Stronger

Chapter 2

PRESENT DAY

As our cab turns up the drive, my childhood home comes into view. The home that I haven't seen in nearly twenty years. It's a beautiful home unlike any there are in the states. It's a classic old country cottage filled with charm. Seeing that stone two story house brings back a flood of memories. Birthday parties, first date, first dance, most of all our wedding. All of my memories with Ky. All of our firsts were either at his home or mine.
Brian touches my knee, "Baby..." he says softly. I look at him giving him a slight smile. "I know you're scared baby, just remember I'm right here by your side all the way." I smile gripping his hand. As I stare at the home Brian pays the cab and gets out. My door opens and there is Brian with his hand extended to help me out. I close my eyes and take his hand. His warmth calming me. Just having him here eases my nerves tenfold. Before we reach the front door he stops. I turn looking him, "Honey?" I ask confused as to why he stopped.
He frames my face with his hands. Pulls me close and whispers "Never forget; I love you more than anything. You are my everything!" with that he kisses me effectively causing me to go weak in the knees. When he releases me I can only nod that I understood. I straighten up, put on my strong face and take Brian's hand in mine. We step forward and I ring the bell.
As we wait for someone to answer "It will be fine love." I nod praying and hoping he is right.
As the door opens I realize that the butterflies I had are gone because of the man holding my hand. My father comes into view. He's older now I can see his age in the lines of his face and the gray in his hair.
"Tari Ann, you came." he says as he reaches for me, engulfing me in a hug. In that moment I felt a father's love for his daughter. It seemed to wash away the years that we hadn't seen each other, but then it was gone.
"Papa." I breathe out wishing things were different.
"I see you have a friend with you." his thick Irish accent holds nothing but contempt for the man standing next to me whom I am about to introduce.
"This is Brian, my husband. Brian, my father Mathias O'Leary."
"Sir it's a pleasure to meet you." Brian says as he extends his empty hand to my father. I watch as my father politely shakes his hand. Leave it to my father to make it all about appearances.
"Yes I'm sure it is." he says.
"Come in your mother has been waiting." he says as he ushers us inside. I expect to see my siblings as well but there is no one else in the home. We stand in an awkward silent until Brian breaks it.
"Mr. O'Leary you have a beautiful home. I truly admire Irish architecture."
Papa just nods his head. Not wanting to acknowledge Brian.
"Tari Ann your mother is in our room waiting. Go see her so I can have some time to get to know this new husband of yours."
"Papa. Brian and I have been married for four years now. And we have been together for nearly ten. So I would appreciate it if you would stop judging him before you get to know him. You might just see that he is just like Ky." I state as I turn to Brian, he shows me all the love he can that is appropriate in front of my father. He kisses my hand and strokes my cheek with the other hand.
"Go on baby, see your mom. Your dad and I have some talking to do. Remember what I said. I love you."
"I remember 'everything'. I love you too." I say as I kiss him quickly then head towards my parents room.
As I walk away I heard my father as what Brian does for a living. I shake my head and continue on, knowing my husband can handle my father.
I stop in front of my mother's door. Taking a deep breathe I knock on the closed door. The door is opened by my brother Tobias. "Tobias...can't...breathe..." I sputter out as I'm in a bone crushing hug by him.
"Sorry Tari Ann, I've just missed ya so much!" holding me at arm's length. "Wow sis you look great."
"Thanks Tob you look great too." He smile at my use of is nickname. I look around and see my sisters sitting with our mother.
"Tob quit hoarding Tars." My sister Kaelyn states walking towards me.
As we hug she whispers in my ear "Tari I'm so happy you're home." I only slightly nod my response.
I would have thought that my sister Tara would have been the first to greet me but I was wrong. I look at her and she just glares at me. I don't blame her at all. We use to be inseparable before Steve, before I left. But all twins are until one leaves and doesn't look back. I release Kaelyn and walk a little close to Tara.
"Tara you look wonderful." I say but all I get is her back. This isn't going to go well. I turn to our mother who looks so pale and tired. She hold a trembling hand out to me. I grasp her hand gently and move closer to her bedside.
In a whispered voice, "You've come home."
I sit on the edge of her bed holding her hand in mine. "Yes mother I'm home."
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I know it's short but I have been having writers block again.
So looks like 2 of her siblings are forgiving. Are you shocked she never told Brian she has a twin? What do you think? Let me know