lizzy's pov

I watch as the familiar wooden door swings open, the hinges slightly creaking as the smell of past summers hit my nostrils. Before I can even see her, a breeze drifts through and around me— orchestrating the chimes and seashells hung above into a beautiful but brief tune. Mixed with the sweet perfume of the ocean, she could close her eyes and swear she was 8 again. This is part of why I did this; why I agreed to come back. It feels like home, it is home. And as much as I hate to admit it, I want the woman opening the door to be as well.

"Oh, Lizzy!" she squeals excitedly. It's more than I was expecting. I try not to show it on my face. "I've missed you." she takes a step forward and before I know it, her arms are around me. She holds onto me tightly, her grip only softening when she feels my body stiffen.

So much time has passed since we last saw each other, let alone embraced. But I told myself this would be different. That I would try to be different. And right now, it seems like that is what she is trying to do as well. It's hard to not become overwhelmed in the best possible way. She seems warm, she's seems inviting, she seems gentle.

She's my mother.

"I'm so glad you came." she continues when I finally squeeze her back.

"Me too." I admit, and I feel her tighten her embrace one more time before letting go.

"And you must be Cara," she smiles, Cara no doubt fighting the urge to projectile vomit. I can't help the laugh that escapes past my lips. "It's so nice to meet you."

She elopes her in a hug soon after, Cara seemingly taken aback by this. She tries to hug her back to the best of her ability without dropping the pie currently residing in her hands. "And it's so nice to finally meet you, Mrs. Grant."

"Oh please, no need for such formality. Call me Patty." she beams.

"Okay, Patty it is." she smiles excitedly.

"Come, come. I was just finishing up the mashed potatoes." she waves, gesturing towards the kitchen. "Oh and you brought the pie! Wonderful."

I take the liberty of shutting the door behind us as we walk in, feeling Cara lean into me as Patty leads the way towards the kitchen.

"This is going better than I expected, I thought I'd vomit by now." she jokes lightly. I smile.

"Don't speak too soon, the day is still young. I don't know if you've forgotten that there's a dinner being held tonight." she nudges me playfully and I let out a laugh. Getting to see her vomit out of nerves would be quality entertainment, but I know she would be mortified beyond consultation.

an // this little piece of the next chapter has been sitting in my drafts for how long now, years?! I edited a bit and just decided to publish— I plan on finishing this story, and I hope those of you who have stuck around reap the harvest of my writers block flying away and the reminder of how much I  love for this story getting bitch slapped back into me!