Home Sweet Home (Re-posted from WWH)

Avery and Serenity flew back early the morning after Showdown in hopes to come back to a safe and secure home. Flying into Atlanta seemed like the easy part. They loaded into his truck as the drive from Atlanta to Dry Branch seemed three times as long. Downed trees and power companies out to restore power because of the winds. A couple of roads that look to have been flooded, albeit temporary, were seen.

Avery: It's okay.

He could tell she was nervous.

Avery: I am sure things are fine.

She was nervous as she was looking at the damage so far. She reaches over as she grabs his hand squeezing it.

Serenity: I hope so, just still worried

Avery: Well, we are almost there.

He takes her hand as they hit the dirt road that leaves to home. A couple of small trees are down, but nothing major yet. They can see the house and the barn in the distance, and one of the work trucks is parked right outside of the barn.

Serenity: Looks ok so far.... But still can be some damage

She looks at him, as she tries to be positive about it.

They pull up as they park. The buildings look fine. He parks and heads out.

Avery: Let's check the barn.

They head in and look for themselves. A couple of boards look a little loose, but no real major damage.

She goes to Daisy's stall, as she was more worried about it over anything else in the barn.

Serenity: It looks alright. The boards are a little loose. Won't take much to fix right?

Avery nods. He checks them with his hands.

Avery: Nothing major. Just need some nails and a little work. No biggie. Let's check the house.

He puts his hand to her lower back to try and reassure her and to brace her for what potentially could be bad.

She was nervous, and glad he knew it. Even in the short time they were together, they had picked p on things about the other. She looks at him, as she nods.

Serenity: Let's go. I hope it's not bad.

They head out of the barn and up the front stairs. They had a little bit of bow in them, as they seemed to be a little water logged.

Avery: We will need to replace those. But the porch looks okay.

Serenity: Wonder what else we will find, and need to replace, or fix. What if it got inside, and...

She couldn't finish, as she was trying to calm herself down. She was worried.

Avery: Breath baby. You want me to go in first?

He looked at her. He knew she was feeling overwhelmed. Even in the short time they were together, she dug roots and completely felt at home for the first time in a long time with him. This was as much her home as his now.

Serenity: Yes please.... I am breathing.

She knew he was trying to make her feel better as she tries to breath. She looks at him, as she didn't know what to expect, and hated to think it could be worse then it was.

He kisses her cheek as he headed inside. He was gone for five or so minutes before heading back outside.

She looks up at him, unsure of what to do or say.

Avery: So the one kitchen window was blown out, but it looks like the guys put a bag up to cover where it was. There is glass to clean up, no biggie. The floor got some water and we might need to replace that. Otherwise, everything looks okay? I see some branches up on the roof. Butt here is a note that the creek did flood a bit.

She was taking it all in, as she looks at him. She was wondering how much exactly it was going to cost, and how long it would be to fix it all.

Serenity: If we need to replace the floor, how long would that take, and would we need to stay somewhere?

Avery: We can stay with my parents if needed, but I don't think it is that bad. We need to have it inspected to be honest.

Serenity: When can we get it inspected then? The sooner, the better really.

Avery: I will call in the morning. But probably Monday I guess?

He took her hand.

Avery: It is fine. I promise. Nothing too bad.

He smiles.

Avery: You want to go see Daisy?

He knew that would brighten her

She looks at him, as she tries to smile a bit to cheer up. She nods her head yes.

Serenity: Yeah, let's go see her. Might help me out more.

Avery: Plus I know someone that will be happy to see you.

He meant his mom as he took her hand and led her back to the truck. The house would not take much to fix up, and it would have been much worse.

Serenity: You are right, your mom will be happy to see us. Sure she will ask her favorite question.

She laughs lightly as she says that.

He laughs as they head into the truck and make the longer than normal trip to his parents house.