Chapter 17 Welcome Home

I felt my anxiety build up when my parents house started to come into view. "At last we have arrived." I sighed deeply, trying to mentally prepare myself as we pulled into the driveway.

Wes turned off the car and turned to look at me, a game face on. "You ready for this?"

"Nope," I mumbled dully. "But we might as well get it over with."

Wes and I got out of the car and started heading up the driveway but not before Wes took my hand in his.

He smiled down at me, "You got this. It'll be okay."

I nodded, trying to have his confidence in me bring me some courage. I rang the door bell, anxiously waiting for the door to open so the hell could start.

"Fia," my mother exhaled slowly, a small smile resting on her lips. She took a long look at me, eyeing me up and down.

"Hi, mom."

She pulled me into a hug. "You look... well."

"Thanks," I muttered out, keeping a forced smile plastered on my face.

"Who's this?" My mom narrowed her eyes at Wes, seeming confused.

"Weston Hamilton, ma'am." Wes reached his hand out for my mom to shake, which she firmly did. "Nice to meet you. You're home is lovely."

She nodded curtly, seeming impressed by his respectful mannerisms. "Fia didn't tell me she was bringing a friend."

"How about you let us come in so I can explain." I looked at my mom expectantly.

She opened the door further, allowing us to come into the house. Jesus.

"This is my... boyfriend, mom." I glanced at Wes, feeling unsure. He gave me a reassuring smile, slightly nodding his head. It somehow did make me feel better.

My mom quirked an eyebrow. "Boyfriend? I thought... Nate and you were still together."

"Nope," I muttered blandly, hoping to get the topic of Nate out of the way so I would no longer have to think about him. "We broke up. A long while ago, which you would know if you put any effort into speaking to me."

My mother clenched her jaw, clearly growing frustrated by my hostility. I knew her well enough to know that she wanted to scold me but would hold out on doing that just yet, seeing as Wes was here.

She inhaled deeply. "Your father, sister and her fiancé will be here shortly for dinner. You two can go get settled in." My mother looked at Wes for a moment, trying to analyze him. "Weston will be taking the guest room?"

I narrowed my eyes at my mother. I didn't object to that idea because I really didn't want things to become awkward with Wes and I. It was already confusing enough being in a fake relationship with him. I didn't know how any of this would turn out.

But, in spite of my mother I was not going to agree with her. "No," I spoke firmly. "I'm not a kid, mom. I'm almost 20, an adult so I think Wes can manage sharing my room with me."

Call me stubborn or spiteful. I already knew that's what I was aiming for. I just couldn't help it. Being back home, around my family, it brought out the worst side of me.

My mother hesitated but ending up nodding her head. "Fine, then. I will see you both in time for dinner." She then walked away, not saying anything else.

I inhaled deeply, watching her walk away. My whole body was already in a fury, feeling like it was on fire and ready to rage.

Wes stepped in front of me, placing a hand my arm to pull me out of my head. "Hey," his voice was soft, in a whisper. "Think of it like this: one down, a few more to go."

I sighed, slumping my shoulders. "That was hardly the beginning, Wes."

He shrugged, giving me a reassuring smile. "It could have been worse, right? Let's go."

He waited for me to lead him up the stairs, bringing him to my old bedroom. It was just as I had left it. It was a big room, a dozen times the size of our dorm rooms. You could say my family had a continuous line of wealth throughout every generation.

Wes peered around my room, taking everything in. He stopped at my vanity, picking up a picture frame.

I walked up behind him, taking a look at the frame he was holding. Inside the silver frame was a picture of Nate and I at prom. Both of us dressed up, coordinated outfits and a big smile on my face as he kissed my cheek.

I couldn't help but laugh, causing Wes to look at me. "That was hardly six months ago. Now it feels like it never happened."

Wes placed the frame down, turning to face me. "You doing okay?"

I laughed dryly, taking a seat on the edge of my bed. "How does your own mother feel like a stranger?"

Wes gave me a sheepish look, coming to sit beside me. He took my hand in his, giving it a comforting squeeze. "I wish I knew the answer to that. If I did, it would probably help me face my own parents."

"I'm sorry," I shook my head, looking at him. "If you've changed your mind I'm sure we can come up with an excuse for why you have to leave."

Wes laughed, giving me a wide-eyed look. "You're kidding? Why would I leave you, Fi?"

I puckered out my bottom lip, in awe by how kind he was. "Just because I have to suffer, does not mean you should too. It is my family, after all."

Wes shook his head firmly. "I am not going anywhere, unless you're really just trying to get rid of me."

I rolled my eyes playfully. "I would never."

Wes grinned. "Then consider me honoured to be by your side for this. I know your family is tough but trust me, I can handle it because I know what it's like."

I exhaled deeply, finding a sense of calmness. I leaned my head down on his shoulder. "Thank you. I really don't know what I'd do if you weren't here."

Wes didn't say anything. He just wrapped an arm around me and let me sit in peace for a moment, before we both knew it would come crashing down.

It was all I needed and he knew it without me having to say anything.