  I felt my anxiety build up when my parents house started to come into view. &quot;At last we have arrived.&quot; I sighed deeply, trying to mentally prepare myself as we pulled into the driveway.
      Wes turned off the car and turned to look at me, a game face on. &quot;You ready for this?&quot;
      &quot;Nope,&quot; I mumbled dully. &quot;But we might as well get it over with.&quot;
      Wes and I got out of the car and started heading up the driveway but not before Wes took my hand in his.
      He smiled down at me, &quot;You got this. It'll be okay.&quot;
      I nodded, trying to have his confidence in me bring me some courage. I rang the door bell, anxiously waiting for the door to open so the hell could start.
      &quot;Fia,&quot; my mother exhaled slowly, a small smile resting on her lips. She took a long look at me, eyeing me up and down.
      &quot;Hi, mom.&quot;
    

  I rubbed my hands together anxiously, looking at Wes. &quot;Ready for this?&quot;
      He quirked an eyebrow, seeming amused. Somehow. I don't know how he could be amused. I was on the verge of having an anxiety attack. &quot;Don't worry about me, Fia. Are you ready?&quot;
      I let out a shaky breath, laughing uncomfortably. I thought trying to laugh would make me feel less tense. &quot;It's ridiculous that I am losing my shit over seeing my own family, right?&quot;
      Wes shrugged, walking over to me. He placed his hands on my upper-arms, grounding me. His touch instantly made me relax. &quot;You got this. This is why I'm here. Think of me as your personal peacekeeper.&quot;
      &quot;Peacekeeper?&quot; I quirked an eyebrow, intrigued.
      He nodded firmly. &quot;Squeeze my hand when you feel like you're going to snap. I'll change the subject if things start to get tense, o

  A few days later, exams very finally done with and now Wes and I were settling in the car to get ready for a six hour car ride back home.
      Wes turned to look at me as he put the keys in the ignition. He raised an eyebrow, &quot;You ready for this?&quot;
      I let out a small laugh, mustering some courage. &quot;Ready as I can be.&quot;
      &quot;So...&quot; he drawled, looking straight ahead at the empty road. It seemed like he was hesitant to meet my gaze. &quot;Should we make a backstory? So we're on the same page incase we get asked any questions.&quot;
      I nodded slowly. &quot;Yes. That's actually a good idea.&quot; I paused for a moment, exhaling deeply. &quot;How did we meet?&quot;
      &quot;I ran into you at the local cafe,&quot; Wes turned to smile at me. &quot;We spend so much time there anyways. It seems fitting.&quot;
      &quot;Okay,&quot; I nodded and start

I felt my anxiety build up when my parents house started to come into view. &quot;At last we have arrived.&quot; I sighed deeply, trying to mentally prepare myself as we pulled into the driveway.
      Wes turned off the car and turned to look at me, a game face on. &quot;You ready for this?&quot;
      &quot;Nope,&quot; I mumbled dully. &quot;But we might as well get it over with.&quot;
      Wes and I got out of the car and started heading up the driveway but not before Wes took my hand in his.
      He smiled down at me, &quot;You got this. It'll be okay.&quot;
      I nodded, trying to have his confidence in me bring me some courage. I rang the door bell, anxiously waiting for the door to open so the hell could start.
      &quot;Fia,&quot; my mother exhaled slowly, a small smile resting on her lips. She took a long look at me, eyeing me up and down.
      &quot;Hi, mom.&quot;
      She pulled me into a hug. &quot;You look... well.&quot;
      &quot;Thanks,&quot; I muttere

Chapter 17 Welcome Home