Chapter 2-Back Home.

ANNA'S POV

I took one last look at the house I had spent ten years of my life in before turning and entering the taxi that was to take us to the airport.

Lily sat beside me giggling about our visit to granny, if only she knew.

It didn't take long for us to arrive at pine hollow. The snow fell in hurried flutters, covering the small village in white. I shivered as I stepped out of the car, pulling my coat tighter around me. 8 year old Lily stepped out after me, her pink boots clinking after her.

“Mom, look!” she twirled under the falling flakes, her laughter ringing out into the frosty air. “It’s like a snow globe!”

I smiled faintly. Though my heart was heavy, I couldn't let Lily see it. I was home, but it really didn't feel like home just yet. The towering pine trees and the small stone cottages lining the village road were exactly as I remembered, but the warmth I had once felt was gone. Coming back here was a choice, it was my only escape.

“Let’s get inside before we freeze,” I said, grabbing the last of our bags from the trunk.

It had been a decade but the house stood just as it had when I was a teenager—a cozy, two-story structure with ivy creeping up the stone facade and smoke curling out of the chimney. The smell of freshly baked bread and the familiar sight of her parents’ Christmas wreath on the door used to comfort me. It should have comforted me, but instead, it reminded me of how much had changed.

“Grandma!” Lily squealed, running up the steps as my mother opened the door.

“Oh, my darling!” mother cried, sweeping Lily into a warm hug. Her smile faltered slightly when her eyes met mine. “Anna, you’re here.”

“Yes, Mom,” I replied, mustering a small smile. “I’m here.”

We stepped inside and we were greeted by the warmth of the crackling fire and the scent of cinnamon. Lily wanted no time. She quickly took off her boots and ran to the living room where the Christmas tree was. I stood by the door for a while, taking in the familiar environment.

Dad came out of the kitchen, wiping his hands on a dish towel. “Welcome back, kiddo.” His tone was gruff, but his eyes softened when he saw me.

“Thanks, Dad.” I set our bags down and shrugged off my coat.

“How was the drive?” my mother asked. His voice had that tone that told you she had more to say but just wouldn't.

“Long, but we made it.”

I didn't miss it, the look my parents gave each other. I knew what was in their mind. I had left home a decade ago only to return empty-handed -a divorcee and with Lily.

“Mom! Grandpa! Did you see? I made a snow angel!” Lily’s excited voice cut through the tension.

My father chuckled and scooped Lily up. “I bet it’s the best snow angel in the whole village!”

I stood and watched them for a while. Lily's excited giggles filled the air. At least she's happy. That was all that mattered now.

Mother touched my arm, pulling me out of my reverie. I turned to look at her and she gave me a weak smile. "You look tired. Why don't you go up and relax. Dinner will be ready soon."

I nodded, grateful for the excuse to retreat but that would have to wait, cos as soon as I turned the door opened. It was Sarah and I sighed in relief, I'd thought it was one of my aunties or nosy neighbours.

"Oh my sweet cousin." She said, spreading her arms for a hug. Which I gladly took. "How are you?"

I just shrugged. "I'm just there."

She greeted my parents and pulled me up to my room. "Now we're alone. Tell me, how are you holding up? I heard about the divorce.

I sighed again. "I can't...I don't know." The trees were pushing to pour out again. "I just can't believe he'd do this to me. As if the cheating wasn't enough....

I saw her eyes widen in shock. "He was cheating on you?"

I nodded.

"Then why did you stay?"

"Because I love him. I thought he would change. I thought...

And it came rushing out. My entire body shook as I cried. It was now I realised how deep this hurt went.

"Oh dear! I hate that ***hole for doing this to you. You want me to go beat him up?"

I couldn't help but laugh. She always knew what to say and when to say it. "You don't have to do that."

"Alright. Go wash up. I need to take you out, let's get you drunk so you can forget about him."

I shook my head. "I just want to sleep, Sarah. I'm really not in the mood to....

"And we both know I ain't listening to that shit. Up! Up! Up!"

I knew Sarah well and there was no changing her mind when she's bent in something. "Fine!" I said, heading for the bathroom.

On my return, Sarah was on the phone, talking in a hushed tone but I could still make out what she was saying.

"What in the world is wrong with you Jack! How can you make such a decision without asking me first? "You got tired? Do you know the effort I put into getting us this far and you're divorcing her without getting....I'm with her right now. Yes. You had better find a way to fix this or else....

She stopped when she saw me and ended the call.

I didn't know what to make of what I heard. "Was that Jack?"

I noticed the panic flash in her eyes but it was quickly replaced by calm. "Jack? Why would I be talking to him? It was ..erm...James."

"James?" I found it hard to believe.

"Yes and....

Her phone rang again and she picked it up. After some minutes, she ended the call. "I'll have to go now."

"But you just got here."

"I'll come back tomorrow or as soon as I have time. I was just told that I'm on night shift."

She hurriedly bade me goodbye and left.

There was this unsettling feeling logged in my chest.