"Abel!" my mom sighs out in surprise as she peeks her head out from the living room and towards the doorway where I've just closed the door.
"Mom" I grin, as she stands quickly and rushes to me. Leaning down I embrace her small stature, as she smiles widely up at me.
A sudden sharp pain hits my senses, as I gasp and rub my bicep from her sharp slap.
"You were supposed to tell me when you landed so I could come pick you up, young man" she reprimands.
"So violent" I tease as she glares at me.
"Ok ma, I'm sorry, I just wanted to surprise you" I hold my hands up in surrender.
"Mhmm hmm" she murmurs jokingly.
"Is he here?" I murmur quietly.
"No, he's been at work since this morning preparing for tomorrows business deal. He's been quite busy with it for the past few weeks" she says lightly as I drop my bag and we head into the living room as she picks up her book once again.
My mood instantly drops as I feel my chest tighten at her words. She looks at me and smiles without a worry in the world as I force myself to nod in response.
God... it always comes back to this. The same shit he promised her he wouldn't do again, yet she hangs onto his false words like he's an angel.
She has to know right? In some way, in the back of her mind, she must know.
I blew out a small relieved breath before I smiled warmly as I saw Jacob standing beside the car at the pickup line just outside the airport.
Rushing over, he quickly opened his arms wide as I pressed into his embrace. His arms circled around me as I realized just how much I missed him and Esme's hugs.
"Hello Jacob" I mumbled into his thick long coat.
"Hello Oakley" he chuckled at my antics and relieved demeanor.
"You look thinner dear, Esme and I have been worried since we heard about your accident in Brussels" he said with a worried expression as he pulled away slightly to be able to look at me.
"I've been better... just missing Esme's soup and hot chocolates" I murmur.
He smiles warmly at the mention of his wife and our late night conversations and once again I'm drawn back to how warm it feels to be able to witness the amount of love they have for one another.
"She's missed you more than you know" he comforts.
My chest warms at his words, as I send him a small smile.
Reaching down he takes the small duffel bag in one hand and opens the door for me with the other. I send him a grateful smile as I slide into the leather seat, before he lightly closes the door. After putting the bag in the trunk he rounds the car and enters the drivers seat before heading off towards the townhouse.
The drive is quiet as the music hums in the background, and its now how much I can recognize the New York Christmas weather.
Lights and wreathes line the light posts, as untouched mounds of snow cover areas of the road and sidewalks. Venders here and there with the usual activity and less people out due to the weather.
My bones ache from the cold even in the warmed car as I pull my scarf up more against my chin, my left arm tightened to my chest and hid away under my coat.
The car pulls to a slow stop against the curb as I peer out the window. The townhouse lays as it was before I left only now with snow all around and salts lining the steps and a small area of sidewalk.
Jacob turns off the car and gets out before opening my door just as I was about to. I mumble a 'thankyou' as the scarf covers my mouth and chin as I step out.
I immediately feel the cold nip at my cheeks and ears as the wind gusts by and a shiver racks my body. Jacob grabs my bag from the trunk before walking towards the door with me in tow.
The key twists in the lock as Jacob pushes the door open and holds it for me. Entering in we dust the snow off our shoes before Jacob signals to take mine to put in the closet and I smile in thanks.
Taking our coats and such off, he places the duffel on a small rack off to the side before he turns to me.
I feel his eyes linger on my shoulder and the fabric strapping it to my chest before he meets my gaze.
"Come, Esme's made your favorite" he says softly as I nod.
He turns before heading towards the kitchen, disappearing past the archway.
Once he's gone I just stand for a second, taking it all in again. The house is empty and quiet accept for the hallway leading into the kitchen, with no tree and decorations lining the walls and such.
It's not abnormal, it's been like this ever since I was brought here. Donna and Reed are most likely somewhere getting ready for the event tonight and even so, they never decorate for any occasion within the townhouse.
Leaving the entryway, I step down the hallway and feel warmth surround me with every step closer before I inevitably end up at the entrance of the kitchen.
I observe for a moment as Jacob and Esme converse so fluidly. Light jazz plays in the background as Esme slices some bread, with Jacob bugging her from behind. Warm, content smiles lay across their lips as they slightly sway to the music.
And I swear its times like these where my mind wanders to my parents. To the type of love they shared, and the type of love they gave.
I think that's why I've come to love Jacob and Esme so much, because in their own way I envision that that's what my parents would have looked like together now if they'd have still been here. That this is the type of love they'd still hold for each other.
"Oakley" Esme sighs out happily, taking me away from my thoughts as she rushes over.
Pulling me into a warm hug, I lean into her embrace and rest my head on her shoulder. She pulls back after a short while and peers at me, her gaze finding my shoulder as her features contort in pain.
"Oh dear" she coo's as all I can muster up is a small warm smile.
"Come now, you're as thin as paper" she murmurs looking me up and down with a small frown on her lips as she leads me towards the small breakfast table by the window. As soon as I sit, she places a large bowl of farro stew and soft bread in front of me as my features contort with gratitude.
They both join me at the table, with bowls of their own as we just sit for a little while enjoying the music and eating.
After a little while, from the corner of my eye, I see them exchanging glances before Esme reaches out and places her warm hand on my right arm lightly, drawing my gaze fully towards them.
"So how has it been.. since the accident" she asks hesitantly.
I clear my throat nervously as I peer towards them.
Knowing I'm with them and that no one else is around, everything feels safe. Quiet, and safe. And its that feeling that makes my bottom lip wobble.
"I just want to be able to play again" I murmur, as I look down toward my empty bowl before briefly looking up at her.
Esme's features contort in pain and sympathy as she pulls me into her side. Jacob comfortingly reaching for my hand from beside Esme as he grasps it.
My chest tightens as it feels like their support and care surrounds me. Like no matter how I feel, that its ok and that they support those feelings.
"I just want to be able to play again" I whisper as it feels like its a hope so unreachable.
I bite my lip to stop a small sob as I'm pressed deeper into their holds.