Someone Like You (17 page)

Chapter Twenty-Six

Priestly

I don’t know how long I’ve been sitting out here but nobody seems to have noticed that I’m gone yet. Good.

I can hear talking from inside the house but I have no intention of going back in there any time soon.

Sitting with my head in my hands, I can’t help but feel that everything is going to shit. I
t wasn’t enough that my dad died, no, I just had to screw things up with Temperance too.

Hell, after the whole ‘I want to be friends’ conversation and the ‘trash the flat’ debacle, she’ll be running out the door … which is exactly what I thought I wanted. Well, as the saying goes, be careful what you wish for.

Sighing heavily, I think back on what my father told me. He believed that she’d be a good influence on me. Well, what he didn’t know was that I’d be a pretty shitty influence on her. He’d be disgusted by my behaviour.

I shake my head wearily
, close my eyes, and attempt to push those thoughts away – just for one moment.

For one moment, I want to pretend that everything’s okay. I want to pretend that I don’t f
eel that horrific ache in my gut. I want to pretend that I don’t feel the pain … the agony of reality.

But
my plan doesn’t work.

However, when I open my eyes, I can sense someone sitting beside me. I don’t even raise my head from my hands to see who it is. I don’t need to.

I know it’s her.

***

Temperance

When we arrive at Priestly’s house, we are engulfed by a sea of people. Nobody seems to notice us until some distraught female launches herself at Carter. After a minute, I figure she just might be Ariana – Priestly’s cousin – since Carter doesn’t seem too freaked out and proceeds to console her.

I
decide to leave him to it and start to scan the room for Priestly. However, when various people start throwing me curious looks, I quickly escape out into the back garden.

Which is where I find Priestly.

He’s sitting with his head in his hands and the image of him looking so lost just breaks my heart. He doesn’t even notice me as I approach him and doesn’t even stir when I sit down beside him.

He doesn’t glance up at me and I wonder what to say him.

Words are just that … words. There’s nothing I can say to make it better.

Yet p
eople just tell you clichéd bullshit because that’s the norm – it’s just what you do. Sure, it’s meant to be comforting but somehow ‘I’m sorry for your loss’ just doesn’t seem to quite cut it.

I don’t know how he feels, I can’t even begin to pretend to know how he feels. Sometimes it’s just better to forget all the meaningless words. Sometimes it’s just better to simply let actions speak louder than words.

So I just sit there. If he wants to talk, I’ll talk. If he wants to ignore me, I’m happy to just sit in silence. The only thing I want him to know is that I’m here.

***

Priestly

I’m glad she hasn’t said anything. Hell, I can’t even look at her, let alone talk to her. I’m afraid if I take one look into those bright blue eyes, I’ll lose it. I’ll let out what I’ve been trying so hard to hold in.

So, instead, I raise my head, suck in a deep breath and merely stare in the opposite direction. However, all it takes is her hand on mine and
I feel myself start to crack. I can feel the traitorous burn behind my eyes and I hate myself for it.

“Wanna go for a walk?”

It’s amazing how hearing those five words fall from her lips, seals the gate. She knows that I don’t want to talk and is willing to provide a distraction. That right there, makes things a whole lot easier.

S
o, sucking in a few deep breaths, I nod and then finally look at her.

She throws me a small smile and pulls on my hand as she gets to her feet.

We leave the garden and start to walk down the street, our feet carrying us wherever we please. I notice that she throws me side-glances every now and then, so when I’m sure that I can talk without having a breakdown, I turn to her.

“How’d you find out?”

“Carter.” she explains quietly. “He came over after I noticed you were gone. We phoned your house and your grandmother told us everything.”

I nod. “So, does that mean you and Carter came here together?” I ask with a frown.

I know how they both aren’t keen on each other so I find it hard to picture the two of them as travel buddies.

She nods and lets out a little chuckle. “Yeah, I know we haven’t always seen eye to eye but he’s not so bad … you know, for a jerk.”

For the first time in forty-eight hours, I crack a genuine smile.

“I can’t argue with that.” I tell her. “He does have his moments.”

She grins and then suddenly turns serious. “Look, obviously there’s the big elephant in the room that we haven’t discussed – and you probably don’t want to – because I’m sure you’re sick of hearing the same clichéd bullshit people spout at times like this … but, I want you to know that I can do whatever you need me to. That’s all I’m gonna say.”

I stare at her and then let out a chuckle. “You know, you’re the first person who’s said something so …
honest.”

She flashes me that killer grin. “Hey, I’m just trying to be nice to my ass of a flatmate – even when he doesn’
t always deserve it … but in this case, I have no choice but to make an exception.”

I can’t help it but I laugh loudly at that. “You know, you’re one bizarre girl, Nerd Girl.”

She shrugs. “Hey, I gotta work with what I’ve got. Lack of style and average looks only get you so far. I have to rely on my weird yet – hopefully sparkling – personality.”

Damn. I never knew she could be this
cute.

I shake my head
at her and find that I can’t stop laughing.

“What?” she asks with a frown.

