I was watching dad who was pacing around the living room in front of me like when someone has dropped a huge bomb in your house waiting to be blown and you have no idea where it is while I was relaxed on the couch with mom beside me waiting for him to say something or have his 'infamous talk' for god's sake.
Finally not able to take this anymore, I moved in closer to mom and whispered over to her, "I can't take anymore of this awkward silence. Why isn't he saying something?" Mom looked at me giving me the look as if saying 'Are you crazy?' I doubted I will if he'll just keep pacing around like a mad man.
"You know why, Aly. He's trying to calm himself." I shrugged my shoulders in response as if somehow telling her 'he was overreacting'.
"I can't take this pacing of his anymore. If he isn't speaking now then I am." I sat up straight on the sofa when mom grabbed my hand and jerked me back to my relaxing position. I doubted dad had seen any of it since it all occurred in less than a millisecond.
"No, you're not going to do anything like that, Aly. You're going sit down quietly like a good girl and wait for him to speak up." I looked over to mom with disbelief quietly thinking to myself that what did she even see in this man before marrying him? Mom in return had a serious face and not once looked over at me. I could feel my temper rising but took deep breaths to calm myself before it went over the edge. And when I say, my temper has gone over the edge, I mean it. Anger issues.
"I'm not that girl anymore who's going to sit around and listen to dad while he's going to scream at me for no reason at all." I could see her shaking her head at me from the corner of my eye.
"Oh Aly, my naïve Aly..." Her voice was barely audible but eventually I heard it and looked over at her with a raised eyebrow.
"What are you talking about?" She opened her mouth to speak but closed it as soon as she saw dad had stopped pacing around and was now looking at us (more like me). Although I stared him right in the eye not breaking eye contact, it felt as if the two of us were having a staring contest of who's gonna back down first but I'm not going to let him win this time. Luckily, he closed his eyes and cleared his throat, a nervous habit that I had adopted from him, before opening his eyes again.
"Alicia, I'm trying to be lenient with you here, so listen carefully to what I tell you. Is that clear?" I furrowed slightly while he said those words.
Him? Lenient? Why do I get the feeling this talk is going to be in-te-res-ting...?
Nonetheless, I gave him a swift nod before standing up from the couch and walking over to him so that we were face to face with each other although I actually had to look up since I was much shorter than him. He cleared his throat once again before he began.
"First of all, I have no idea where you got that new confidence from but it's annoying me now so I suggest you fix it soon-" I opened my mouth to speak but he went on saying as if I wasn't even in there even though I knew that he knew I was there and listening to each and every single word of his. "Second, what you did today was really shameful and it must not happen again. You should know by now that I do not tolerate embarrassment whether it's from family or an outsider." He stopped to take a breath and I took that as an opportunity to speak up for myself.
"Now you listen here, because I've heard enough of your "I'm the boss here" speech. You know what dad? When I told you about Acadia, I knew you were going to be beyond angry but your response, oh that so amazing response of yours changed my opinion and I thought maybe you have changed since the encounter with Nate and maybe your trying to be happy for your kids because you actually love them. But no, I was wrong. Man like you can never change and the only thing they'll ever care about is their business, pride and what benefits them." I saw him open his mouth but continued on ignoring him. I was in mood of listening to his 'I'm the boss here' speech again. "No, don't even dare to say what you did was for our best because if it would have been for our best then Nate wouldn't have left. He would have been here, happy and a part of his own family. What type of father are you who kicked his own son out of his house? Do you even know how if he's alive? Do you even know where the heck is he? Hell, do you even know if he's alive or not? I'm sorry to say Mr Kalvin Dean Troy, but you failed to be a good father!"
"ALICIA!" This earned me a slap from none other than my incredible father. Tears welled up in my eyes as I remembered the day when Nate had been in place of me and I'd been watching the whole scene while crying for my brother as he was being kicked out of his own house. I realized the situation today is the same as that, the only difference being that Nate had someone who cared for him but me? I guess not. I hastily wiped away the tears that had escaped and faced my father, my eyes filled with agony.
