Chapter 31

It was like looking into a mirror at an older version of myself. How on earth was it possible for me to forget her? With my memories coming back to me I knew for certain this was my mom. Her straight blonde hair and shape of her face was identical to mine. Our only difference was she had deep blue eyes. But when I looked at my dad, I saw the resemblance there as well. He had darker brown hair, but we shared the same hazel eyes.

 "Oh my gosh! It's you! It really is you, Chrissy. I'm sorry, I mean Perri. I just can't believe it! We never thought we would see you again." She approached me and wrapped me in a hug as best she could. Soon my dad joined as well and between the two of them holding me so tight I allowed my crutches to fall to the floor as we all wept.

 After what felt like forever, they helped me to sit back down, and I introduced them to Mallory and Jayden. We talked about my accident and our recent stay at the lighthouse. We talked about my life growing up, what my hobbies were, my likes and dislikes, and everything in between. Then I asked them about their business and how things worked and who did what. It was all very interesting to learn and by the time we were done we were all exhausted and ready for bed as it was already almost 1 am.

 "Well, my dear I believe it's time to go, they need their rest." My dad said as he stood and bent down to give me a hug. "I am so glad the boys found you and brought you back to us. This is going to take some time for us, but we will get there. I will keep my promise not to interfere until you speak to Veronica, but I must be honest once she is turned in, I want justice. She stole your whole childhood from us, and we will never get that time with you back again. If Colton hadn't met, you in school this day most likely never would have happened. We love you Perri. We always have and always will, but she needs to pay for what she has done."

 "I understand. I just want the opportunity to speak with her before she gets put away." My mom stood and came over and hugged me.

 "Oh, my dear, dear, girl. You are so brave. At some point I want you to come home. I know your not ready for that yet but just know our doors are always open to you."

 "Thank you. And I will come visit soon, I promise. I can't say how long I will stay but I will come."

Soon after we said our good-byes. They were going to stay in a hotel close by as they wanted to come visit again in the morning before returning home. I think it was also to give me some space. To enjoy this time with my friends. I hope they know I'm not going to disappear again. I plan on staying around for the rest of my life. 

 We all went our own ways to get ready for bed. Mallory helped me whenever things became too hard. Luckily Mama St. Clair had found me some large pajama pants that tied around the waist but were big enough to fit over my cast. After we finished Mallory said she was going to go spend some time with Jayden as they hadn't had the time for just the two of them since starting their trip here. I felt bad as now we wouldn't have our time at the lighthouse but hopefully in the future, we will have that chance again. 

 I dozed off and sometime later I woke up in the night with my leg throbbing in pain. I turned over to ask Mallory for help, but she wasn't in her bed next to me. She must have fallen asleep by Jayden. I reached over to grab my phone but as my fingers hit it, it fell to the floor. I sat there frustrated and silently cried. Soon I heard a faint knock at the door.

"Come in?" I said wondering who on earth would be awake at this time of night?

Then in walked Eric. "Hey, you are awake I thought I heard something fall but I didn't want to come barging in just incase I was hearing things."

"No, you weren't hearing things I couldn't reach my phone and when I tried it fell on the floor."

"What did you need your phone for?" he asked as he picked it up and handed it to me.

"I woke up and my leg is giving me a bit of pain. I wanted to take something or try and get up to move around because I think its just getting a bit sore from being unable to roll around."

"Come on I'll help you. We can go to the kitchen, and I'll help get you one of your pain pills they gave you."

"Alright I'm just not really hungry but I will need to eat something with them."

"How about I make you some scrambled eggs? Does that sound good?"

"Do we have cheese too?"

"Of course, we do!"

"Then it's a deal. Now time to get me out of this bed."

It took us a minute to get me out of the bed as I was in a lot of pain, but we managed. Then we headed to the kitchen in search of some much-needed relief. He helped me to get as comfortable as possible on a chair then he went and got me a pillow and helped prop my leg up on the chair opposite me. After he handed me my pills and a water bottle, he got to work on making my eggs. 

In no time at all we had eggs in front of us. Mine with cheese, Eric's without. We ate in silence and when we were done, I was once again tired, but I was a little scared to be on my own just in case I needed help again. I had an urge to go wake up Mallory, but I didn't want to disturb her. At least she was getting a good night's sleep.

"You are so quiet. Are you ready to head back to bed?"

"I'm not sure." I said with a small laugh. "Honestly, I'm a little nervous to sleep alone. What if next time you're not awake and I'm alone? What if I can't get up on my own?"

"Do you want me to sleep by you?"

"Would you?"

"Yea, just let me go get my pillow and a blanket then I will meet you back in your room. Do you need any help getting there?"

"No. I think I will be ok. It's only once I'm in bed that worries me. I'm sure I will get used to this soon enough."

He laughed slightly. "Of course, you will. Alright I'll stick the dishes in the sink and be right in."

I made it back to my room and into my bed without any complications. Soon Eric joined me and for the moment I relaxed knowing he was right by me. No matter what tomorrow would bring I could count on my friends to see me through till the end.