Because of You (20 page)

“Who cares how he asked you. The important thing is you’re going to homecoming with Josh.”

“I know! I’m so excited.”

“What are you so excited about?” Logan asks, coming to sit with us. It’s still weird when I see him. I don’t know how to act around him.

“Homecoming. Josh asked me.”

“Congrats,” he says, taking a bite of his enormous sandwich. “You got what you’ve wanted.”

“Yes I did.” She smiles triumphantly.

“Who are you taking?” I ask him, hoping we can carry on a conversation.

“I don’t know yet. I might skip it.”

“You have to go. It won’t be the same without you,” I say. I’m taking advantage of his good mood.

“Not that it matters to the both of you. You’ll have your dates to keep you company.”

“So. Ask someone. I’m sure there’s a girl out there desperate enough to go with you,” Farrah says laughing at her own joke.

“Stop it Farah,” I demand not joining in her laughter. I turn to face Logan, who doesn’t seem phased by what Farrah just said. “How about Becky?” I suggest. I know I’ve said I don’t like her for him, but all I want right now is for him to be there with us.

“She’s my sister’s friend. I don’t go out...”

“Hey beautiful,” Austin says, surprising me. I can’t help but smile brightly every time I see him.

“Well, that’s my cue to get out of here,” Logan barks aggressively pushing his chair back.

“You don’t have to go,” Austin says sitting on the other side of me.

“Nah, I do. I have to go find my
friends.”
Logan stomps away.

I watch him walk across the cafeteria and sit with Garret and the other junior boys. I feel like we’re breaking up and it sucks.

“I’m sorry I didn’t mean to scare him away,” Austin says, twirling my hair around his finger. “Did you tell him I didn’t know the about his relationship with Olivia?”

“Yeah, but he doesn’t care. Logan just likes to hate, and right now he’s liking hating me.”

“I’m sorry.”

“It’s no big deal,” I lie and lean into his arms.

“So, I heard my boy Josh asked you to homecoming,” Austin says to Farrah, who’s busy texting away.

“Yes he did,” Farrah sings looking up from her phone. “Wait, how do you know? Was he talking about me?”

Austin laughs at how excited Farrah is getting. “He told me and asked if the four of us could go together.”

“What did you say?” I ask.

“I said it’s up you guys. Do you wanna go together?”

“Yes!” We both answer simultaneously. Homecoming is going to be amazing. I can’t wait.

“Did you get your dress yet?” Farrah asks as we walk to our next class.

“No. I was hoping my mom would take me this afternoon, but she has to work late or something like that.”

“How about we go together without our mothers?”

“I would love to, but you know my mother she loves to do this kind of stuff with me.” The truth is I’m excited to go shopping with my mother. She likes to make a day of it. Besides it’s been a while since we’ve done something just the two of us.

“Well then how about this weekend? We could go together. I’m sure my mother would love to see your mother.”

“I can’t. It’s my father’s weekend.”

“Oh, I forgot. How’s that going by the way?”

“Okay, I guess. I just go there and do my time.”

Farrah drapes her arm around me and says, “Well if you ever want me to come over and rescue you just let me know.” I’m so lucky to have a friend like her. I wish my other best friend would act the same way.

23

Unwanted

I can’t stand waiting for my dad to pick me up. He was supposed to be here at six, but he’s late. Doesn’t he realize it’s Friday night and I have plans?

I wanted to go see Austin’s game, but I already missed the school bus that was taking everyone to Lakeview High. I’ll just have to meet him after the game.

“Hey, you’re still here?” My mother asks walking inside the house.

“Yeah, maybe Dad forgot this was his weekend.”

“I doubt it. He called me yesterday to remind me. He probably had an emergence at work.”

“What are you doing this weekend?” I ask.

“You’re sister is coming over to go over the different venues. I hope she picks one soon.”

“Shouldn’t I be here for that?” I ask hoping I can weasel out of going to my dad’s and going dress shopping with her instead.

“Why?”

“Well I am in the wedding and she is my sister.”

“I’m sorry sweetie but this is your dad’s weekend.”