"And you just proved it. Congratulations dad, you're a free man now. No responsibilities, nothing to worry about. Isn't that what you've always wanted right? Anyways, wish you both a happy life. And mom, you're always welcome to call me whenever you feel like it. Goodbye!" I walked out of the room, extremely proud of myself. Nate was right. I should've done this a long time before. The only thing I don't understand is how did mom manage to live with this man for her whole life when his own children couldn't even complete their 18 years of life?
I went up to my room and started packing my things. I can't live in this house now. Thank god I've already been accepted at Acadia. I already have a flight in the morning so I'll just spend the hours at the airport. It won't be that bad now, would it?
"Clothes: check. Shoes: check. Important papers: check. Accessories: check. Toiletries: check." I quickly went over from my bags to my mattress and grabbed the mattress pulling it over as I bent down a little so the mattress and me were now on same level. I pulled out the $700 from under the mattress that I had kept for emergencies. Specially ones like these. Keeping the money on the bedside table, I went over my closet and changed into a white crop top and denim skinny jeans, adding some knee high boots and a black leather jacket to it. My hair hung lose around my back in wavy curls. I went back in my room and placed the money in my jeans pocket. Pulling my mobile from charging, I placed it inside my other one.
Now how to get out of here? I had 2 suitcases and 1 handbag. Dad's car is not here since he probably left the minute I walked out of that room. He goes out whenever he's beyond angry. So, my only option is the cab. But..... I do have another idea. Although, I'm not quiet sure if it's gonna work or not. Nonetheless, I should give it a try.
So the next thing I knew was that I was calling Paul. And that sleepy head wasn't picking up. I was about to give up when I heard his deep voice through the phone though I spoke up quickly cutting off whatever he was murmuring.
"Hey um, can I get a favor?"
"Aly, do you even know what time is it?" He stifled a yawn before continuing. "What could you possibly need at this hour?"
"Well, I need a ride."
"And...?"
"And your my only hope so please don't say no, it's just a half hour ride. Please!!" A few minutes went by before he finally spoke up.
"Alright. I'll be there in 5." Was the only thing he said before disconnecting. I didn't have time to feel sorry for waking him up in the middle of the night so I quickly grabbed my bags and made my way outside my room.
The house was unusually quiet. It felt empty as if no one lived in here but I knew better. Mom had probably gone to sleep hoping that things would go back to normal by tomorrow. Guess she's going to get the second biggest shock of her life finding my room empty. The first one was when Nate had left.
I walked down the stairs as quietly as I could. I wasn't in the mood of waking up mom because I'm sure I won't be able to escape once she's awake. The last of the stairs creaked under my boots as I stepped past it. I slowly made my way towards the front door not wanting to hurry.
As I stood in front of the door, I turned around to take one final glance at my home. Beige walls, crystal chandeliers, wooden stairs, tiled floor. Not one bit had changed in the past 17 years of my life. My eyes dropped to the frames that hung on the second wall on my right. Me and Nate used to call it 'The Memories Wall'. Why? That's because all the memories from our childhood to teens was there. Each and everyone of them. Tears stung in my eyes as they landed on the large frame in the center of the wall. It was a photo of all 4 of us though me and Nate were still young in them. I was 10 and Nate was 13. We had gone to the fair because I'd been complaining about it the whole week. It was a happy day. Our family wasn't like it is today. We were all together and happy.
I just stood there smiling at the memories as tears were running down my cheeks. And then I heard honk of a car and suddenly I remembered that I had to leave. I hastily wiped away the tears and grabbed my suitcases which were piled up on the floor beside me. Paul must be getting really angry on me for keeping him waiting too long. Curse my life!
Paul turned and looked at me as I closed the door behind me. "I've been waiting here honking like a maniac for like 5 minutes. Your neighbours must be cursing me under their breaths." I chuckled at his remark as I made my way towards the back of the car.
