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A Seacoast Village on Cape Ann
My heart starts to race as I realized I’m back in my hometown for the first time in four years. Everything looks just like I remember it – the ice cream store I’ve walked to with my closest friends; the boats that fill the docks; the buildings that could almost be considered historic landmarks by now. I find comfort in the way everything hasn’t been torn down and rebuilt to become something fancier. This is the town I’ve loved since I was young.
Pulling into my parents’ driveway, I watch as my mother stands from her seat on the porch. Her eyes light up as we park the truck and climb out. I barely have a moment to admire the house I grew up in before she’s tugging me into her arms.
“I’ve missed you so much.”
“Mom.” I chuckle. “You just saw me last week.”
“Nonsense. You’re my baby girl. Any time away from you is too much.” She releases me from her tight hold, only to say hello to my fiancé. “Parker, it’s nice to see you again.”
“You as well, Mrs. Taylor.”
“Please, we’ve gone over this. Call me Marissa.”
“Right. My apologies.”
He must be able to sense my hesitation because he takes my hand in his as we follow my mother inside. The house looks exactly the same, with the exception of the new couch that occupies the living room. Pictures of my older brother and I hang all over the walls, making it obvious that a family lives here to anyone that enters. I must admit, I’ve missed the feeling of being home.
“Hello Sweetheart.” My father greets me as he walks down the hallway.
“Hi Dad.”
A small frown graces my mom’s face before she masks it with a smile. Instead of acknowledging the elephant in the room, I ask for a glass of her homemade iced tea and excuse myself to my room. Parker follows me up the stairs and through the familiar door. Everything is just as I left it. Even the hairbrush I forgot to pack lies perfectly in the middle of my dresser. Not a single thing has been moved.
“So, this is your childhood bedroom.”
Crooked posters remain taped to the light gray walls. Photo booth strips of Ivy and I are still tucked into the sides of the mirror. The pale pink duvet still covers my queen size bed. Even the clothes I left behind are right where I left them, hanging in the closet.
“This is it.”
He grins and pulls me toward him. “I like it. It’s very, you.” A feeling of warmth spreads through me as he kisses my cheek. “I’m going to go ask your dad where I can put the boxes.”
With one last embrace, he disappears down the stairs. My eyes drift to the picture on my nightstand. I pick it up and use my sleeve to wipe the dust off. It was taken at the beach. I’m standing in the middle of two familiar guys; my brother and him. Both their arms are around me as we all smile brightly. My hair was a lighter brown than usual, the summer sun lightening it as it does every year. The jade in my eyes seemed to be especially bright that day. A dull ache in my chest builds as my eyes focus on the right side of the photo. His wet hair looks like he just ran his fingers through it to keep it out of his eyes - the oceanic pools that glisten in the sunlight. It’s something I was glad got captured in the picture. I glide my finger over his hair and down the side of his face, remembering the feeling of him all too well.
“He asks about you all the time, you know.”
At the sound of my mother’s voice, I startle and drop the picture. It falls to the floor and the glass instantly cracks into pieces. Sighing in frustration, I pick up the damaged frame and put it back in its place.
“Don’t.” It’s meant to sound strong but it comes out as more like a plea.
She gives me a sad smile and hands me the drink I requested. “Okay, okay. I won’t mention him again. I just hope one day you’ll tell me what happened between the two of you.”
Despite our close relationship, the idea of telling my mom the events that lead to my heart being shattered, triggers a flight instinct in my brain. I do my best not to let it show and return to looking around the room.
“I can’t believe you kept everything the way I left it.”
“Why wouldn’t we? As far as I’m concerned, this is your bedroom.”
I give her a knowing look. “Is Maverick’s still the same, too?”
“That’s different.” She waves dismissively. “His only became a guest room when he moved all of his stuff out and into his own house. You should see the place. He’s really done well for himself.”
The thought of my brother makes me smile. Being three years older than me, he was always my protector growing up. We fought like siblings usually do but loved each other all the same. I’ve missed him a lot. Only getting to see him over Christmas break hasn’t been nearly enough time.
“Yeah, I’m meeting with Tatum tomorrow.” Referring to his long-term girlfriend. “I spoke to Parker about hiring her to plan the wedding and he’s completely onboard.”
“That’s great, honey. I’m sure she’s thrilled.” After the room goes silent, my mom exhales. “Could you do me a favor and go a little easier on your dad? I hate to see how distant you two have become.”