“Nothing.” I say. “Just thanks.”

“For what?”

“Making me forget for five minutes.” I tell her quietly, as we head back to the house.

Chapter Twenty-Seven

Temperance

So, it’s been three hours since Priestly buried his father and as much as I admire him for being strong and holding it together, I can’t help but wonder when he’s finally going to crack. The reality of the situation has yet to hit him and if I’m being honest, I’m worried.

H
e’s barely spoken to anyone and Carter’s previous comments about Priestly not being able to handle bad situations haven’t made me feel any better. In fact, I’m even more concerned about him.

Carter and I found him sitting outside a while ago but he hasn’t said a word. So, we’ve just been sitting with him, debating about whether to speak or not.

“So, how long are you gonna stay at home?” Carter asks, finally breaking the silence surrounding us all.

I throw him a warning glance before turning to Priestly.

Priestly shrugs. “I don’t know. I haven’t thought about it I guess. I suppose I’ll see what help my mum needs and take it from there.”

Carter nods and I
squeeze Priestly’s hand sympathetically.

He throws us a strained smile and then stifles a yawn. “Look, I appreciate you guys coming down here but I just kind of want to be alone. No offence.”

I nod. “It’s no problem. We should be heading back anyway. I want to get home as early as I can for the break. Call us if you need anything.” I add, handing him his phone.

“Yeah. We’re here for you man.” Carter chips in, punching Priestly on the shoulder.

“Thanks. See you guys later.” he responds, getting to his feet. “I’m gonna head for a walk.”

I watch him leave the garden and turn to Carter. “Do you think he’ll be okay?”

Carter glances at Priestly’s retreating figure and then turns back to me.

“I’m sure he’ll be fine.”

However, I’m pretty sure that neither of us believe that.

***

Priestly

My life is severely fucked up and I have no idea how to fix it.

Bad shit just seems to keep coming my way.

And to make matters worse,
I think it’s finally starting to hit me.

I’ve finally realised that m
y dad is dead and he isn’t coming back.

Sure, it was easy to pretend I was fine when Carter and Temperance showed up but now reality is sinking in … and it’s not pretty.

The dam is starting to leak and I don’t like it.

I just can’t get the image of the coffin lying in the church out of my head.

I focus on my feet as I continue walking. I have no destination but all I know is that if I keep walking, I can finally unleash what I’ve been holding back … the pain, the anger … the crushing, agonising weight that has been pressing down on me over the past few days.

As the tears begin to fall, I clench my hands into fists and force myself to continue walking. Finally, I reach a rundown park that I used to go to a lot when I was younger.

I sit down on the half broken swing seat, curling my arm around the rusted chains and let my feet trail over the ground as I push back and forth.

Staring at the ground vacantly, I find myself re
flecting on the past few days of my life. If my father’s death has taught me anything, it’s that life is short.

Forget planning for the future, I intend to live in the now. At the end of the day, that’s what really matters.

After all, you never know what day is going to be your last … so I figure I might as well have fun while I can.

I guess I’d better
start living my life, before it’s too late.

Chapter Twenty-Eight

Temperance

It’s been twenty-four hours since I last spoke to Priestly. I haven’t heard from him since Carter and I left. I know he’s probably spending time with his family right now but that doesn’t stop me from feeling a little worried.

Still, maybe this break from school will do us both the world of good.

I think Priestly just wants some time alone and I really need to spend some time with my family. I
feel guilty that I’ve neglected to contact my parents since I started school. Priestly’s loss has made me realise that I shouldn’t take Mum and Dad for granted.

So, all of that’s about to change … starting now.

“Mum! I’m home!” I yell as I push open the front door.

My mother greets me with a bear hug. “It’s so good to see you!”

She grabs my bags of dirty clothes and makes her way into the kitchen.

“Where’s Dad?” I ask, helping my mother unload my laundry bags.

“Oh, he’s just collecting the Chinese for dinner.” she says absently as she sorts the clothes into two piles.

“Great, I’m starved.” I say, helping her load them into baskets, ready to be washed.

“So, how’s school?” she asks as she loads one basket into the washing machine.

“Really good.” I tell her, taking a seat at the dining table.

“And how’s your room?” she enquires, now flicking on the kettle.

“Um, it’s actually pretty nice.” I say quickly, avoiding her eyeline.

Okay, so I may have neglected to mention that I was flat-sharing with a guy …

“Good, good.” she says, busying herself with making us coffee. “So, made any friends?”

“Yeah, Anson’s cool. You’d like him.” I tell her with a grin.

She raises an eyebrow. “A boy?”

I nod. “It’s not like that though.” I say quickly. “He’s into guys.”

My mother laughs
and takes a seat at the table. “Well, I’m glad to hear that you’re not isolating yourself like you usually do.”

I throw her a smile
and reach for my mug. “Yeah, I’m growing out of the loner phase.” I tell her with a wink.

“You do seem to be coming out of your shell more.” she notes with a smile.

“Yeah, well living with Priestly will do that to you.” I say without thinking.

Shit. I need to stop doing that!

