184 Chapter 184

Aaron pulled into the driveway, and I took a few deep breaths while they waited on me. Before I even finished climbing out of the vehicle, I saw my parents standing at the door. Normally, my dad wouldn't be home from work yet. But he was here.

My mom greeted and hugged each of us, as did my dad, except he shook Aaron's hand, and we all moved into the living room. Obviously, my parents knew something was up, but I think they were relieved to see we were all alive. My parents sat in their chairs, my sister and Aaron on the couch, and I lowered myself into the chair across from my mom.

"What's going on?" she asked, looking at each of our faces. "You kids are scaring me."

Cadence looked at me, and I wished Brandonor someonewas here to hold my hand the way she was grasping Aaron's. But I was on my own. And I'd asked for this. I knew I could back out, and Cadence would tell them, but this really was something I needed to do. I cleared my throat.