Where Do We Go From Here?

We were having a gathering at our house for New Year’s. Jason and Cassandra—along with Cassandra’s parents were coming down to the house. Even Ronnie managed to snag a day/evening pass to spend it with us. And although all of this sounded amazing, I was still loss in thought that Tony and Carmen were expecting a child. It had consumed my every thought that I was almost zombie-like for the past 24 hours. I guess I was still in shock from it all because all emotion seemed to be absent in my features. My parents chalked it up to the long flight we endured just a few days ago, but it wasn’t the case.

“You excited for tonight?” Callie asked with a beaming grin.

Her enthusiasm was hard to reciprocate so I just forced a small smile while saying “What’s tonight?”

She rolled her eyes playfully before answering “Austin’s New Year’s party. Surely, Tony has told you.”

I was drawing up blanks because Tony hadn’t mentioned anything about a party during our conversation yesterday. After dropping the baby news on me, we had both grown a little frigid and distant. I wasn’t angry with him, but I wasn’t in a particularly chatty mood around him either. I was in the muddled grey area that couldn’t be defined. It was as if I were caught in a current of conflicting emotions that were desperately battling to be the only one standing.

“Oh, the party. Yeah, Tony told me.” I managed to say with a straight face, but then again, I only ever held a straight face.

“You excited?” She pressed.

“Yeah, I guess. I’m not really a party person.” I shrugged.

“C’mon, it’ll be fun. Austin has never been a letdown when it comes to hosting parties.” She assured me.

“I guess so.” I offered just to humor her.

To be honest, I just wanted to stay in tonight and watch my neighbors attempt to fire off some aerials into the night sky. I wanted to listen to my new vinyl’s I got over Christmas while sipping on wine from my parent’s cabinet—of which my parents will most likely not miss because they don’t keep track of their wine. I had spent these last 17 years of being completely content with being by myself that it’s been a while since I had any isolation.

“You feeling okay?” Callie asked, noticing the way my smile seemed to fade as I pondered quietly to myself. “You’ve been acting a little…off since you went off with Tony.” She added.

I shrugged. “I’m fine.”

“You’re lying.” Callie countered.

I sighed. “I’m not ready to talk about it.”

Callie grew quiet; her smile completely slipping away from her face. “Is Tony a good guy?” Callie asked softly.

My brows furrowed. “What do you mean?”

“He isn’t harming you in any way, is he?” Callie asked hesitantly.

I snorted. “No, everything’s fine.” I assured her.

Callie breathed in relief. “Okay, just making sure. I wasn’t sure if I had to beat him up or not.”

I laughed. “No, I’m just figuring things out.”

Callie nodded. “Well, your mom left to pick up Ronnie and Jason them said they’ll be arriving around noon.”

I smiled. “Cool, so are we supposed to be preparing the food?”

“Nah, your dad went out to Le DuPonte to pick up the food. He didn’t really want to stand over a grill today.” Callie answered.

I let out a small laugh due to the fact that Callie knew more about what was going on with my family than I did.

“I think I’m gonna call Tony.” I mumbled to Callie while grabbing out my cell phone.

I then climbed out onto the window and wedged myself comfortably on the roof top. By then Callie had slipped out of my bedroom door.

I dialed Tony’s number and waited for him to answer.

“Hey Verity.” Tony greeted. His tone sounded a little off, but it didn’t bug me.

“Hey, so—umm, Callie said that Austin is having a party…did you know about this?” I asked even though I was well aware that he did.

“Oh, that.” Tony muttered. “I forgot to tell you yesterday.” He mumbled guiltily.

“It’s fine.” I replied; my voice a few octaves higher than normal. “Were you going?” I asked awkwardly.

“I was planning on it.” He answered.

I waited for him to continue to see if he would ask me to join him or something, but he didn’t. “Oh.” I mumbled.

“Were you going?” He asked.

I rolled my eyes, wondering why it was so hard to just speak with him. I mean, we’ve seen each other naked for crying out loud. I couldn’t explain where this awkward vibe came from, but right now it was at its all time high.

“Verity?” Tony asked as a few moments of silence ticked by us.

“I’m not sure.” I managed to say after shaking myself out of my thoughts.

“You should go.” He encouraged, but it wasn’t really convincing.

“I don’t know…”

“It’ll be our first New Years together.” He added.

It was then I heard the familiar smirk in Tony’s voice. This was the Tony I fell in love with—the quirky, dorky, romantic guy that made having conversations seem like a breeze. I smiled broadly.

“Okay.” I said.

“Really?”

“Yeah, I mean only if you want me to go.” I replied sheepishly.

“Of course I want you to go.” He remarked—even over the phone I could see the broad grin taking up his face.

“Then I’ll go.” I said with absolution.

“Great, I can pick you up around 9.” He offered.

“Sure.”

“Great.”

We were lingering on the line together. It was like before, the both of us just waiting in silence, hearing our light breathing passing through the receiver. It wasn’t awkward at all because it was this small space of silence that gave me assurance about us. I couldn’t help but think about Carmen and Tony, wondering if he had a chance to talk to her yet, but I was too afraid to bring it up. The thought, however, ruined this small moment I had with Tony.

“Listen, I have to go. I’ll talk to you later.” I said, breaking through what was once comfortable silence.

“Yeah, I love you.” Tony said.

I smiled before saying “Bye Tony.”

Notes

Surprise! Two updates in one day! :D

My generosity on the updates is because I might be off grid for another few days so I hope this kinda makes up for my further lack of updates. Sorry :(

I made this one a little happier!! Enjoy <3