Where Do We Go From Here?

“Where have you been young lady?” My father started.

“We were worried sick about you!” My mother cut in.

“You can’t just leave like that. No explanation, no phone, and Callie wasn’t the wiser.” My father added.

“Did this young man have anything to do with it?” My mother snapped.

Their questions fueled my anger in which I did my best to control. “Which question would you like me to answer first?” I asked calmly even though all I wanted to do was yell at them. However, Tony’s comforting hand is what made me reel in my temper.

“You don’t get to give us attitude.” My father interjected in a stern voice. With that he asked “Where have you been?”

“Driving.” I replied in a monotone voice.

They waited for me to continue, but I didn’t.

“Where were you driving?” My mother pressed.

“I heard you guys arguing, just as I’ve been hearing for the past few weeks. So yes, I was upset. And yes, I left with no explanation. But I just wanted to clear my head.” My explanation came out like fast bullets, hitting the drums of my parents ears, making my mother flinch because my tone wasn’t kind at all.

“That doesn’t give you the right to leave unexpectedly.” My father cut in.

“How’d you expect me to react?” I asked rhetorically. “I am an upset teenager, last time I checked those two variables aren’t the equivalent to smart decision making.”

“The sarcasm is unnecessary.” My mother pointed out.

“But I’m not being sarcastic.” I replied defensively. “I’m telling the truth.”

“Ever since you’ve been dating this young man here, all I’ve been getting from you is attitude.” My mother accused. “You ditched school with him, you’ve been skipping curfew, and your phone bill has been growing. And your attitude, young lady, has been worst.”

My eyes went big. “Attitude? Are you freaking kidding me?” I asked incredulously.

“Do not talk to your mother like that, Verity Amelia Abraham.” My father scolded.

“Tony is not the reason I’ve been acting the way I have.” I scoffed out my response.

Tony wasn’t a problem for me. He was the reason I’ve managed to be sane at the moment. He was my anchor in this damn rollercoaster ride that I call life.

“Remember that Halloween party you wanted to go to?” My father asked then said “Forget about it. You’re grounded young lady.”

“You can’t ground me.” I argued.

“Yes we can because we are your parents.” My mother remarked.

“On what grounds?” I asked incredulously.

“Because you’ve been acting out of hand lately.” My father argued back.

I rolled my eyes. “That is bullshit.”

“Enough Verity!” My father shouted.

I shook my head, biting my tongue from saying anything that can’t be taken back. I had several things I wanted to say, but remained silent.

My mother’s eyes narrowed in on Tony; a look I was quite familiar with. “You” she began before saying “You are not allowed to see my daughter anymore. No more dating, no more phone calls, I don’t want you two dating anymore.” Her voice was adamant and absolute.

“WHAT?!” I practically shouted; my eyes watering up again.

“Stop being petty Verity. We all knew very well that your relationship would end eventually. You would be going off to the east coast for school while this young man would probably go to a state college here.” My father cut in. “It’s better to end things now before you become too invested in this young man.”

“There’s no point in dragging out yours and his relationship.” My mother commented.

I felt Tony tense in my hand as he looked away from my parents. I glanced at his impassive expression, but knew that he was hurt at my parent’s harsh words. I thought that my parents liked Tony or at least that's what they always emitted whenever he was around. However, it seems that they tolerated him to humor me. I felt the surge of uncontrollable emotions welling within my veins.

“Don’t do this.” My voice cracked. “Please, don’t do this.” I pleaded.

“It’s for the best.” My mother said dismissively. Glancing at Tony with icicles for eyes, she said “You can see yourself out.”

“No.” I said sternly while holding onto Tony’s hand tightly. “He isn’t a problem. I’m just—“ I was desperate to look for a reason that wouldn’t result with Tony being forbidden. “I’m just having a hard time dealing.”

My father looked at me; a stare unwavering as my mother’s. “Your mother and I agree that Tony isn’t the best influence for you.” Turning to Tony, my father said “You are a nice kid, but we’re just doing what’s best for Verity. And you aren’t it.”

His decision was final and so conclusive that my tears spilled over. They running with haste down my cheeks that I didn’t care that I was crying over a boy. I was hurt, devastated, shattered. It was confusing to feel both angst and desolation boiling in my blood. It was so apparent, so unavoidable that I balled up my fists. By then Tony had let go of my hand and stood statue-like next to me.

“I should go.” Tony mumbled.

Petrified with not knowing what to do, I followed Tony to the front door. He looked at me as if my parent’s words actually meant anything.

“Don’t listen to them.” I said to Tony; my voice wavering just a little. “They don’t know anything about us.”

“Verity, I’m not good for you.” Tony replied.

I shook my head in disbelief. “Yes, yes you are.” I urged.

“No I’m not, and you know it.” Tony countered.

I huffed out an aggravated puff of air. “You’re only saying that because they said so. You don’t truly believe it, do you?” I pressed.

Tony looked away. “Let’s face the facts. You’ll go off to Columbia and make something out of yourself while I’ll be here.”

I cupped his face with my hands, forcing him to look into my eyes. “I don’t believe that for a second. You might not go to an Ivy League school, but I’ll be damned if you decide to break up with me.” I said sternly. “I love you, not some guy who can get into an Ivy League school, not some pretentious asshole. I fell in love with you. And that’s all that matters.”

In a swift moment, I kissed Tony with more passion than I did before. Blame the anger or the spirit of rebellion, but I wasn’t ready to say goodbye to him. I wasn’t ready for the finality of our relationship. Tony kissed me back, but it felt different. His lips weren’t hungry and his hands stayed to himself, rather than cupping my face or placed gently at my hips. I pulled away from him and felt hurt.

“So this is it for us?” I asked in a defeated voice. In my peripherals, I could see Callie approaching us. But her footsteps slowed down and became hesitant once she saw the current state I was in.

“Yes.” Tony said after a pregnant pause.

A knife wound to my heart and a bullet in the back; that’s what his confirmation felt like. I nodded my head before turning away from him. Tony took a step towards me, but I just stiffened.

“Just leave.” I said sternly.

I thought he’d say something. I thought he’d stay and tell me that he loves me, but he didn’t. Tony left that day and didn’t come back.

Notes

I did warn you last chapter that it would get sad. Sorry for that.

I'd really love to hear your thoughts for this chapter :)

Thanks for reading guys! Enjoy <3