Unexpected Changes Read Online Free PDF Page A

him. At this moment, I need his strength and comfort. I don’t care what everyone else thinks, he’s the only one who knows me now.
    Rushing over to him, I stop mere inches away and look up at him. “Hi stranger.”
    “Welcome home, Firecracker. Missed you,” he says before he embraces me in a bear hug and places a soft kiss upon my head.
    Mumbling into his chest, I say, “Missed you more.”
    “Come on; let’s get you home so you can tell me all about your trip.”
    “Home sounds good, but can we stop by my parents’ on the way? I have a package to pick up,” I say as I get into the car.
    “Sure, it’s been a while since I’ve seen your parents.”
    “Oh, then you might want to stay in the car. Mom has another banquet coming up and you know what that means,” I say as I give him a deadpan look.
    “I know, Meredith already asked me to attend and I kindly explained that I will have two dates for this event.”
    “I’m not crashing your date. I’ve explained to Mom that I’m passing on this one. Plus, you never know, I might be out of town.”
    “You travel way too much. I don’t like it and you look tired.”
    “I am and thanks for reminding me,” I respond as I look out the window to avoid eye contact.
    Cory can see right through me, and as much as I need his support and love, I’m not ready to explain everything. He knows what he needs to in order to understand.
    “Have you heard from him?”
    “I take him to mean Carter, and yes, but you know I’m not answering his calls.”
    “What if he’s trying to explain? You know it won’t hurt to listen and see what he has to say. I know you still love him and you’re fighting it.”
    “Cory, I suggest you change the subject. I’m not in the mood to go through this again. Whatever Carter has to say, I don’t care to hear. It’s over and done with. Time for me to learn how to be alone.”
    He doesn’t respond—no words are needed as he squeezes my knee to show he’s here for me.
    The rest of the car ride is silent and that rips my heart out a little more. We have never been the ones who didn’t have something to say or talk about.
    Thankful to pull into my parents’ drive, I open the door and look over. “I’ll be right back.”
    With a nod from Cory, I continue on the path to the doorway of my family home. I notice Seth’s car in the drive and pray I can get in and out like I’d planned.
    “Mom, I’m here,” I say loudly as I walk toward the kitchen.
    “Kitchen,” I hear her say as I get closer.
    When I step in I look around and notice that my brother, Seth, is sitting on top of the kitchen counter picking at the salad Mom is preparing.
    “Hey, Sis.”
    “Hi. What are you doing here?” I ask as I look at him. His forehead’s all scrunched and those permanent worry lines he sports are front and center.
    “Just visiting Mom. You?”
    “I have a package and Cory is waiting for me.” I stop and try to gauge what is really going on here before I speak to Mom. “Mom, where’d you put it? I hate to run, but I’m tired and need to get home.”
    “In the foyer, dear. Tell Cory to come in and have dinner with us. I have plenty and you know how I miss seeing you guys.”
    Shrugging my shoulder, I respond, “Maybe this weekend. I really am tired.”
    She walks over and grabs both of my shoulders to turn me towards her. As she takes me in, Mom turns to Seth. “You two need to get over this. I’ve never seen the two of you like you are right now. A mother knows when something is wrong. You two might not explain it all to me, but I see it. Dinner this weekend and you both will be here.”
    “Yes, ma’am,” Seth and I both answer in unison.
    “Gotta run. Love you both,” I say quickly and head out, trying to avoid any conflict with my brother.
    He and Jessica are not seeing eye-to-eye on things, and since she works with me now, I plead the Fifth on all matters.
    Shutting the door behind me, I look out and notice that Cory has his