-Zethora's POV

We both make it to my uncle's house in record time. Macey has been my friend since high school so she's practically a sister to me. She parks beside me before we make it to the front door. I unlock it and walk in while hearing the TV blaring from the living room. We walk towards the sound to the sight of my uncle roaring at the game on his television.  I jump over the back of the couch making my uncle's head snap to the side. 

"Z, I thought you weren't coming home til next week." I smile and roll my eyes before pointing to his calendar. As clear as day, a big red circle is around today's date where I placed it 3 months ago. My uncle making the O shape with his lips before bringing me into a bear hug which I return. 

"I always get left out." Macey whines making my uncle chuckle before opening his second arm allowing her to fall into the hug as well. I enjoy the warmth and safety his embrace has always given me. He releases us and I stand back up looking towards the stairs. My uncles chuckles make me look back towards him. 

"She's in the library." I nod and walk quickly to the library on the second floor. 

I go to the door pushing it open and see my world sitting on the ladder reading a book. Her long brown hair cascading down her back. Her eyes focusing hard on the book in her hands. She looks just like our mother. Clearing my throat, I attempt to catch her attention which works. Her bright brown doe eyes looking up to me before a wide smile appears and she gets off the ladder running towards me. I open my arms awaiting the impact, having to step back when I feel her throw herself into my arms hugging me tightly. 

"Zethora" She whispers against me. I smile and kiss the top of her head. She looks up to me as I place my forehead against hers. We both close our eyes as I try to relay how happy I am to see her. She gets the message and steps out of my arms looking at me up and down. " I've missed you sis." 

I tap my nose signalling the same to her. She understands the gesture. I haven't spoken to anyone for over 10 years. My last words were given to my mother. She died giving birth to my baby sister, Arabella. I helped raised her... Even without words, she always found comfort in me. I am glad she had me to rely on over the years. My uncle acted as her father and still to this day does. He signed the birth certificate so my sperm donor wouldn't have any access to her. He has helped me with her while also pushing me to compete. I originally started gymnastics and boxing to let off steam. My uncle saw my raw talent as a child and put me in lessons which lead me to who I am today. I still choose not to speak because of my final promise not only to my mother but to myself. 

"Is Macey with you?" I'm snapped back into reality hearing her soft voice. I nod my head as she takes my hand before running down the hallways back to the living room. She releases me before racing over to Macey who is sitting by my uncle also yelling at the players as if they could hear her. I can't help but grin at her. My sister is quick to hug her tenderly which Macey returns. She sits down beside Macey as they begin talking. My uncle looks over his shoulder to see me before he stands up walking over to me. He slings his arm over my shoulder before pulling me to his side. 

"It's good to have you home, sweetheart." I hug his side back resting my head on his chest. "Your sister has missed you greatly." 

I slouch a little knowing how hard it has been on her while I have been gone for the meets and camp. It was our first time being really away from each other these last few months. I was so worried leaving her but she reassured me that she would be okay. We would text everyday and she would video chat with me when she was having a rough day. She is at the top of her class and exceptionally smart. She told me that she couldn't wait for me to win at Nationals which pushed me to work that much harder and succeed. 

"Sis, are you okay?" Arabella's angelic voice makes me look up at her where I see her worried expression. I clear my face and smile while nodding at her. She stands up and walks over hugging my torso again. I relish the feeling of her within my arms. I squeeze her tightly and she laughs at me. 

"Alright girls, who wants to go to your favorite spot?" My uncle speaks up while clapping his hands together while Macy puts her hand in the air as if she was in class. Arabella's laughter making me smile widely. "Alright girls. Let's go!" 

He ushers us outside where I jump onto my bike and hold my helmet out to Arabella who takes it putting it on and climbing on behind me. My uncle and Macy jumping in his SUV. He rolls down the window telling me to take it easy. I nod my head at him as he leads us into town. Arabella's arms securely wrapped around me. I lift my head allowing the wind to whip my hair making feel free. I have really missed this. My thoughts coming to a halt when we come to a red light. I slow down and place my foot on the ground. A big black truck pulling up beside me. I can feel the driver's eyes trained on me but I don't glance over. I place my hand back on top of Arabella's rubbing it gently. The light turns and I take off following my uncle to what he consider's our favorite spot. I park next to him as he leads us into the familiar little cafe. 

"Welcome to- Oh my gosh! Z!!! YOUR HOME!" I run to the familiar male voice and leap once again into his awaiting arms as he spins me around. His laughter making me smile brightly. "It's good to see you princess. Derek will be happy to have his dancing partner back." 

I nod my head rapidly while Chris sets me back on my feet. Chris was the tripod to me and Macey in high school. He is extremely tall and lean built. His dark skin is an amazing contrast to his bright hazel eyes. I swear he has to be the most attractive male I have ever seen... Too bad he is gay. I think of him as a big teddy bear more than anything else. He used to have all the attention back in high school which made the whole female population envious of me. I thought it was hilarious until people attempted to bully me. Macey and him both understood that I didn't talk so they acted as a buffer to the idiots of high school. 

Macey then walks up into his arms as well before my sister and uncle follow. Chris is now in his final medical years about to get his doctrine. He still finds time to help run his fiance's cafe. His name is Derek and they have been a perfect match for years. I swear if I ever felt comfortable with someone the way those two were that I would give them a chance. I still can barely stand men being near me unless I get to know them. 

"Alright gorgeous, let's get you some food before we catch up." I nod at him as leads us to a booth.