Chapter Six: Home at Last:

I got my coffee and some old peppermint candy that I used to have. I don’t know why I got the candy. I’ve always hated it. Still, the old ladies in the neighborhood would give it to us kids. Maybe I got to for time’s sake. Either way, I was determined not to see anyone else I knew until I got home.

The music on the radio was the only thing that was keeping me calm. I don’t know how long that will last. The good thing is that I am just about home. I took in a deep breath. I can do this. I clutched the steering wheel tightly. I should’ve known that she would be a suspect. I hoped that I would never have to see her again. Please don’t let that be the case. I hoped that I wouldn’t have to see her this weekend. I started praying that as I pulled out of the small parking lot.

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I made it home about noon. I sat in the driveway and took a breath. Too late to turn back now. I might as well get this over with. I turned off the car and walked up to my old house. God, long had I been here? I shoved my hands into my pockets. I took in another breath. This should be fine. I can do this. I walked up to the front door and unlocked it.

“I’m home,” I said. I looked to see my mom poking her head around the kitchen doorway.

“Celeste? Is that you?” she asked. I sighed and dropped my shoulders.

“Yes, it’s me,” I said. Mom walked out with her arms wide open.

“Sweetie! I’m so glad you’re here!” she said. Mom walked over and hugged me. I hugged her back.

“Yes, I’m here,” I said. It hurt to force myself to smile.

“You barely call or email me,” she said. “I have to wonder if you are still alive or not.”

“Yeah, I’m so sorry,” I said. Mom kissed me on the cheek.

“How have you been doing?” I asked. She looked up at me.

“Good, considering…” Mom said.

“I understand,” I said. She let go of me and squeezed my hands.

“Have you eaten yet?” she asked.

“Uh… no,” I said.

“Good, good,” Mom said. “I just made you some beef carrot rolls.”

“Beef carrot rolls,” I said, nodding. “Great.” I prayed that she wouldn’t pick up on my discomfort. It’s not that I don’t love her or anything. I just wished that I didn’t have to come here. Luck was against me when I looked up to see Mom holding a tray of those beef carrot rolls.

“Is something wrong, honey?” she asked.

“They think Lanie killed Mr. Garrison,” I blurted out.

“What?” she asked. Saying her name made me feel small. I didn’t want to go back to that time again.

“Are you okay?” Mom asked.

“No,” I said. I walked over and sat down on the couch. I could feel my heart pounding against my chest. My mouth felt so dry as I tried to swallow. Mom ran over to my side.

“Breathe,” I heard her said. “Breathe. Take deep breaths.” I breathed as tears started to fill my eyes. This was why I didn’t want to come back. I closed my eyes as I kept breathing. Why did I come back here? Why? Why?

“I think I’m going to be sick,” I whispered.

“Okay,” Mom said. “If you think you are going to throw up, I will help you to the bathroom. Nod once if you are hear me.” I gave her one small nod.

“Very good,” she whispered. I still kept breathing. I would have no idea that this trip home would end up being a journey to fix what Lanie broke.