Darcy POV

Leaving California 4 years ago was an impulsive decision.

Coming back now was a decision well contemplated and deliberate.

Leaving California 4 years ago was overwhelming.

Coming back now was resistible yet determined.

I won't say coming back does not rewind a fresh surge of bittersweet memories, it honestly does. But the memories no longer sting, nor do they dig old wounds. It's like they provide me the essential courage to face the world and deal with problems, not run away from them. The memories give me an escape. Maybe it's because four years is a shit long time to hold a grudge, or maybe simply because I've grown to be a stronger girl. I personally prefer the latter.

Parking before the now abandoned house, I look around to find the next house glowing in glamour. The neighbouring house now sported a designer structure and classy black painting. Two posh and undoubtedly expensive cars parked in their garage indicate that the previously living lonely aged couple were no longer there, which means I had new neighbours. I remind myself to go introduce myself to them later that day. Right now I had a house to clean up and groceries to do.

Balancing my suitcase on one hand and the travelling bag on one arm, I managed to take out my keys and open the door. Stepping in, I took a glance over. The look of abandonment was clear on the house as newspapers covered the ground and white clothes hugged the furniture. I shuddered at the thought of cleaning all these mess by myself. This was the moment where I contemplated my decision to come back alone.

ONE WEEK EARLIER

"You really think we'll even let you go back, let alone all by yourself?" boomed Father's voice all over the house.

I visibly winced at his loud tone, but I held my ground and retorted back, "Please Father, hear me out at first".

"No, I know you'll somehow convince me up even if I let you speak for 10 minutes." Father sighed with a sad smile.

I smiled and went up to him, putting a hand over his stiffened shoulders. He relaxed into my touch.

"Father I cant keep running from my fears forever, I'm a grown girl now. I'm one year away from graduation father, and then I'll be off to University," He took a sharp breath at that.

I sighed,"Its been 4 years since I left the town, and I think I have moved on from the silly mess that happened. I have been trying to start a new chapter of my life since so long now father, but I cant really do that if I never ended the previous chapter. I cant stay scared anymore, in hope of meeting someone from California. You have to admit that all of the issues from earlier sound really stupid now, they almost sound funny. So why not clear it up and end the matter for once and for all?"

Father seemed to be in deep thinking.

"And just so you know," I grinned," Aiden's coming with me too."

"He is?" Father asked suspiciously.

"Yeah, he was equally appalled as you at my decision. So he's decided to attend senior year with me. He'll just wrap up his work here and join me up at California. Meanwhile, I'll clean up our old house and finish all the admission work. Mother's taught me the basic household works, and we'll somehow sort out the cooking process before leaving. We'll attend school together, one helping the other as best friends do. We'll act as the best teenagers that ever existed. We'll be in our best behaviour, trust me. If not me, trust Aiden. You already trust Aiden more than you ever trusted me," Father chuckled at that.

"I'll keep in contact, obviously. I'll even come home on Christmas. And once graduation is over, I'll pack my bags and leave California, all issues cleared for better and forever." I finished.

Father lifted his brows, " Whoa, you seem to have done all the preparations. Should I be doubtful about why you did all the arrangements before and asked my permission later? You knew I would agree alright didn't you? Dont tell me your mother was involved too..." he deadpanned.

I let out a guilty laugh, " Whaaat? Noooo father how ridiculous would that be."

Father kept his pokerface on.

"Okay, I may have predicted that you would agree and mother might have given he a heads up.... But hey, I believed in your love and trust for me alright?" I pouted with my best puppy eyes.

Father let out a sigh, muttering profanities under his breath," Fine I'll let you go. Me and your mother just want our baby girl safe and happy, no matter where she is."

I rose on my tiptoes and kissed his cheek, "Thank you father. I'll be back to you guys before you even know it, and I'll be happier and safer than ever after that. Just this once father, just this once."