Returning Home

I stepped out of the taxi cab and breathed in the air of New York. Three years. Three fucking years. That was when I decided to leave my parents' home and move to California. My heart pounded as I looked at the door of my parents' home. I glanced a few houses down and looked at "her" house. The house of the woman that broke my heart nearly three years ago. I still remember the incident like it was yesterday.

I was broken out of my thoughts with a cry, followed by a shriek. I saw my mom running towards me with arms wide open. "Oh my god! My baby is back! Where have you been, Jake?" My mom put her head on my shoulder and I felt tears wetting my t-shirt.

"Hey mom. Long time no see." I softly chuckled. We stood there hugging for what felt like an eternity but was really just a few minutes. Mom pulled her head back and looked at me. I observed the wrinkles she gained the last time I saw her but she still got that cheery smile.

"My god. You grown so much-"

I was suddenly smothered by a female and I fell down onto the front lawn. My vision was obscured by long strands of blonde hair. I immediately knew that it was my sister. "Heya Emma. I guessed you missed me." I quietly whispered.

I pulled back and met my sister's piercing blue eyes. She gave me a huge smile and kissed my cheek. She got up and held out her hand and helped me get up from the grass. Then, she punched me on my shoulder, hard. "Ouch!" I exclaimed.

"Welcome back, you piece of shit." laughed Emma. I smiled and knew that this is where I belonged. I missed my mom's meals and fussiness. I missed my sister's playfulness and wit. I especially miss all my fishing trip and hikes with my dad.

I felt a firm hand on my shoulder and winced. That was the shoulder Emma punched and it hurts. "Sorry. I glad you're back, son." I turned around and met my dad's intense gaze. A former Marine, he is packing solid muscles and would always look intimidating. Maybe that was why Emma's past boyfriends were scared to walk into our house? But I knew my dad for 24 years and I know how he looks when he is excited.

"Hello to you too, old man." My dad laughed and slapped me on my back.

"Come on Jake. Let's get your stuff in." he replied. My parents and sister started unloading my suitcases and packages from the back of the cab and started bringing it into the house.