Novel Square
28
Los Angeles, Sebastian
Life had been an unrelenting whirlwind of chaos and uncertainty ever since the night of the shooting at Mia’s apartment. Now, I found myself sitting across from Mia on a plane headed to Los Angeles to meet my parents. The journey was a stark contrast to the turbulence we had experienced recently, but it was a necessary step in our lives.
So much had transpired since that harrowing night. There had been tears, screams, and a funeral. I had remained in New York for a few days to make arrangements for the funeral of my loyal security guard. It was the least I could do for a man who had given his life to protect my baby and Mia’s. He had been a trusted guardian, and his loss weighed heavily on my conscience.
I had also taken it upon myself to establish a fund for his two children. When they reached the age of twenty-one, they would each have a substantial sum waiting for them in their bank accounts. Additionally, when they graduated from high school, I had committed to covering the costs of their college education. It was a way to honor the sacrifice their father had made for us.
As I looked at Mia, I could see that her thoughts were deep in contemplation. The recent events had shaken her to her core, and I couldn’t blame her. They had terrified me too. The weight of responsibility now rested heavily on my shoulders, and my determination to protect Mia and our unborn child was unwavering.
“Are you alright?” I asked her, my voice filled with concern. Her eyes met mine, and they radiated warmth and vulnerability.
She took a sip of her coffee before responding, “Yes, I am. I’m just nervous about meeting your parents.”
A soft smile touched my lips as I reassured her, “I’ll be there with you, don’t worry. They’re going to love you.”
I had initially planned to take Mia out for a special evening before heading to my parents’ house, but the recent string of events had shattered any semblance of normalcy in our lives. Our safety had been compromised, and I couldn’t risk putting Mia in harm’s way.
Our new reality was one of constant vigilance. I had moved to a more secure apartment after the break-in at our previous one, but even that had not been enough to deter the threats that loomed over us. The stalker, the burglar, and the shooter all remained at large, casting a long shadow of fear and agitation over our lives.
The plane finally hit the tarmac, and the sensation of touching down on solid ground was both a relief and a reminder of the turbulent journey our lives had taken. As we disembarked, we were escorted out of the airport to where our car was waiting.
I held the door open for Mia, and she gracefully stepped into the vehicle. I followed suit, taking my place beside her, and our journey continued as we left the airport behind.
Mia sat by the window, her gaze fixed on the passing scenery. Her beauty was undeniable, and I couldn’t help but steal glances at her. She was stunning, her presence captivating in every way. Her hair fell in soft waves around her shoulders, and her eyes held a depth that drew me in. Even the way she blinked, with long, luscious eyelashes, and the way she pursed her lips was a testament to her natural beauty.
“A picture would last longer, Thornton,” she said, her lips curving into a playful smile as she caught me admiring her.
I chuckled, reaching for my phone without hesitation. “Got it,” I grinned, capturing the moment with a quick snapshot. Her blush only enhanced her radiance, and I couldn’t help but be enchanted by her.
As I put my phone away, I took her hand in mine, a simple yet meaningful gesture. I half-expected her to pull away, but she didn’t. The recent events that had rocked our lives had forged a connection between us that was stronger than ever before. We had faced danger and uncertainty together, and in the midst of it all, our bond had deepened.
The drive to my parents’ house was marked by a comfortable silence. It was the kind of quiet that spoke volumes about our connection and the ease with which we could simply be together. The cityscape slowly gave way to a more suburban landscape as we approached my childhood home.
As our driver turned onto the familiar street, I couldn’t help but notice several unfamiliar cars parked in the driveway. It was unusual, as I had expected this visit to be a private affair with just Mia and me. My brows furrowed in curiosity as I wondered if my parents had invited guests over without informing me.
When the car came to a stop, I quickly got out and held the door open for Mia. She stepped out, and I gently placed my hand on the small of her back, offering silent support. Together, we made our way to the front door, our footsteps echoing in the quiet neighborhood.
I could sense Mia’s nervousness, and her apprehension mirrored my own. We were about to step into my parents’ home, and the anticipation weighed heavily on both of us. I whispered reassuringly to her, “It will be alright.”
Approaching the front door, I took a deep breath, mentally preparing myself for the visit. I could hear voices coming from inside, and it puzzled me. I had anticipated a simple, private gathering with my parents, not a house full of guests.
Mia whispered inquisitively, “Does your parents have guests over? I thought it would just be us.”
I furrowed my brow in response, equally surprised by the unexpected turn of events. “I thought so too,” I admitted, my curiosity growing with each passing moment.
With a sense of uncertainty, I knocked on the door, the sound echoing in the quiet evening. Footsteps approached from within, and my heart quickened its pace as I braced myself for what lay ahead.© 2024 Nôv/el/Dram/a.Org.
Suddenly, the door swung open, revealing a sight that left both Mia and me in shock. Standing before us was none other than Gavin “Bonehead” Campbell.