Page 70 of Chase
He asked more questions about the gang. He doesn’t like the idea of me dating, but he knew it would happen. He also understands that at the moment he has lost his right to act as a parent to me.
I’ve listened to what he’s said, but actions speak louder than words.
He needs to prove that he is going to be a parent.
He was even still at home when Millie and I left for school this morning. Again, I was surprised.
I’m sitting in Wander reading, avoiding going into the school for as long as possible. It won’t be the same without Chase here and I don’t know how Arden, Rhys and Ally will react when they see me. I never responded to their messages over the weekend. My phone vibrates with two messages.
One from Dad and one from Chase. I open Dad’s first.
Dad:I hope you have a good day.
He’s trying I’ll give him that.
I hesitate before clicking on Chase’s name. He stayed true to his word and has messaged me every few hours. He kept me updated on what he was doing. I love that he is still including me.
Chase:I’ll miss seeing you today.
He doesn’t ask questions or expect a response. Just tells me what he is thinking.
I head into home room just seconds before the bell rings and sit at the table opposite from where we usually sit. This is the table I first sat at with Ally on my first day. We haven’t sat here since Rhys moved our chairs over to the other side of the room.
The gang walk in and nod in my direction but take their usual seats without saying anything.
I wore my hair down today. I let it hang over the side of my face blocking my view of them.
I know I need to apologise. I just don’t know how.
I pull my phone from my pocket after it vibrates for a second time.
The first message is from Chase. This makes me smile. He’s already messaged me this morning.
Chase:Arden says you look pretty with your hair down.
I scoff. Is Arden really going to repeat everything I do to Chase? I could have some fun with this. I don’t reply.
The second message is from Arden.
Arden:Do you know what the national animal of Scotland is?
I don’t, so I quickly pull up my web browser for a quick search. What the hell is Arden on? This is such a bizarre question. As soon the results come through, I start laughing. I can’t help it.
A unicorn? How is their national animal a fictional creature?
Arden starts to laugh at my reaction.
Another message comes though.
Arden:Good right?
I still don’t reply. Instead I glance over at him and nod. He smiles and goes back to talking with Ally. Rhys watches the entire exchange.
The morning goes quickly. Ally still sits with me in all our classes, but we barely talk. It’s kind of uncomfortable at the same time that it isn’t. She’s giving me space, but not actually giving me space.
When I walk into shop class, Arden isn’t there. I was expecting this to be the lesson he bailed me up, especially because he’d have me one on one.
I start working on the car after Mr Williams checks that I’m okay on my own.
