The Past Between Us novel Chapter 2

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The rain drops plummeted down on the car's roof. I realized that we had stopped moving.

My mind and body were completely numb.

Ever so often my brain reminded me of what had happened and an unbearable stab of pain pierced through my heart.

Mom is dead.

She died a month ago.

You are all alone now Scarlett.

The chauffeur opened the door for me and I slowly stepped out. The kind man offered me an umbrella but I brushed off his offer.

I liked how the ice cold water from the rain felt on my skin. It made me feel numb.

Numbness is good.

It keeps me from feeling.

It keeps me from feeling pain.

My eyes drank in the huge mansion in front of me. Once upon a time, I had called this place my home. But that was a long time ago. Now it only reminded me of how much I'd suffered.

I made my way to the entrance and the doors burst open even before I rang the door-bell.

I looked up at the man standing in front of me. His face lit up when he saw me.

His lips broke into a smile. Once upon a time, that smile used to mean the world to me, but not anymore.

"Welcome home." His voice was kind but I knew otherwise.

'This isn't my home' I wanted to say but I bit my tongue. I had made my mother a promise and I was going to do everything I could to keep it.

"Hey dad." I said blankly.

His smile wavered a little but he swiftly covered it. "Come in quickly. It's freezing outside and you're soaked."

I just nodded my head as I made my way inside.

I took in the familiar surroundings, not much had changed.

The family portrait still hung in the hallway. Just looking at our smiling faces made me feel sick.

Happiness was an illusion.

It was a lie.

"Your room has been prepared why don't you go shower and I'll have your suitcase sent up." My father's voice broke in.

I didn't need any directions, I knew every inch of this place by heart. Without giving him a second glace I hauled my body upstairs. My room was the first one on the left.

As soon as I entered, I noticed that everything was exactly how I had left it. A warm feeling settled inside my heart as I ran my eyes over my surroundings.

At least my room feels the same.

I'd be lying if I said I didn't miss my room. My room had always been my safe haven.

I made my way towards the dressing table. I gazed at the pictures still stuck to the mirror.

Every person in those pictures was a stranger to me, including myself.

The pale skinned, raven haired girl smiling into the camera might have looked like me but she wasn't me, not anymore. I was a completely different person now.

My legs carried me to the window. My eyes automatically found the window across from mine. The light was on. A strange feeling churned in my chest, was it . . . longing?

I sighed softly before walking towards the bathroom.

I stripped out of my drenched clothes and stepped into the shower.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

I was brushing my wet hair when I heard a knock on the door.

"Come in." I called out.

My father stepped inside. He looked a little uncomfortable. "This is the first time in three years that I've been in this room." He admitted.

I look at him expectantly.

He cleared his throat, "So, Uh, dinner's ready."

I wasn't really hungry but I didn't have the stamina to argue so I just nodded and got up.

Just as we were about to enter the dining hall my father gently clasped my arm and halted me.

"Listen Scarlett, I need to tell you something." He gulped.

I could tell he was nervous.

"What is it?" My voice was quiet.

"I need you to be a little understanding." He sighed.

My eyebrows knit together, a feeling of unease settled deep in my stomach.

I waited for him to elaborate but he shook his head. "Let's settle down first."

He was trying to smile but it came out like a grimace.

What the hell is going on?

When I entered the dining hall the first thing I noticed was that there were three plates set on the table instead of two. Which was odd since there were only supposed to be two people; me and my father.