Chapter 11: Across the Threshhold

                                    

                                          
Selah stood in front of Naomi's house, feeling a swirl of emotions. The sun had set and the sky was clear but inside, a nervous flutter had settled deep in her stomach. She clutched the strap of her bag tightly as she stared at the door, feeling the weight of anticipation pressing down on her. It wasn't just about meeting Naomi's family—it was about stepping further into Naomi's life. After everything that had happened the night before at the bonfire, it felt like a significant step forward, and Selah wasn't sure she was ready.
But Naomi had insisted. Her invitation had been so earnest, and Selah had felt something light up inside her, something that urged her to move past her hesitations. There had been so much joy in the previous days, so much unexpected ease. It felt like the first time in a long time that Selah had experienced something other than grief. And she wanted more of that feeling.
The door swung open suddenly, and there stood Naomi, her grin wide and welcoming. Her long box braids were pulled into a high bun today, showing off her sharp features and glowing skin. She was wearing a casual pair of jeans and a bright yellow sweater that seemed to radiate warmth—much like her smile.
"Hey!" Naomi said, stepping aside and motioning for Selah to come in. "You made it."
"Yeah," Selah replied, a bit breathless as she stepped through the door. "Wasn't going to back out now."
Naomi chuckled and closed the door behind her. "Trust me, there's nothing to worry about. My mom is going to love you."
That was exactly what Selah was worried about.
Inside, the house was cozy and inviting, with the comforting smell of something delicious baking in the kitchen. There was a warmth to the space that felt lived-in, like this was a place where memories had been made and cherished. Selah could already hear the faint sounds of laughter coming from the kitchen, and the nervous flutter in her stomach intensified.
Naomi noticed her hesitation and gave her a reassuring nudge. "Seriously, it's going to be fine."
Before Selah could respond, Lorraine appeared in the doorway, wiping her hands on a kitchen towel. Naomi had spoken about her mother with such love and respect, and now Selah could see why. Lorraine was tall and graceful, with soft, kind eyes and a presence that exuded warmth. There was something calming about her, a quiet strength that reminded Selah of Naomi.
"You must be Selah," Lorraine said, her face breaking into a wide, welcoming smile. Without any hesitation, she stepped forward and pulled Selah into a hug—a gesture so genuine and unexpected that Selah was momentarily stunned.
"Uh, yeah," Selah managed, returning the hug, albeit awkwardly. "It's really nice to meet you."
"Oh, sweetheart, Naomi's told me so much about you," Lorraine said, pulling back and giving her a kind look. "I'm so glad you came."
Before Selah could process the warmth and ease Lorraine radiated, Noelle appeared behind her, a playful glint in her eyes. 
Noelle grinned, crossing her arms. "Well, if it isn't the famous Selah. My sister can't stop talking about you."
"Noelle," Naomi warned, her voice half serious, half embarrassed. "Be nice."
Selah chuckled nervously, already feeling her face flush from Noelle's teasing.
Noelle raised an eyebrow, clearly enjoying her sister's discomfort. "Oh, I'm nice. I'm just curious. I mean you are a stranger, stepping into our little world. I've got questions."
"Noelle!" Naomi said, exasperated, her eyes flashing with embarrassment.
But Selah caught Naomi's eye and offered her a small, reassuring smile. This was Naomi's family, and despite Noelle's teasing, she could tell that there was no real harm meant. In fact, the playful banter between Naomi and Noelle reminded Selah of her own dynamic with her sister, Cora. A pang of nostalgia hit her, but she pushed it aside.