"Sorry, I got carried away. By the way, you actually came." He came out of his car a minute later as I stood there with my luggage.
"You didn't want me to come?" He asked looking over to me with a shocked expression as he started picking up my bags.
"I wouldn't have called you in the first place if I didn't want you here." He chuckled as he put in the last of the bags and closed the trunks as we made our way inside the car. His was a grey Porsche Panamera.
"Where are you going?" He finally asked after what seemed like forever. In truth, I was waiting for him to ask me that since I knew it was coming up. What surprised me was that he actually waited this long. It won't seem that long to you but it actually feels to me, believe it or not.
"Acadia. I have a flight to catch in the morning." I didn't elaborate much.
"When exactly in the morning?" He said giving me a sideways glance with narrowed eyes.
"9 a.m." I lied as smoothly as I could. Actually it's supposed to take off at 12 and we had to reach the airport by 9. Since my situation isn't very well, I decided I'll just wait at the airport.
"9?? And you're going there now?" His tone was shocked. Of course anyone would be. They'd probably think I'm crazy or I'm just a huge fan of airports. Which in all honesty, I am.
"Yes." I replied hoping he would stop with the interrogation.
"Oookayyyy..." He said dragging along the word.
The rest of the drive went by quiet and I was grateful for that. I stared out the window trying to ignore Paul's curious glances he's been giving me since we stopped talking. I knew he wanted to know the Why's? How's? When's? Where's? et cetera but was kind enough not to ask. Hey, did I just call him kind?? I silently laughed to myself at my own thoughts. We finally reached the airport after another 5 minutes. I quickly got out of the car and went towards the trunk with Paul right behind me. He opened it and took out my luggage. I took the handbag from him and swung it over my right shoulder.
"Thank you so much Paul for the ride." I said as soon as Paul closed his trunk.
"Your welcome." We stayed there staring at each other for a few minutes before Paul pulled me into a hug yet again.
"I'll miss you sister. Please come back soon." I hugged him back while patting his back.
"I'll miss you too brother. Take care." I said and he pulled away. He waved at last and went away to sit in his car. I watched as Paul went away until I could only imagine his car.
Come on Alicia. You can do this.
I took in a deep breath before grabbing my bags and made my way inside the waiting area knowing that the flight was hours away. As soon as I put my bags away, I decided to get a cup of coffee to keep me awake. On my way to the shops, my phone rang.
"Oh no..." I said as I stared at the screen which was now showing mom's call. I thought she'd actually figure out I'm gone an hour or so later but this was early and I had no idea what to say.
I slowly debated with myself if I should answer or not. Should I? No, if I do, she'll come running down here and pull me back with her to the house. It's better if she doesn't know for now, although I'm not saying she won't later. God please don't let her guess sooner that I'm at the airport. Please.
So I decided to wait for the call to end and just when it did I quickly switched off my phone and went over to get my coffee.
I woke up a few hours later and noticed that it was morning now. Although, the adrenaline from the coffee did help me stay awake for like just a few minutes, I remember going to sleep after trying to stay awake for like 5 minutes or less. I grabbed my phone from the table beside me and switched it on. The time showed 9:26 a.m. which brought a smile on my face but was quickly gone away as soon as I saw all the missed calls and messages from mum and surprisingly dad too. So he does care. I scoffed and dismissed all the notifications before playing some games.
'Come on, come on. It's almost there.' I was currently playing subway surfers and trying to beat my highscore that is 8, 207, 865. Probably the most lowest in all of US.
I was so engulfed in the game that I didn't even notice someone sitting beside me and hearing them talk to me. Seriously, the guy had to actually shout in my ear to bring me back to reality and acknowledge his presence.
"Oh...um...hi. Sorry I was busy...playing, so...didn't see ya there." I told him awkwardly knowing that he must be thinking 'What a freak' or 'Weirdo' or something like that. Way to make first impression Eve.
