Chapter 8 Two parents
Cecilia
When I woke up this morning, I thought today was going to be good. Both my parents were home today and we were finally going to have breakfast together.
The breakfast we had together yesterday wasn't great, but it wasn't that bad either. Mom had left early after having a few bites and dad had arrived just as she was about leaving. So it wasn't really a breakfast together.
But the both of them promised to be here today. They agree to clear their schedule for this morning. I was grateful. I knew that wasn't an easy feat for either of them.
When I got dressed for school and went downstairs, I was happy to see the both of them sitting at the table. Even if they were on their phones, it was better than their absence.
“Good morning.” I said in a high-pitched tone. The both of them looked up from their phones.
“There is my little girl. How are you?” Dad said and spread his arms for a hug. I went in for it, my insides exploded with happiness.
“I'm fine, dad.” I turned to my mom and gave her a side hug too. She was busy looking at something on her iPad.
“How was your night, honey?” She smiled.
“It was fine. What about you?” I asked, but she had already put her attention on the iPad. My dad was typing something on his phone. Just like that, they went back to ignoring me.
Gertrude and I brought out the food while they continued working. I put on a smile so they don't see how exactly I'm feeling.
We sat down to eat but neither of them looked up from their devices. I tried to make some small talk but good shut down every time, so I decided to stop trying and just eat.
I picked up my phone and opened my messages. Alex was still blocked on my phone. After the little surprise I left on his car yesterday, I assumed he will be extremely pissed. I wouldn't know because I've blocked every new number that has texted me since yesterday.
Maybe what I did was a little extreme but I had no other options. I wanted him to call off the tutorial but he hadn't, so I had to result to the only way I knew to antagonize him. It was his fault, and the fault of his girlfriend.
Rachel running her mouth yesterday had only added to my already growing resentment towards the situation.
I smirked at myself as I remembered what I did. He wouldn't be so proud anymore, that's certain.
“Cecilia,’’ I snapped out of my thoughts when I heard my dad's voice.
“Huh!” I answered.
“I asked how was school but you seem to space out.” He said.
“I'm sorry, I'm just thinking about this assignment I have. School is fine, a little stressful but fine.” I said with a game fake smile.
I wanted to tell the both of them how difficult school had been since I resumed but I didn't want to talk about negative things at the table when they were finally making conversations.
“Are you okay, honey?” Mom asked as she swept her gaze over me, assessing the situation.
If I show one sign of tiredness, she would pick up the phone and call the doctors immediately.
“Yeah, I'm fine. My monthly check up is soon. Will you guys come with me to the hospital?” I looked between the both of them and noticed the instant drop in their mood.
My checkup is a sore topic in the house that neither of them like to talk about. It's a current reminder that I was sick and I could have died. For some reasons, mom blamed herself while dad is always trying to help get see reasons.
She went back to eating her food like I didn't say anything. Dad noticed the situation and looked at me.
“Of course, honey, we'll be there.” He said with a smile. I looked down at his clenched fist and got my answer. They wouldn't be there.
But I was going to allow myself hope that they may change their minds. It wouldn't be the first time something like that has happened.
I picked up my fork and began eating.
“Did you have your secretary email the details about the suit fitting to me?” Mom asked while dad was trying to eat.
Now she wants to talk about work at breakfast. Dad seems to think the same thing but he replied anyway.
“Yes. She did it last night.”
“She didn't do a very good job then. I can't find your details anywhere in here and the names that should be sewn on the suits for the waiters. I need everything if we're going to take care of an order this big with do little time.” She glared at him.
“I'll talk to her.” Dad said.
“I don't understand why you didn't tell me about the jubilee sooner. We live in the same house, it's not that hard.” She muttered.
I wanted to interrupt and tell her it is pretty hard to get something from her when dad responded.
“So you're blaming me?” He scoffed.
Mom looked up from her iPad..”Yes I am. If only you've trained your staffs, we won't be having this issue.”
And just like that, they began arguing about work again. It was like that had forgotten I was sitting at the table and we're negotiating like that were in the boardroom..
After a while, I stopped following with their conversation. I stood up from the table and grabbed my backpack on the chair next to me.
“What's going on, honey? Aren't you going to eat your food and used his medications?” Mom asked with concern.
You would never guess that she was just arguing about some political bullshit.
“I'm fine. I just have to get to school. I'm running late.” I say.
“Let me drop you off. It's on my route.” Dad said as he stood up before mom could argue. She glared at him. It was obvious she didn't like he was having leaving their arguments unfinished, but she couldn't argue with his reasoning.
Dad and I walked out the living room. I was a bit excited about spending some time with him. It's obvious that I can't enjoy being around both parents.
But when we got to the parking area, his phone began to ring. I was sure the moment he answered it, he will be gone again. And I was right.
I watched him pick the call, said some hushed things to the person on the other line, his face tightened. He ended the call and turned to me.
“I'm sorry, sweetheart, but I have to go. A crisis just came up at work and it needs my attention.” He said.
I wanted to tell him that I needed his atention too, but I didn't want to throw a tantrum so I smiled. “It's okay, I can drive myself.”
He gave me a quick kiss on the forehead and rushed towards his car. I watched him drive out of the house before walking to my car. I had gotten it deep clean after the idiocy Justin and his trick did on it, but I still felt a bit uncomfortable around it.
I pushed away the feeling and just got into the car. I drove to school.
As I got to school, I noticed the empty parking spot that belong to Alex. I felt a sense of unease at the absence. I wanted him to leave me alone, that's why I damaged his car. I hadn't expected him to completely bail on school.
“CeCe!” I turned when I heard Amber's voice. She was just getting out of her car too. I rushed towards and we hugged.
“Damn girl, you look good.” She said. I did a half spin and we both laughed. We hooked our arms around each other and walked away laughing.
We met Luke in the hallways before we got to the classroom.
“CeCe, what's the meaning of this picture?” He said and flashed the picture I sent to the group chat in my face. It was the picture of Alex's car with the word “LIAR” spray painted on the side of it. I took the picture after I did that yesterday.
“An hilarious display of my talent?” I chuckled.
“This isn't funny, CeCe. You can get in trouble for doing this, he could get you arrested. Or worse, Watkins suspends you. This is senior year, any suspension could affect your chances of Harvard.” Luke frowned.
“Calm down, man. You sound like my parents.” I chuckled. “Relax, he doesn't know it's me. Even if he does, he has no way of proving it. I was careful not to get caught by the camera.”
Luke didn't seem relaxed. Not even when Amber poked him which usually resulted in him laughing.
“Don't worry. Nothing is going to affect my Harvard application. We're all going to Harvard. Nothing is coming between that. Alex will never figure out that I'm behind it.” I said.
“I think he figured it out.” Amber said and pointed behind me.
I turned to see Alex charging towards us, looking pissed off. I opened my mouth to say something but the terrifying look on his face made me reconsider.
“I know what you did, don't try to deny it.” He pulled out his phone and showed a video of me vandalizing his car.
My lips parted. “How did you…”
“I don't care for an explanation. I need my car sparkling before the day ends or this video makes it way to Watkins. You can kiss that Harvard application goodbye.”
Then he brushed past me and went to the classroom. My heart sank.