8 Seconds: Chapter1
Legal: I own nothing
Lily sat on the stairs of her porch in Malibu. Today was the day her dad was coming to get her. Her mother had told her only two months ago that she had terminal cancer. Lily wasn't thrilled about living with her father whom she hadn't had any contact with her whole life. Though it was that or watch her mom die. Lily could already see the changes in Vivian. Vivian had grown weaker and was starting to forget simple things. Lily knew being with her dad was for the best. She was only sixteen and definitely was in no condition to care for herself. Her mother was a good mom but she had sheltered Lily a bit, spoiling the child at every opportunity.
Vivian didn't regret it, she just wished she had shown Lily how to be more independent. She worried her old flame, James, would be hard on Lily. He lived on his family farm and was always the hands on type. She just wished he had been a better father. Though thankfully he was not reluctant in taking Lily once Vivian explained the situation. She was actually shocked that he agreed so quickly, which had given her hope that things would go well for Lily.
Lily just wasn't so sure. She had grown up in the city. She knew nothing about being on the farm. She was definitely bummed about not being able to surf or skateboard anymore but her mother had assured her horseback riding could be just as fun.
As if they had planned it, Vivian walked out of the front door right as James pulled up in his truck. Vivian's mouth turned to a tiny smile at seeing the teen's father after so many years.
"Viv, you haven't aged a week!" James exclaimed as he got out of the old Dodge. Lily shook her head as the man's words. Her mother had mentioned her father could be a smooth talker. Part of the equation that resulted in the making of her. Lily stood between the two adults who were now only separated by a stair.
"I would like to leave now." Lily said, rather rudely.
"Lillian!" Vivian was taken aback by Lily's clear disrespect.
"No Viv it's fine. We do have a long drive ahead of us and it's best we go. Don't wanna waste daylight."
James picked up the two suitcases Lily had packed and threw them in the bed of the truck. He had told Vivian to only have Lily pack the things she absolutely wanted. His wife and him had decided they could buy her all new things upon her arrival to save on moving all the teenagers things. "It was really good seeing you again Viv and I promise I will take care of her." The two gave one another an awkward hug, before Vivian turned to their daughter. Lily saw the tears forming in her mother's eyes. She looked away avoiding the woman's gaze. Lily had done her crying before, once the news was finally brought to light and she had spent days crying about it in private. She wasn't the type to wear her heart on her sleeve, always the tough one. Doing the activities she liked she was typically around boys and boys are never the ones for emotions. This moment would be no exception, she wouldn't let her mother see her cry and she definitely wouldn't cry in front of a stranger.
Vivian pulled her only child into a tight hug noticing at just that moment that Lily had grown slightly taller then her. It was enough to send the older woman into a tear feast.
"Oh Mom, come on we said we weren't going to do this. It's not goodbye yet remember? Just a see you later type of deal. James said he'd bring me back for Christmas break. Please don't do this." Lily felt a knot grow in her throat as she spoke swiftly.
"You're right baby. I'm sorry. Oh goodness. Okay I'm fine. I will see you later. Be sure and write me and call. I want to know everything about Oklahoma."
"Okay Mom. I promise to tell you everything." The teen gave her Mom one last hug and a tiny smile. Lily walked over to the passenger side of the truck and hopped in. She waved at her mother as she shut the door. Her father started the truck and took off towards the highway. It was a 21 hour drive, easy to do in a day without getting a hotel but James wasn't young like he use to be when he made the drive the first couple of times. They would be stopping in Arizona for the night before making it the rest of the way home. The thought of sleeping alone in a motel room with James gave Lily a pit feeling in her stomach. She had hardly ever spent the night away from home and rarely without her mother. The only living family Vivian had left was an aunt that lived in Washington. She had taken Lily there once when the aunt had an accident and need Vivian's assistance getting around for a week. Since most of Lily's friends were boys she had never been allowed to stay over at their houses or vice versa. It was just going to be all kinds of new experiences for Lily.
AN: I honestly didn't think I was going to get this first chapter out so quickly. I know it's short but I try to get shorter chapters done so they come out quicker. Don't want anyone to lose interest. If the words keep flowing like they do next chapter should be up this weekend. Thanks for reading and please don't forget to review.