Just as I’m about to make my point the doorbell rings. I open the door to see my father standing at the door. It’s so weird that he used to live here and just walk in and now he must ring the doorbell. He looks tired and overworked. I’m sure he’s working harder to pay for Trisha’s lavish lifestyle.

“Sorry I’m late. I had a late client.”

“Whatever. Let me get my bag.”

“Hello Stewart,” my mom says coming to the door. “How are you?”

“Good. How about you?”

“Really good. I wanted to inform you I’m taking Carrie to look at venues tomorrow and I need to know how much you are willing to contribute towards our daughter’s wedding.”

My dad looks up the dark sky as if it’s too painful to think of all of this. “I’m not sure. Can I call you later?”

“Sure. But I need to know before tomorrow afternoon.”

“No problem. I’ll call you tonight. I have to discus this with Trisha first.”

“Of course you do,” my mother snaps, rolling her eyes. “I mean Trisha has nothing to do with Carrie’s upbringing, or anything, but if you must ask her first go ahead.”

“Are you really going to start this right now?” My father asks running his fingers through his hair.

“I’m not starting anything. I just want to know how much you are contributing to your daughter’s wedding that’s all. By now you should know how much you’re willing to spend. I mean she is your first born.”

“Yes, my first born, who doesn’t want me at her wedding!”

“That’s your fault. What did you think was going to happen after you made your choices?” My mother inhales deeply. “If you don’t want to pay for her wedding...”

“I never said that. I’m going to pay, but I have to speak to Trisha first.” I know if I don’t get my father out of here this war of words will continue until one of them says something they’ll really regret.

“I’m ready,” I say pushing past my mother out the door. “Bye Mom. I’ll see you on Sunday.” I grab my dad’s arm and begin to pull him towards the car.

He looks over his shoulder and says, “I will call you later and let you know the budget.”

“I’ll be looking forward to that call!” my mother calls out, and then slams the door so hard I swear the whole house shook.

“Sometimes I really can’t understand your mother.”

“Dad, I don’t wanna talk about your issues with Mom.”

I get into his car and immediately change his radio station to something else. When I’m with Austin I don’t mind listening to all those old classic rock songs, but when I’m with my dad I change the station. I don’t want him to know I like his music. Instead I make sure to change the radio to a pop station that plays the same song every thirty minutes. I put up the volume hoping to avoid a conversation.

My father gets in and presses the button on his steering wheel to lower the music just above a whisper. This sucks. Why can’t we just once ride without talking to each other?

“How’s school?” he asks.

“Good.”

“Anything new going on since the last time I saw you?”

“Not really.”

“How are things with Austin?”

“Good.” I wish he would stop asking me questions. This happens every time he picks me up and drops me off. It drives me crazy. He’s never going to understand our relationship will never return to what it used to be like.

I answer all his stupid questions for the rest of the thirty-minute ride. By the time I walk into his house all I want to do is go into my room and wait for Austin to call me.

“Hello Jade,” Trisha says rushing to the door. We do the same song and dance every time I come over. Just like my father she asks me a million stupid questions. I try to keep my conversations with her very simple, mostly because I don’t think she can comprehend more than one word answers.

“Well I hope you’re hungry, I made a big pot of spaghetti and meatballs.”

“I’m supposed to meet Austin after the game. I’ll get something to eat with him.”

“No, you will not! Trisha made this dinner just for you,” My dad sternly says. “I’m sick and tired of you not eating at home after Trisha cooks for you.

“I never asked her to,” I snap back.

“It’s okay Stewart. Let her go eat with her boyfriend,” Trisha utters with her blue eyes displaying her pain.

My dad shakes his head in anger. “This is the last time you do this. From now on when you come to this house you will eat dinner with us. Do you understand?”

I nod without really moving my head. I hate my father so much. I wish he would stop making me come over here. I can’t wait until that stupid baby is born and he forgets all about me.

I turn around and walk straight to my room. I hear his footsteps begin to follow me, but after only three steps he stops. I’m sure Trisha held him back. I can’t wait until Austin calls me and I can get the hell out of this horrible house.

An hour later he show’s up at my father’s door like a knight in shinning amour, except his amour is his black and yellow football letterman jacket and jeans with holes at the knees. My father only manages to remind Austin about my curfew before I pull him out of the house.

