Where Do We Go From Here?

I arrived home late on Monday. I purposely scheduled my returning flight like this because I wanted to spend as much time as I could in New York. My stay in New York was both enlightening and enriching. Not only did I get to take helpful seminars that would prepare me for my upcoming college experience, but it also opened my eyes to what college has to offer—other than a spectacular curriculum. Lori and her friends helped me deal with my Tony issue. (I no longer hated the guy which was a start.)

My mother was picking me up from the airport. I wasn’t ready to spend an entire car ride with her because I was still upset with my parent’s. I know I couldn’t hold a grudge forever, but I still wasn’t in the forgiving mood. I saw her waiting near the baggage claim with a warm smile on her face. However, I didn’t reciprocate. I remained blank as I grabbed my bag then walked past my mother who was about to hug me. Her smiled slipped from her face as I scanned the parking lot, spotting her car in the vast lot, and walking towards it.

“Your father and I called you a few times while you were in New York.” She mentioned to me while unlocking the car door and popping the trunk.

I stuffed my suitcase while mumbling out an “Mmhmm.”

“We were a little worried about you.” She commented further.

I offered another “Mmhmm.”

My mother sighed. “Are you gonna be angry with us forever?”

I shrugged while remaining quiet.

She nodded before resorting back into silence. The entire thirty minute car ride was spent in complete silence as I looked out the car window. When we pulled into the driveway, I grabbed my bags and headed in the house with my mother in tow. My father was waiting for me, wide smile and arms open for a hug. But just as I brushed off my mother, I did the same to my father.

“Hey kiddo.” He said happily.

Deadpan and aloof, I maneuvered around my father and made my way up to my room. I walked into my room and put on my Metallica vinyl before I began to unpack. I tossed my dirty clothes into my hamper before placing all of my hygienic products in their rightful place. I then, did a load (or two) of laundry before finally collapsing on my bed, staring down the idea of showering. It’d feel good to scrub off the grime of a long flight. However, I was a little lazy and instead fished out my phone from my jeans pocket. It was then that I decided to go through the text messages I’ve seemed to accumulate over the weekend. I had over 20 messages.

Callie: I know you’re probably busy with your tour, but when you have time text me. Hope all is well <3

Callie: Still busy? God, what is with New York never sleeping? Anyway, text me when you can :)

Callie: Called you but you’re not picking up? Okay, well text me back when you have the chance.

Callie: OMG! You need to text me back immediately. It’s important!

Callie: Verity Abraham, this radio silence is scaring me. TEXT ME BACK!

Callie: I am your best friend, remember? Text me back.

Mike: This is Cal’s texting from Mike’s phone because you haven’t returned my texts. #wth?

Callie: UGH!

Callie: V?! I need to tell you something. It’s of importance so call me or something.

Callie: TEXT ME BACK!

Callie: It’s about a certain you-know-who! Text me, please!

Mike: It’s Cal’s again. V, I’m worried. You okay?

Callie: Have you forgotten about me already?

Tony: We need to talk.

Tony: I understand that you probably hate me, but we really need to talk.

Tony: Just spoke to Callie and she said she hasn’t heard from you. Everything okay?

Tony: Verity, I really need to talk to you. Call me soon.

Tony: I called but got your voicemail again. Please, we need to talk.

Tony: I haven’t heard a word from you. Not even Callie has heard from you. Are you okay? I’m a little worried.

Tony: Verity, please. I just need to know if you’re okay. I’m worried.

Tony: Call me when you land. If not then I’ll come by your house once Monday comes around.

Tony: Were you coming home today? Haven’t seen you in school.

Callie’s messages made me wonder what was so important about her needing to talk to me. And then I got to Tony’s messages, and I almost doubled over. He was worried? What for? It’s not like he could actually care for me. I decided to call Callie up since she was pretty adamant on me getting back to her.

“V?” Callie’s voice asked.

“Hey, just got all of your messages.” I replied.

Callie sighed in frustration. “I was so worried V!” She practically snapped. “I get that maybe you were upset because of Tony, but to actually not talk to me was pretty rude.”

“I’m sorry Cal’s. I was just clearing my head, I guess.” I sighed.

“Well, I’m still upset but that doesn’t mean I won’t be coming over. I have some news I need to tell you.” Callie said hesitantly.

“Where are you?” I asked when I heard a weird clatter in the background.

“I’m at Mike’s.” She replied then giggled—probably due to something caused on the other end. “I’ll be over shortly.”

“Okay.” I said before hanging up.

In a matter of seconds I heard the doorbell. It struck me weird as I padded down the stairs to answer the door. My father was in his study while my mother puttered around in the kitchen doing God knows what. I quickly made my way across the tiled floors before opening the door.

“I didn’t expect you to be that—“ I quickly stopped my sentence since I was expecting to see Callie. However, it wasn’t she who was waiting by the door, but rather Tony.

My heart sunk into my stomach while my breathing caught in my throat.

Notes

Leaving you on this cliffy till I find time to update again :)

Enjoy <3