Suddenly, he turns his back and begins walking away with not a single word left to say.
The breath I’d been holding in finally released. No matter what I do, I’m making everyone miserable, including myself. In just a few months, no one will have to worry about me because out of sight, out of mind.
I make my way home but stop at the drugstore for some products I ran out of. Somewhere in the deodorant aisle, my phone pings with a text message. I’m expecting it’s Cole, but also not surprised when I see it’s my sisters in our group chat.
Ava:What happened with Cole?
How on Earth did she know I was meeting up with him? I swear my sister is some secret spy and knows everything before I can even get a word out.
Me:How did you know I was meeting him?
Ava:He texted me.
Me:And?
Ava:He thinks you’re seeing someone else and wanted me to tell him the truth. So, are you?
Me:I’m not Millie…
Millie:Why does it always come back to me? You know Mom and Dad aren’t so innocent. They had an affair… A BIG ONE OK.
Addy:Sometimes, in relationships, the force of two people far outweighs the rationality of crossing boundaries.
Ava:Here comes Miss Psych with her relationship analysis.
Addy:Alexa needs wisdom… not advice from someone who had a one-night stand with her sister's ex.
Our conversations always jumped back and forth at the expense of one of us. Like always, nasty words are said, and all is forgotten tomorrow. Even after Ava and Millie ambushed me last week, they carried on the next day like nothing had happened.
The only time any of us fought long enough to go without speaking was when Ava announced she was pregnant. I love her husband Austin like an older brother, but he was Millie’s boyfriend turned fiancé first. Talk about shitting where you eat or whatever the stupid saying is.
Me:I’m not seeing anyone else. It’s not going to work out. He’s going to Ohio State, and I’m going to be away in Europe. What’s the point of trying long distance when neither of us are willing to sacrifice our future?
Addy:You shouldn’t have to sacrifice what you want for a man. Period.
Ava:Speaking of periods… Millie’s is late.
Addy:Oh…
Me:Again???
Millie:AVA! Why do I tell you anything?????
Ava:Maybe the parentals need to sit you down and give you the safe sex talk LOL.
A heavy weight on my chest distracts me from the text messages. You can have all the safe sex talks, but one misjudgment is all it takes.
One misjudgment is all it took forme.
We were drunk, at a party, inside a bedroom that belonged to someone’s little brother. A series of events led me to make one bad decision after another. I should have known better, especially since Mom and my sisters were open when it came to discussing sex.
I place my phone back in my purse, needing a break from my sisters, and then head to the checkout to purchase my items. Before heading home, I stop to grab something to eat, realizing I’d skipped lunch at school to avoid the girls in the cafeteria. School has been such a toxic environment lately, so I can’t wait to graduate and get out of there.
When I pull into the driveway, Dad’s car is parked outside. It’s early for him to be home, but what catches my attention is Cole’s car beside it.What the hell?I quickly grab my things and slam the door shut before rushing to the back door and entering the kitchen.
Cole is standing next to the counter, shifting his gaze onto me as Dad sits across from him. I’m quick to notice Cole’s glassy eyes, which is what happens when he drinks. How is that even possible since I saw him only an hour ago? Not to mention he drove here. Great, now he’s going to get me into trouble.
“What are you doing here?” I ask, crossing my arms in annoyance.