For the next three hours all I want to do is be in his arms where I always feel wanted and happy.

“How was your game?” I ask him as he takes my hand into his.

“Good. I made two touchdowns and ran over fifty yards.”

“I’m so proud of you. I’m sorry I missed it.”

“It’s okay. I’m really excited for next week’s game. You think you’ll be able to go to the game?”

“Of course. But I’ll have to leave early to get dressed for the dance.”

“No problem. As long as you’re there for part of it. I love looking up at the stands and seeing you there smiling. It makes it easier to deal with my dad.”

I lean in and give him a kiss on the cheek.

“Are you hungry?” he asks.

“I’m starving.”

“Good. You wanna go to Lou’s?”

“Yes.” He brings my hand to his lips. This is all I look forward to each day, just spending time with him.

Now that it’s become too cold to go to the beach after a game everyone comes to Lou’s Pizza Dive instead.

Farrah comes running towards me as soon as we walk in. “You’re here!” She wraps her arms around my neck.

“What’s going on?” I ask her.

“Nothing. We’re all celebrating the football team’s win. Austin you were amazing tonight,” she says smiling. I wish I hadn’t missed the game.

“Thank you. Well, I’ll let you ladies talk while I go try to find a table.”

“Okay.” Austin leans in and gives me a sweet kiss on my cheek before he walks away.

“He is too cute!” Farrah cheers. “Ohmigod Jade, I’m freaking out!”

“Why?”

“Julie broke up with that guy she was dating. What if she wants Josh back? I’m so scared.”

“Don’t be scared. Josh is with you now. You don’t have to worry,” I try to reassure her.

“I hope you’re right. I don’t want to lose him after finally getting him.”

“Farrah!” Josh calls her over to his table, which is full of other football players and their girlfriends including Leah.

“You see. He’s in to you now. Don’t worry about Julia. Just go over there and enjoy your time with him,” I say, pushing her towards him.

She smiles brightly. “Okay. I’ll talk to you later.” She runs off to sit with Josh, who happens to be sitting next to Garret. Great.

He stares at me breathing heavily in and out. I quickly scan the table for Cara, but don’t see her.

“There’s no empty tables,” Austin says joining me again.

“We can go somewhere else.”

“Hey Austin, come sit with us,” Derek yells out from the same table Farrah and Garret are at.

“Do you mind?” he asks me. I want to say yes, but instead I say no.

He puts his arms around my shoulders while we walk towards the table. I wish there was a way to get out of this.

“Hi stranger,” Leah says with a flirty smile. Austin nods as he sits on the only empty chair. I really can’t stand her.

He pulls me onto his lap. I feel awkward as I can feel Garret’s glare. The guys all begin to talk about the game while the girls at the table talk about the latest Vampire Diaries episode.

I don’t join in either one of the conversations. Instead I turn to talk to Farrah, as I try to ignore Garrets eyes. “So where’s Logan tonight?”

“I have no idea. I saw him really quickly after the game, but he didn’t say anything to me. He’s been so moody lately.”

“He’s on a date,” Garret answers taking me by surprise.

“With who?” Farrah asks looking as shocked as I am.

“With some girl.”

“Which girl?” I ask.

“If he’d wanted you to know he would’ve told you. He told me cause we’re still friends. I don’t dump my friends like someone else I know.” Garret gets up slams his chair against the table and storms off making everyone around the table stop talking and stare at me.

“What was that all about?” Austin asks.

“I’ll be right back.” I get up and head outside to see if Garret is still out there.

The part of me that used to be his friend too needs to make sure he’s okay. I step outside and find him standing on the corner. “What’s going on?” I ask stepping closer to him.

“Nothing.” He marches towards me with anger in his grey eyes. “No, not nothing. Do you know how much it sucks to have to watch you with that loser?”

“What? But you’re with Cara now.”

“I’m not like you. I actually cared when we broke up. I was in love with you. I wanted you to react to losing me.”

“But you broke up with me. Do we really have to go through this again?”

“I broke up with you because you were acting so distant. You didn’t want to do anything,” he says shaking his head.