“Uh, who’s Priestly and why do you live with him?” my mother asks, looking slightly alarmed.

Oops.

“Well, there was an issue with Housing.” I explain quickly. “He’s okay Mum. He’s a good guy and he’s just a friend.”

“That doesn’t make me feel any better Temperance.” she declares with a frown.

“Look, I’m fine with it. Besides, I feel safe with him.” I admit as I help myself to a biscuit.

“Still, I don’t like it.” my mother declares.

“You don’t know him Mum.” I say defensively. “It’s not fair to judge him. Besides, he’s had it tough enough lately.”

“Oh? How so?”

“His father died a couple of days ago.” I tell her solemnly.

“Oh dear.
How’s he taking it?” she asks quietly.

“I don’t know. I haven’t heard from him lately.”

“I’m sorry. You’re worried about him.” she states, looking me in the eye.

I nod. “Yeah. His friend – Carter – says that he doesn’t handle things like this well.”

“Well, just let him know you’re there if he needs you.” my mother says wisely.

“I know.” I say. “I just hope he listens.”

***

Priestly

So, life at home without my father sucks ass. I’ve been alone for two days now and I’m having a hard time dealing with reality.

Mum is a mess.

Ariana is a mess.

And I’m beyond help since the only friend I’ve had contact with is good old Jack Daniels.

My old man would be so proud! Or not.

But whatever, I promised myself I would live in the now … so that’s exactly what I’ve been doing.

Granted, drinking your way to insobriety might not be the best plan but it’s the only one I can manage right now.

I heave a sigh as my phone bleeps for the hundredth time.

Glancing at the screen, I read the text from Temperance.

‘Im still here.’

Three words.

That’s all it takes for me to feel something for the first time in forty-eight hours.

Man, I really don’t deserve her sympathy. In fact, I’m pretty sure if she saw me right now, she’d launch into one of her tirades. And honestly, I don’t know if I could cope with seeing her look so disappointed in me.

Fuck.

I’ve made a mess of things and there’s nobody else to blame but me.

Heaving a sigh, I debate calling her.

Fuck knows why since I’d only be tormenting myself.

However, I’m saved from committing what is sure to be self-inflicted torture when Carter’s name flashes up on the screen.

“Hey man, how are you?” he asks as soon as I answer.

I breathe out a long sigh. “Drunk?” I say with a humourless laugh.

“Fuck dude, really? You need to keep your shit together for the sake of your mum.” he orders, sounding pissed.

“Oh fuck you Carter.” I spit back. “I can do whatever the fuck I want.”

“Clearly.” he replies stonily. “Look, call me when you’re sober.”

With that, he hangs up, leaving me alone with my fucked up thoughts.

So much for living in the now … the now sucks no matter if you’re drunk or sober.

***

Temperance

It’s now been a week since I’ve heard from Priestly and I’m starting to freak out … something that my mother has seemed to notice.

“Are you sure there’s nothing more going on between you two?” she asks as I heave a sigh, throwing my phone into my bag.

“I keep getting his stupid voicemail.” I say, deliberately avoiding her question.

She raises an eyebrow. “Are you dating this boy?” she
asks directly, obviously fed up with my vagueness on the subject.

“No.” I tell her adamantly
, fiddling with my cup of coffee.

“Leave her alone.”
my dad tells my mother, looking at her over his newspaper.

My mother scowls at him and then leaves the room, admitting defeat.

“Thanks.” I say to my dad.

He throws me a kind smile. “No problem kiddo. You know your mother is harmless but she can get carried away sometimes.”

I bite back a laugh. “I’ll say. I just don’t get it dad.”

“Get what?” he asks,
folding up the newspaper.

“Why he doesn’t want to talk to me.”

I watch as he heaves a sigh and rubs his face wearily. “I know I’m going to regret asking this but … why are you so annoyed about it? Deep down, what’s the real reason?”

“Because I care about him … and I thought he might have cared about me too.” I admit sadly.

“Why do you say that as if you don’t know for sure?” my father asks.

I shrug. “It just doesn’t seem like he does. After all, he
is
avoiding me.”

My father looks at me seriously. “Well, I’m going to tell you right now. He does
care.”

I roll my eyes. “Of course you’d say that.”

He frowns at me. “Temperance, listen to me. Guys operate very differently from girls. I’m pretty sure the reason he’s avoiding you is because he doesn’t want you to see him when he’s at his worst.”

“So, you think that means he does care?” I ask unsurely.

My father shakes his head. “No. I don’t
think
, I
know
he cares. Look, I did the same thing with your mother. Without going into detail, I went through a rough patch when I was younger and your mother kept her distance but reminded me every now and again that she was still there for me. Eventually, I worked through it and well, now here we are. So, just be patient Temperance. He’ll come around when he’s ready.”

“Thanks Dad.” I say, standing up to give him a hug.

He throws me a small smile and picks up his paper again. “No problem. Oh, and kiddo, not a word to your mother … I’d never hear the end of it.”

I laugh and nod. “Your secret’s safe with me.”