Snippet #2556990

The subway car they chose was scarcely populated so Cara didn't worry much when Holly got up and began to twirl around the pole in the middle of the car. The comment about her looking like Brooklyn got a laugh out of her, even in the nervous state she was in. The witty comments that Holly came up with always surprised Cara and they seemed even funnier coming from her. Even if she didn't listen or absorb more than half of what was said to her, she didn't get enough credit for how clever she was.

Holly soon sat down and Cara focused her thoughts back on her own situation. She couldn't believe that she was returning home on such short notice, but the nerves overtook the excitement. Even though she would be able to experience a warm bed that wasn't being paid for by some pervert, a surplus of free food, and the simple amenities of home that she had taken advantage of years ago, she knew that it was only going to be for one night. She and her father had differences that were irreconcilable, with the main one being his lovely wife. If that bitch hadn't fucked him, I'd be at a nice college- maybe UCLA or Pepperdine or something on the west coast, and I'd have a hot boyfriend. The thought of Emma made her clench her teeth but Cara quickly remembered that this wasn't about Emma or even her father. It was about her grandmother who had always been good to her and it was only right for Cara to be there for her now.

"Yeah, we'll get you something to drink when we get there," Cara said to Holly a moment late. Being so deep in thought and nerves, she hadn't even processed the girl's words until she felt Holly look over at her. She offered her a smile which faded as soon as Holly looked away.

The thought of having to explain who Holly was didn't even cross her mind until they had gotten off the subway and were making their way up to the street. The 68th street station was only a block away from her father's 69th St. townhouse and although her legs were tired from a long day of walking with Holly, she was beginning to wish that it was farther away. Even more so, she was wishing that she had never called him back. That she had seen his missed calls and texts and deleted them. She was here though, and there was no turning back.

"Holly, my dad doesn't know that I've been living at the warehouse so let's not mention that, okay? We'll pretend that you're Nick's little sister and I'm living with you guys in an apartment, alright? It'll be like a fun little game," she said, her voice bordering pleading. She wanted this visit to be as painless as possible and the last thing she needed was for Holly to tell her father that she was living in an abandoned warehouse with seven messed up kids and prostituting herself.

She pushed her purse farther up on her shoulder and clutched Holly's hand with one of hers while using the other to buzz the intercom box outside of the townhouse. Although it was surreal to be standing in front of that door again, she tried not to get too sentimental about it because she knew that this was just going to be a quick trip. She didn't want to feel like she was returning home because this wasn't home anymore.

Her father must have been waiting for her because it took less than a minute for the door to swing open. It was nearing eleven at night now, so the hired help was gone, but not having a housekeeper greet her wasn't the part that surprised her. Although it was less than a year since she had seen her father, he looked different. Possibly a bit older and grayer, but his aura was different too. Before she could analyze it too much, he leaned in for a very awkward hug. It was quick, probably due to Cara pulling away, but she guessed that it was a nice sign. At least he was making an effort.

"Caraline, it's so nice to see you. I- I've missed you."

"Yeah..." Her father was never affectionate and even though his words were kind, she didn't take them to heart very much. She couldn't after he abandoned his only child for that witch. Remembering Holly next to her, Cara pulled her a bit closer. "This is Holly, she's my roommate's little sister." She figured that Holly could pass for fifteen or sixteen so it probably was reasonable enough that Cara wouldn't want to leave her alone and decided to bring her.

Her father wasn't in a position to criticize anyway, so he offered his hand to Holly. "It's nice to meet you, Holly."

There was an awkward pause before Peter seemed to realize that he needed to initiate the conversation if there was going to be any. "Emma's in Boston this weekend with some of her girlfriends and the cook went home or else I'd offer you girls something hot to eat, but I'm sure there's something in the kitchen we can whip up if you're hungry. You know I've never been much of a cook," he said, adding in a halfhearted laugh.

She looked over at Holly, remembering her desire for a drink earlier and nodded. "Yeah, um, we'll go get something," she replied plainly. When her father nodded and began to lead them towards the kitchen, she spoke again. "I can just meet you in your office once we get settled in," she said, hoping that it would be enough for him to get the message that she wanted him to go away. It wasn't that he was being his normal self because she really did appreciate that he was trying, but part of her didn't want to like him or have to give him any credit for making an effort. She wanted to hate him enough that she wouldn't want to come back home permanently and admit that he was right, that she couldn't make it on her own.

He got the message and left after offering one more smile. When they were alone, Cara tried to return to her normal pleasant self. She didn't want to alarm Holly or allow her to feel like this was anything out of the ordinary. "So... lemonade, right? Do you want anything to eat? I don't know what we have, but you can check the pantry," Cara said as she swung the refrigerator doors open and examined its contents.