Aileen
"I understand what you were trying to say, but you could try to be a bit hostile. That would be great," I stated, before getting up from my seat. "Goodnight."
I walked away from the table without looking back and went straight to my room to cool off my head.
Why does he have to be so stupid sometimes? God, I hate it.
The next morning, I saw Marshall's missed calls a Lot. I was worried if anything serious had happened, so I called him right back after waking up.
But, he didn't pick up. I went to shower and after coming back I heard my phone ringing.
I picked it up right away, "Hello, Marshall? Everything alright?"
"Aileen, good morning, sorry to disturb you."
"Oh, it's okay. Go on."
"Well, I've something important to tell you. It's about Becky!" he sounded quite excited.
"Becky? What happened to her?"
"Actually, when I woke up in the morning, I saw her peeking out through the main gate and she even managed to get out of the door and stood there for a few minutes before heading back inside with her outside clothes. Can you believe it? She's finally trying to make a move on her own?"
"Really? It's great, isn't it?"
"Yeah! And I think it's all because of you. Your words from yesterday finally managed to have an effect on her."
"You think so?"
"Yeah, definitely. If you ask me, this is very good progress. Thanks, Aileen. Are you also coming over today?"
"Uh, yeah, I guess so. But, you don't have to pick me up. I'll go there by taxi."
"Are you sure?"
"Yeah, you can take your time to finish work and don't have to make haste. See you at your house."
"See you, bye."
At least something is good happening with somebody. I should hurry up I'll be late.
Meanwhile, at the breakfast table, things were a bit awkward. Dave and I were eating silently while Mom observed our expressions while eating.
"Pass me the salt," Dave said to her.
"Uh, sure–"Before she could hand it to him, I placed it in front of him.
He sprinkled something and continued to eat.
"Did something happen between the two of you? Why are you so silent?" Mom asked.
"Nothing happened, you are imagining it," Dave responds coldly.
"Then, why are both of you so silent and hardly talking to each other? This never happens."
"Oh, I'm just too stressed out because of work. I've worked till late night yesterday as well," he explained. "I hardly got any sleep."
"What? Really? That's not good for your health. Prioritize your sleep over everything."
"Look who's talking? You practically do night shifts most of the time!" Dave remarks, "This little bit of work, does nothing to me."
"Me? I'm used to it. I've been doing it for so many years already. But, you still have a long life ahead of you. You should look after your health and body and don't push yourself too much. Alright?"
"Alright, but sometimes take that advice of yourself and apply it to yourself also. Then I'll be relieved," he replied.
"Oh, don't worry about me. I'm still tough. Right, Aileen?"
I nodded, looking in Dave's direction. He's avoiding me like a plague since yesterday. Should I be worried?
Why does he have to be such a dork sometimes? It's not my fault why I lashed out last night, is it?
"I'm done eating, see you everyone in the evening," Dave said, standing up.
"You finished so fast. See you in the evening," Mom waved at him.
"Yeah, see you–"
"What do you mean by seeing you in the evening? Aren't you going to drop me off at college?" I asked, interrupting him.
He looked at me puzzled, "You never asked me. So, I was planning to go to work early and I won't be stopping by your college today. You can ask the driver to drop you."
"Wha offt?" is he kidding me? Isn't he the one who insisted I go to college with him yesterday even though I told him not to?
Then, why so much change today? Because of last night?
"It's okay Dave. You don't need to worry about her, she can go by herself. Go to work. Have a nice day," mom replied.
He nodded and left. And he didn't spare me a glance before leaving.
He's being way more mean than he's supposed to be. But, if that's how you want to play I don't mind.
"Aileen, hurry up and finish eating. You'll be late for college. I'll tell the driver to get the car ready," Mom said.
"Uh…sure."
After arriving at my class, I saw a group of students gathering around Skylar. They were chatting happily as the teacher hadn't arrived yet.
Seeing them, I was about to walk past them but Skylar called behind me, "Aileen!"
I stopped in my tracks and he looked at me smiling.
"Uh, hi," I greeted, forcing a smile.
"Come and sit here," he said, showing me the seat beside him.