"Nah it's alright. I'm Kieran." I shoved my mobile in my jeans pocket before turning over to him and taking a good look. 6' 10 tall, and petite with tan skin, the guy looked friendly. He has expressive, narrow black eyes, a narrow nose, and a round chin with closely shaved dark brown hair wearing a casual black shirt that showed off his muscles and blue jeans. Hmm not bad. I quickly cleared my thought and answered the gu- I mean Marcus.
"Alicia" I say and he looks up at me from his phone with a shocked expression. Okay I know I ignored the poor guy but seriously it's not that weird that I was actually trying to talk.
"Well I'll just call you Alice. How's dat?" Marcus said in a teasing tone.
"Alice? Why not Aly?"
"Because....."
"Because...?"
"Because I just want too." He finally says and then looks away from me but not before I catch a faraway look in his eyes.
"Alright then. Anyways, are you going to Acadia too?" I asked hoping too distract him from whatever he was thinking about and actually hoping that he'd say yes. The guy was fun and I really didn't wanted to be left all alone on my first day.
"Oh yeah, you too?" He said with that smile of his that easily came up on his face.
"Yup." I said popping the 'p'. And that marked the beginning of mine and Marcus's conversation. He was nice, friendly and easy to talk to although I admit I wasn't. So mostly he was the one making conversations and asking me questions. Though I did ask him some questions too but overall it was fun talking to him. Time passed and I didn't even know that it was almost time for the flight until I heard the flight attendants speak through the speakers.
'Good afternoon passengers. This is the pre-boarding announcement for flight 89B to Louisville. We are now inviting those passengers with small children, and any passengers requiring special assistance, to begin boarding at this time. Please have your boarding pass and identification ready. Regular boarding will begin in approximately ten minutes time. Thank you.'
"Well I guess this it it, but I really hope we can meet each other again at Acadia soon." He said as he stood up taking his bags. I noticed he wasn't having much luggage. Oh well, guys will remain guys.
"Yeah, me too. It was nice meeting you." I stood up as well and took my bags as me and Marcus started making our way towards the desk.
"Same." I heard him say from behind me and I knew that moment it's going to be a long day. I hope the flight goes well and I don't get sick like everytime it happens. I'm not a fan of travelling.
I took my seat beside the window seeing as the rest of the seats beside me were empty and how I wish they'd remain that way but I knew better. I was busy playing with my phone as I felt someone sit beside me, I didn't bother glancing since I was too busy playing temple run.
"It seems we meet again." I heard an all too familiar voice speak up from beside me and I paused the game quickly and looked up to meet those black eyes staring back at me intensely almost as if trying to read my mind. Was that even possible?
"Kieran." I said as a huge grin came over my face. We both sat there talking as a middle aged lady came over and sat beside Marcus.
"Hi there lady. I'm Kieran and this, my friend here, is Alicia. Nice meeting you." I was a little worried when Marcus made the introductions cuz not everyone is friendly you know but I let out a huge sigh as the lady gave the two of us a huge smile before replying back.
"Hey Kieran, Alicia. I'm Lorelei. It's nice meeting you too." While the two of them were talking, I put on my seatbelt as the captain prepared to take off. Although heights didn't scare me, that sound that came off when the plane runs on the runway scares me a bit. It's so creepy and damn loud that sometimes I think I'll go deaf by the time the plane's in the air. I placed my phone in my lap before covering my ears as the plane started to take off.
"You scared of heights?" I heard Marcus ask me from beside me.
"No, I just don't like the noise it makes." I told him and relaxed into my seat as we made it to the air. The last thing I remembered was that I was finally going to Acadia before I drifted off into a peaceful sleep.
"Alicia!!!" I quickly sat up in my seat as someone screamed in my ear. For a minute, I felt I really deaf as I looked around my surroundings trying to remember why the heck was I on a plane? When suddenly everything came back to me like a bolt and a huge grin came over my face before I turned over to Kieran who was looking at me with that look on his face that says 'Are you okay?'.
"Have we landed?" I asked hoping he'd say yes and then I'd run outta the plane dancing like a maniac.
