. “You’re not thirteen, Blaire.”
“I know,” I taunt back sharply as I drop my hands from my face and place them on my hips. “But you’re still my parents. You wouldn't like it if I were the same way with a guy around you.”
“It’s my house, my rules, Blaire. Now, make it fifteen,” Dad chides as he lets go of Mom before he grabs her towel from where she had put it on the edge of the treadmill. He starts to chase after her and whips it in the air to hit her ass.
I hear the footsteps and chuckles while I put my tongue on the inside of my cheek and start to make my way down the stairs until I hear the door slam, too. I’m not a prude, but it’s my parents. Come on, who wants to hear or see that? I know I’m under their roof but still, discretion would be nice. I came home because I had no other option. A new home where its discreet location meant it’s unlikely I would be found at first. But I can’t stop the sickness that bubbles up inside and unless I tell all, I need to move away. A fresh start.
* * *
The pan on the stove starts to settle from the water bubbling wildly, while I finish making a fresh pot of coffee and tea. I always cover both bases, a habit that I have become used to. I shudder, but quickly remember he’s not here. I shake and pull back my shoulders. I have to remember he can’t hurt me. Levi made sure of that.
I open the cupboard door to the far right and grab their favorite stem ginger biscuits with the caramelized top and stop in my tracks as I hear the familiar creak of the floorboards on the staircase.
“Blaire, what are these boxes?” Mom shouts, before she barges straight toward me with her wet hair tied up on the top of her head. Fresh slacks replace her sweat soaked workout clothes with her hands rested on her hips. “I thought…”
“Shall we go and sit?” I deflect as I grab the tray full of goodies I’ve made from the kitchen side. With a flick of my long dark brown hair over my shoulder, I head straight past her to the living room with the sensation of her piercing gaze following my every step.
“Alec… Alec!” Mom screeches up the stairs. “Blaire’s…” She huffs before I hear the footsteps start to descend moments later. She sits on the sofa, poised on the edge. She fidgets as she taps her knees with her fingers across from where I have just put the tray.
“I'm here, what's all the commotion?” he says, as he walks into the room with a swagger straight towards us. He pulls his trousers up slightly at the knees before I sit and he takes a perch on the edge of the sofa, pulling Mom’s hand into his grip the moment he catches my eye.
Dad has always been inquisitive and with years of practice he knows how to deal with my curveballs. He’s able to tell when his calming touch may be required to settle a situation before it escalates beyond control. It must be a Dad thing; with the way my Mom reacts and calls him or just years of knowing one another.
“Tea or coffee?” I ask, taking a quick glance at their wide eyes and the shake of their heads. I know it's time to bite the bullet.
“Just tell us… tell us what this is all about, Blaire,” Mom whispers before she lets out a sniffle and watches my expression.
“I know you want me to stay, but I can't. I'm going to move near to Jake,” I reply. I drop my head to avoid their gazes and ignore the whirling sensation in my stomach before I reach for a biscuit and take a small bite. The last thing I need is for my mouth to go into overdrive. Eating will at least shut me up for now and help me avoid the need to plead my case or worse, carry out a display of angered words on why it’s my life and my decision.
“But… Blaire,” Mom starts. “That's across two states.”
“It's okay, Sally. Jake’s there.” Dad nods while he squeezes her hand in his and he pulls her in close. “It's not like she's going to be alone. She's a grown woman now, no matter what we think is right for her.”
“Dad's right, Mom. I need to do this. You had no qualms when Jake left to go into the fire service. It's a fresh start away from everything. Jake always says that the people in Armstrong look after one another. They’re a team,” I reply, while I push myself to stand. I stare into the mirror and focus on my eyes that reflect in her chocolate orbs. “I just need this to draw a line in the sand and start fresh. Please, understand that.”
“I do, but we're a team.” Mom nods and her eyes start to cover with a mist. “We’ll always have your back. I just wish we could have you here with us, where I can keep a close eye on you.”
“I know, but I’m not a child. Like you keep saying, I'm twenty-seven-years-old, Mom. I’m a grown woman and I have to stand on my own two feet, but you can visit me whenever you like,” I counter back while they stand and open their arms to welcome me in for a hug. “Everyone knows me here. Just for once, I want to be a nobody…”
I step inside their warm embrace and allow the worry to settle away.
“Blaire, you could never be a nobody. You're a tough cookie and I know this stems back to that slimeball Rich, even if you won't talk about it,” she sighs, “but running away isn't the answer.”
“I'm not. I'm doing this for me,” I lie. I grit my teeth together and try to not let the pain become a visible show on my face. “I know Rich, I know what he’s like and he will come looking for me. He wants the happily ever after and he believes I’m it. He’s delusional if he ever thinks that I’ll return to him. I don’t want you brought into my battles over a guy who doesn’t understand that I don’t want him anymore, and plays pure ignorant to my words. I want to explore, be free and finally escape on my own two feet.”
Mom finally sighs, seemingly content with my answer or finally ready to admit defeat, knowing that she won’t win the battle. I can start to relax, knowing that in a matter of hours, I would be away from here and the risk of Rich finding me.
With the bright red Camaro finally full, I run my hands over the beautiful paintwork and hop in. An emotional hug with Dad involves prizing Mom from the grips of my flowery tunic blouse after she persuades me to stay and enjoy the roast dinner she spent time cooking. I couldn’t deny it went down a treat, but it did nothing to placate her feelings. I have to rip the band aid off and just go.
I pull away down the highway, my gut screaming to hit the pedal and just drive, but the last thing I need is to be pulled over for a ticket. I allow the adrenaline to course through my body. I steady my breaths and listen to the soft Christmas music play from my favorite radio station. It may be the holiday season, but that won’t make a difference to Rich, just more of an opportunity. After all, it’s family time and you know where people will be.
* * *
The further I drive, the quieter my surroundings become. The birds chirp and the tree leaves rustle as they hit against each other at the country park I pass by. There’s a lovely fresh evergreen smell. It’s a stark contrast to the bustle and the beep of the manic cars on the highways and built-up streets I’m used to. My body drifts into a state of contentment with the knowledge that this is the start of the new me.
I make a stop gap when I notice the streetlamps start to flicker on and the sign for a motel comes up ahead. I realize I need to rest before the second part of my journey. I can’t be Superwoman and do everything in one go, like I first thought.
The night is restless, with every noise making me jump and squirm. The hours pass by and I realize that is all the sleep I am going to manage. I jump in the car and continue my journey, knowing that tomorrow, the festivities will begin again. I would like to settle while I have the chance.