I don’t want to go there…

My father and I didn’t talk much that night. The level of awkwardness between us was embarrassing. I knew that he was nearly bursting with all the questions he wanted to ask me and all the things he wanted to tell me. Our relationship was never the best, but I don’t think it’s been this strained. Father tells me that we both need to handle this carefully, so he will be giving me enough space.

Fine by me. I am in no hurry to venture through this particular no-man’s land.

***

The next morning, I’m mildly startled by the unfamiliar surrounding as I wake up but before I can panic the memories of the night before flood my mind. I sit silently on the bed as I go through them, one by one as not to overwhelm myself. The hurt I feel is significantly less, but not enough to be called faded.

I really don’t want to go to school today. I don’t want to face whatever awaited me there.

But the other choice was to stay here in this house and face my father.

The choice is easy when comparing the options.

Dressing up in my normal university clothes, I silently collect my bag to slip out of the house. The mansion is far more beautiful in the morning light than in the night, and I feel a pang as it brings forth past memories that I’d rather keep buried.

My plan to sneak out of the house is, however, crushed by Gerald, who stands near the front doors, shooting me knowing glances.

I sigh, “It’s too early for this.”

you’re talking about, Young Master,” Gerald replies haughtily, “I’m just here to give you

“And I can

luck,” he snorts,

his heel and walks away. I walk to follow him, but suddenly, my

take it out. Who is calling me at this hour?

is Jace

Jace!” A perky voice chirps, “My name is Lucinda, and I don’t know if you recognize me, but we went to the same high school and I was the President of the Student

a face for

there. How

I was calling you to notify you of the Annual Alumni Association meeting happening later this afternoon. You

from last year, “I’m sorry about that. I was so

are a lot of people looking forward to

Lucinda sleep at night. She rattles off the address of the venue and makes me promise that I would try to make it. I

I never did have a good time or the dream school life there, especially after the death of my mother in my junior year. I was a right mess after her passing, from which I still haven’t recovered. Regrettably, I’ve turned to numbing my feelings in order to function properly. I try not to think about how fricking unfair it was because I’m afraid once

him. I did not want him or his family to be associated with me. I tried to do the same with Gerald, but that was for naught. Nothing I said ever affected Gerald; he was there in my corner trying to help me, even if it was

and meeting, but I am quite curious about my former

hell, I think, what’s the worst

***

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255