"No, but we will in probably 20 minutes." He still had that expression on his face as my expression went from happy to annoyed. "Are you okay?"
"No, why did you wake me up when we aren't there yet?" I asked him annoyed that he interrupted my beauty sleep for no reason whatsoever.
"Did you not hear me? I said we'll be there in 20 minutes. And by the way you were sleeping, I assumed it'd take more than 10 minutes to get you fully awake. What surprises me is that my estimation was right." The only response I gave him at that was an eye roll before turning away from him and looking out the window. I could make out small shapes from the below although they weren't too clear to assume as buildings.
"By the way, your parents were calling you when you were asleep." I looked over to Marcus as he handed me my iPhone. I opened it to check that I indeed had 10 missed calls and 4 messages. No wonder they're from mom and dad. I locked my phone and stuffed it inside my pocket as I looked up at the screen in front of me to see what movie is playing but eventually looked away after 5 minutes of trying to figure out what movie was that even. You see, I'm not the kind of girl who likes watching movies much and the only genre that interests me in watching some are mostly horror or comedy plus Netflix. Now who wouldn't like watching movies on Netflix?
As promised we landed 20 minutes later as I stood up from my seat and walked straight inside the airport with Kieran right behind me.
"So, luggage?" I asked him teasingly as we walked towards the luggage area.
"No, let's run away to Acadia, we'll surely get some luggage from the university, right?" He looked at me with a smirk and I rolled my eyes in response. It seems I've been doing that a lot lately. Oh well, who cares?
Finding luggage wasn't easy at all specially when our luggage was one of the last ones to come out. The only thing I don't understand is why? I mean we had boarded on the first call means our luggage was probably among the first ones. But anyways, after waiting for more like half an hour, we finally got our luggage and now we (Marcus and me) were on our way to Acadia in a cab we had gotten from the airport. The driver told us it was a 15 minutes ride from here so in the meantime, I decided to call and check up on my parents as Marcus was being Marcus.
"Eve! Where are you? We have been looking for you all night long when Paul informed us that you left for the airport so we remembered you had your flight to Louisville. I am really sorry, Eve, and your dad is sorry abou-" Mom had started blabbing as she picked up the phone and she didn't knew it. It's a nervous habit.
"Dad? Sorry? Are you serious?" I asked into the phone with venom in my voice. As hard as it is to do, believing that dad felt sorry for me was harder.
"Aly, you know he didn't mean it. He was angry beca-" I cut her off again. This talk is not going to end well.
"He was angry? And what about me, huh? What about the things he did to me? Don't you realize how hurt I felt when all that happened? I thought dad was really trying to change for me an-"
"He is Aly, he is Aly. He's really trying to change for you but certain circumstances make it hard to do so. You know your dad and you speaking up against him was something much more worse than he would have thought. Try to understa-"
"Oh forget it, Mom. That man's not going to change and I'm not gonna waste my time trying to explain myself to him for nothing. And you know what? Stop believing that he'll ever change because that's not gonna happen anytime soon. But now that both of his kids have left, maybe he will. But who cares? I certainly do not. Have a great life, Mom!" And I disconnected the line before switching off my phone and putting it inside my jacket. I looked up to see Marcus staring at me with that 'I'm studying you' look of his. My mood wasn't that great at the moment so I got annoyed with his expression and frowned at him.
"What?" I snapped glaring at him. I didn't want to take out my anger on him so I took deep breaths and saw him raising his eyebrows in response.
"You okay?" He asked me with concern. Thank god he didn't feel bad about me snapping at him.
"Yeah I'm fine. Just.....some problems at home." I looked out the car window not wanting to meet his intense gaze. I felt his eyes linger on me for a few more minutes before he turned around and the ride was awfully quiet for the rest of the journey.
As we got out of the car, my eyes went directly towards the huge building that stood before me. Okay, did I ever mention how exactly Acadia University looked in appearance? I guess not. Well I have one word to describe it. It's GRANDIOSE!