Chapter 205 Nervous
I'm really nervous about going back home, but I'm glad Trent talked me into it. I'm mostly scared I'm being followed. I know I'm being ridiculous. There is no way Uncle Jay can follow me to school without Aunt Beth knowing. And somehow, I don't think she knows yet.
And still that letter showed up under my doorstep, so someone must be keeping an eye out for him. I just don't know who the hell that would be. Yes, there are quite a few people from back in Echo Ridge here at school, but I don't know if any of them actually know him.
As soon as class got over today, I went to my apartment and packed an overnight bag. I don't need a lot. And despite Rick telling me he'll buy me anything I want, I haven't taken him up on the offer to buy nicer clothes. It's a personal choice.
I called Josie this morning and informed her that Trent and I were coming home to visit and she got so excited! I almost laughed. She started rambling on about what she'd have Jeff fix for dinner and have the security team make sure we were safe... Not that she knows anything yet. It's just how Jos is. And considering what happened to her (also not that she remembers any of this, but she had been informed) I don't blame the precaution.
"I knew you couldn't stay away that long! And good timing too. Rick is planning a party this weekend, so bring something nice!" she rambled.
Not sure what the party is for, but if Rick is putting it on, it should be pretty safe. I know sure as hell he won't let anyone into that mansion who would hurt his wife or his family. And he considers me a little sister. That's family.
The two-hour drive wasn't bad or awkward either! Trent decided to let me finally ask him questions about himself. And this time he was much more willing to dive into his life.
"Did you always want to be a doctor?" I asked, thinking since we were both in the same courses this would be a good starting point. I guess I wanted to start with something safe, and school and professions seem about as safe as you can get.
"Actually, yeah. I had a cousin who was diagnosed with cancer when she was about 2 years old. I went with her when she went through a lot her treatments, and she made it through! She was such a tough little kid. I'm so proud of her, and I was so grateful to all the doctors and nurses working with her. And I thought it would the prefect way to pay it forward," he explained.
"That is amazing! I never knew..." I mumbled, blushing. Of course, I didn't know he had a cousin who had childhood cancer! I wasn't that close to him. But I also didn't realize he'd spend time with his cousin as she went through her treatments. Those are hours long. And I suspect they can't be easy to watch.
"I know that, Angel. That's what I'm here for, to answer all your unasked questions," he joked. "Dad said he refused to pay for college though. That's why he pushed the football so hard. He wanted me to get a scholarship. I guess it worked."
I'm not sure how I feel about that. Shouldn't a father be proud to have a son who wants to be a doctor? He should be encouraging him, not dissuading him from his dreams.
"What is your mom like?" I ask, a little nervous to ask about his father. If Rick is right, he's part of the reason my parents are dead, and I'd rather steer clear of him if at all possible.
"Mom is the greatest!" He beams. "She is the most nurturing woman I've ever met, and I bet she's going to love you," he winks at me. "She can't help finding something to fuss over. Once, there was this kid, Jeremy Andrews. Do you remember him?" He asked.
I think for a minute. He was one of the super smart kids in my class. I never interacted with him, but he was picked on because he was socially awkward. I always felt bad about it, but then again, I was going through my own shit too.
"Yeah, I remember," I respond.
"Well, Mom found out about the bullying and brought him home and made him cookies," he smiles at the memory.
"That is really sweet," I smile, my trepidation about meeting his parents (or at least his mom) lessens.
The second we parked in Rick's driveway, it was like rats escaping a drowning ship. Everyone came out to meet us. Even the staff! And front and center is my big sister, practically beaming at me.
I was passed around like a hot potato as everyone came to hug me. I'm still not used to physical touch, but I'm getting better with it. I know no one here will hurt me.
"And this must be Trent," Josie smiles and extends her hand out. "It's nice to meet you."