The Homecoming

The Homecoming

Copyright 2016 Amalia M. Raz

Published by Amalia M. Raz at Smashwords

Smashwords Edition License Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your enjoyment only, then please return to Smashwords.com or your favorite retailer and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements

Prologue

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty-One

Chapter Twenty-Two

Epilogue

About Amalia M. Raz

Other books by Amalia M. Raz

Connect with Amalia M. Raz

Acknowledgements

The journey to get to this point in my writing life has been a long but fruitful one. I would like to thank my immediate family: my parents, (the late) Amador Raz and Lilia Raz, who recognized my passion for the written word at an early age by encouraging me to get my own library card at the age of 5 years old. Shelly Raz-Taylor, my sister, who patiently read my short stories which would soon evolve into this novel. To my brother-in-law Kevin Taylor and my nephew Kyle Taylor who helped inspire some of my ‘characters’ also.

I would also like to thank my beautiful extended family (Aunts, uncles, grandparents and cousins) and friends who supported, encouraged and inspired me to write this story and told me to never give up on my dream, especially: Dorcas Johnson, Caroline Seeto, Connie Masci, Sandra Abdelkerim and Priscilla Fernandes, friends who are like ‘family’ to me. For Diane McNeilly-Lee, May M. Rabano, Bambi Apuada-Liu, and Rodelyn Wisco, my cousins who I also consider as my ‘friends’. Kathleen Garces who encouraged me to sign up for my first ever NaNoWriMo and to Susan Carter who willingly read and edited my novel once I finished the ‘close to final draft.’ For the man who inspired Liam’s character, you know who you are (wink). To you I am forever grateful because it was through your words of encouragement as a fellow writer that I was finally ‘ready’ to finish this novel and share it with the rest of the world.

Finally, but most importantly, I thank God, our Creator, who gives us each our own unique talents that we are obliged to share with each other to help spread peace, love and joy in making this world a better place.

Prologue

"Love one another as I have loved you…" John 13:34

She watched as the waves crashed against the craggy shore. In the distance, the mountains

looked like big, black ink blots against nature’s canvass. One of many luxury liners that

passed through these waters was preparing to dock. It was still too early for the morning

joggers, the cyclists, the roller-bladers and sun-bathers. Perhaps, if it were any other day,

she would have propped herself on the balcony, with pastels and sketchbook in hand,

capturing the scene that was slowly unfolding before her eyes.

Instead, she was content to watch from the window, sipping freshly brewed coffee that

left a slight cinnamon taste on her tongue, savouring the quietness that surrounded her.

Hoping, that if she could just stay in this moment, everything would be okay. Nothing

would change. Lord, Thy will be done today.

The silence was disturbed by a gurgling sound coming from the small white monitor

propped against the basket of fruits on the kitchen table. My sweet baby, mommy’s not

ready yet. A pause before the tinkling sound of a nursery rhyme could be heard.

Now the air stirred behind her as she heard the slow shuffle of slippered feet against

hardwood floors. It wasn’t long before she felt two strong arms encircle her waist and

the gentle pressure of warm lips at the slope of her neck. Reaching up a hand to touch his

stubbly cheek, she continued to stare out at the landscape. Not a word was spoken, but

she knew, it was time.

Chapter One

Ria felt energized after her yoga class. It was a small class, but she had taught these students for more than two years now, so it was more like meeting up with friends rather than a class. She checked her watch to make sure that she wouldn’t be late picking up her daughter from the babysitter’s. Luckily her mother-in-law was free that afternoon so Ria didn’t have to cancel the class or find a substitute. She gathered up her things and said her goodbyes before heading out the door. It was typical rainy weather, something she had grown accustomed to when she moved out west. Sliding her hood over her head, she walked a few blocks, passing an array of stores as she headed back home. Eyeing the Starbucks, she hesitated a beat before caving in and stepping inside. Now that she was weaning Ava Marie off of breast milk, she could indulge her caffeine cravings again. Not that she didn’t love her green teas also. She waited a few minutes in line before it was her turn to order her drink, eyeing the Madeline cookies but decided to pass on them. For now. After waiting a few minutes more as the barista made her coffee, she finally was able to take her first sip. Caramel Macchiato. So good. The café wasn’t too busy at that time of day so she decided to take 10 minutes to sit down and enjoy her coffee in peace. Quiet moments like this was a luxury for her these days. She took out her phone and scrolled through her text messages. She smiled when she saw Liam had texted her. Don’t make dinner, will pick up something. Italian? She forgot that it was Friday (the days seemed one in the same to her now that she was on maternity leave) and it was date night. These days, date night consisted of ‘take-out’ while putting Ava to bed and watching a Blu-Ray movie after she was asleep. Some nights they got lucky and would get through a whole movie without her waking up. It didn’t matter to Ria though, since Liam worked long hours during the week as an electrical engineer. But he always made time for her and Ava on the weekends, unless he got called in on an emergency, but he managed to make up for family time by taking them out on a day trip when his schedule would allow it. Money was a bit on the tight side these days, but they made it work. Vancouver real estate was expensive, but it helped that they were able to rent out the condo from her in-laws especially since it was situated close enough to the shops that were in walking distance, and her work as well as Liam’s head office. Plus his parents and siblings were only a half hour or so drive away.

Taking the last sip of her coffee, savouring it to the last drop, she let out a satisfied sigh before dropping the cup in the recycling bin and headed back out in the rain. Finally she was back at the condo and heading to the P3 level to get her SUV. As she drove out of the garage, the rain had let up and she eased into the 15 minute drive to her in-laws house, and thought life couldn’t be more perfect.

