Free A Life Unexpected: Holly Nather Book One (Holly Nather Series) by Sara Daniell Page A

Holly. It’s better this way.”
    “That’s not a good enough answer.” I cross my arms over my chest and stare out the window.
    “That is the only answer I can give to you. If you knew the truth about all of this, it would only make things harder for the both of you.”
    I drop the subject. He is right. It’s better if I don’t ask questions. I need to forget these last few days and go on with my life. I fall asleep on the way to my house.

    Brody wakes me up as he pulls into my driveway. I don’t remember telling him where I live, but I must have because he got me here with no problem. I thank him, and get out of the car. He waits until I get to the front door and waves bye. This is probably the last time I will ever see him. I wave back and knock on the door.
    “Coming!” I hear my dad yell from inside. It’s late. I can’t believe he is still awake. I can’t wait to see him—to hug him. I have missed my parents and little brother so much.
    The door opens and my dad freezes. He stares at me for a long time and then yells for my mom. My mom comes running down the stairs and stops at the door way. When she sees me, she starts crying and runs to me—wrapping her arms tightly around me.
    “HOLLY!” She screams. “Honey, you look terrible. I know you are probably so tired and scared. I’m so happy you’re home safe! We have been so worried!” My mom says while wiping tears from her eyes.
    “Thanks mom. You have no idea how much I’ve missed you guys. I’m really happy to be home.” After my emotional welcome and lots of hugging, I head up the stairs to my brother, Max’s room. He should have been asleep, but instead he is playing a video game.
    “Hey knuckle head!” I say as I stand in his doorway. He looks up at me and drops his controller. He runs up to me, Mickey our dog following behind him, and wraps his arms tightly around me.
    “I thought you were dead! Where have you been?” He says, almost shouting.
    “You wouldn’t believe me if I told you. But, I’m home now.”
    “Good.” He gives me another hug and then goes back to playing his video game. I laugh and walk to my room .
    My room, my bed, my things . I grab some pajamas from my dresser and walk to my bathroom. I look in the mirror. I really do look like crap. I take off my dirty clothes and get in the shower. I take longer than usual because the hot water feels so good.
    I get out and dry off. I put on my pajamas and plop down on my bed. I lay here and stare at the ceiling. All I can think about is Luke and the hurt in his eyes. I grab my pillow, and put it over my face, and scream as loud as I can. Why me? Why did this all have to happen to me? Why is a guy I just met having this effect on me?! Just as I start to cry again, my mom cracks my door open.
    “Sweetheart, can I come in?” She asks in a soothing motherly tone.
    “Sure.” I sit up in my bed and wipe away the few tears that have started to fall down my cheeks.
    She sits at the end of my bed and places her hand on my knee. “We were all so worried about you.” She starts to say something else, but begins to cry. “Holly, I thought I’d never see you again.”
    “I’m here now, Mom. I’m okay.” I’m really not okay. I’m hurting, and I’m completely and utterly baffled at this whole situation. But, I can’t ever tell her about what happened. She would think I was insane.
    “Where were you?”
    “I know you want to know, but…Mom…I just can’t tell you.”
    “We don’t have to talk about it. Not now. I’m just glad that you’re okay.” We both turn our heads to my bedroom door as my dad walks into my room. He walks over and sits down on the bed by me and Mom.
    “I love you so much, Holly. I’m glad you are home. Safe. Where w—” He starts to ask where I was, and my mom starts shaking her head to stop him.
    “We are going to let you get some rest, sweetie. I’m cooking a big breakfast in the morning! Goodnight. We love you.” She and dad walk