***

"Honey. I’m home."

Ria heard the front door close as she finished setting the table. Tonight would be one of those rare nights that she had actually gotten Ava down to sleep early enough. Feeling inspired, she had set out the crystal wine glasses and fine bone china plates. After all, it was their coveted ‘date night’. She had just lit the candles when Liam entered the kitchen. The condo was only 900 square feet, but the layout was functional with a small breakfast nook tucked beside the kitchen. It was the million dollar view of the mountains and water that made up for the lack of space. She turned around and found herself being enfolded in her husband’s arms, breathing in his scent. Lifting up her head so that she could touch her lips on his.

Mmm, hello. Ria purred.

Hello back. He smiled. Candles. Good crystal. Good plates. And what else? Silence?

Good observation, Mr. Badier. Your princess is blissfully in dreamland now.

Already? I was hoping to get my good night kiss in before she fell asleep. That’s the third night now I’ve missed out.

Ria looked up at him and saw the same blue eyes as Ava’s, also noting the slight frown.

It’ll be ok babe, she’s only 6-months old. You will have plenty of good night kisses once things settle down at work for you. Speaking of which, how was your day?

Ria proceeded to walk the few steps back into the kitchen, pulling out the wine opener from the drawer to hand to Liam. Taking the opener from her and reaching out for the bottle, he proceeded to open the bottle of red wine.

Busy, but I’m learning a lot. Actually, I’ve got news.

This time when Ria looked up at him again, there was a sparkle in his eyes. She knew that look. That was the same look that got her married. Pregnant. Before she could press him for more details, he said We’ll talk after dinner. First things first, let’s eat. I’m starved.

They took the pasta, salad and bread out of the take out boxes and spent the next 45 minutes looking out the floor –to-ceiling windows as the light faded, enjoying their dinner.

After they had cleared the table, they sat on the couch to finish off the bottle of wine. Or rather, Liam finished the wine, while she had stuck to just the one glass. She sipped on her water before breaking the silence.

So, what’s the news? Did we win the lottery?

Well, you might say that. The project I’ve been working on, they’ve expanded. They want to send me on another site to take the lead.

What? That’s fantastic. Congrats honey. This time Ria leaned in to give him a quick kiss before going on to say So where are they sending you? Victoria? Vancouver Island?

No, a little bit further away than that.

Before Ria could probe some more, the phone rang. She picked it up right away so that the baby wouldn’t wake up.

Hello? She asked into the receiver.

Hi dad, how are you? How is mom? She paused for a minute or so before answering we are good. Yes, he’s good and she’s already asleep. Sitting back on the couch beside Liam, she took a few deep breaths, trying to absorb what her father was telling her. Liam heard her say When? Ok, thanks dad, I’ll let you know when.

Conscious of her husband watching her, she carefully put the phone down and instead of picking up her water, took his wine glass from him taking a few sips before putting it down. His eyebrows lifted before he asked Everything okay?

Shaking her head no, it was a few minutes more before she spoke up Dad says ‘hi’.

Okay. Liam knew better than to press her and gave her a chance to catch her breath

Seems like we’ll have to bump up our visit early. It’s Maya, she’s sick.

Do they know what is wrong with her?

They are still running some tests, but they are pretty sure it’s her liver. Cancer.

No!

I know.

Liam leaned in to hug her close to him. She felt safe and warm in his arms, but there still was a chill inside her that she couldn’t shake.

Dad said she’s got only 6-months left, if that even. Liam, I’ve gotta go. Maybe it is a blessing in disguise that I’m still on mat-leave.

They stayed on the couch for a few minutes, Liam letting her calm down her breathing.

Finally remembering that they had been having their own conversation before the phone rang, she asked So, where are they sending you? Can you get away for a bit to visit too?

Funny how things work out. He said softly.

What do you mean? she inquired.

"The job, they want to move me and my family, us."

What? Where?

Toronto.

Ria let the news absorb and thought yes, funny how things work out.

Just then the sound of a baby’s cry came out over the monitor, as if Ava could sense what she was going through.

Chapter Two

As Liam was downstairs loading up their luggage in the car, and Ava was at her feet playing with her soft dice, trying to sink her gums into it, Ria looked around their condo. All that was left was the dining table and couch that they had given to his parents to help keep the condo furnished. All traces that they lived there were now packed up and most of it sent ahead, waiting for them in Toronto. This had been home for 2 years. She pressed a hand to her stomach and paused to take a few deep breaths. It had been 4 weeks since she got the news about her sister. Her other sister was sending her regular updates via email. Everyone was thrilled to hear that she’d be moving back home. But this was home to her. She’d left all those years ago to follow her dream, and her dream was here in Vancouver. She would miss the mountains, she would miss the water. But she still had her family. Liam’s parents and siblings had been sad to see them go, but were happy to know that they now had even more reason to visit Toronto regularly. She knew how important this job was to her husband’s career and for now, he was the sole provider for their family. Not wanting to dwell on anything else, she walked over to the window to stare out at the mountains when Liam walked back into the condo and picked up the carrier carrying their daughter.

Ria, we’ve gotta go. Mom and dad will meet us at the airport so that mom can drive the SUV home.

I know Liam, I’m just having one more look. It’s not like we’ll get this ‘view’ in Toronto.

You’re telling me. I grew up here. But for me, ‘home’ is wherever you and Ava are.

How she managed to marry a man like Liam, Ria would never know, but she was grateful.

Taking one last look around,