As long as I remembered, we lost dad when I was younger, I barely remembered him. It had always been mom and I … and the Jowels, they were like family. We spent a lot of time together. Holidays, birthdays and lots of dinners. It was a lot of fun till Robert stopped showing up, then it became awkward for me because everyone knew I was the reason why though no one could come up with what I had done to deserve his attitude towards me.
After helping mom with dinner, I went up to the bathroom to wash down before the Jowels arrived, mom didn't even have to tell me we were expecting them. We had a sort of routine with them.
I was rubbing soap all over my body when I felt someone behind me. I tried not to panic as I quickly rinsed off soap suds from my face.
I gasped in surprised when I saw mom standing at the door with a mischievous smile.
'Mom,' I whined as I clenched my chest to slow my racing heart. 'Oh shush darling, you shouldn't be so jumpy,' she laughed. She walked to the spot I left an uncovered toothpaste and close cap, I forgot to do that earlier.
'The Jowels are joining us for dinner,' she said, avoiding my eyes studiously as she picked my dirty clothes on the floor, I meant to do later. This wasn't really news but before I could say anything, she hurried away with my load of dirty laundry. Weird.
I was really trying not to think about him, but my mind automatically wondered if he would show up. Walking out to my closet, I picked out a flattering cream long sleeved top and a pleated black flare skirt . It seemed like I picked this outfit for him, but I really didn't. I just wanted to look good for myself, not because he may show up because of our ''encounter'' earlier.
I was wondering where my mascara was when my phone rang, a quick glance at the screen told me it was that cheating jerk-faced jerk. I disconnected the call and focused on looking good... for myself of course . My phone lit up a couple of times and ignored every single call from the Edward. I was in no mood for excuses.
The bell rang which prompted me to go downstairs.
He came.
I took a deep breath as I walked to the Jowels to welcome them. I had no reason to be nervous, it wasn't like mom and I haven't had dinner with them before. I was not going to admit that my nerves could be because of him. Why did he show up this time around? Was it because of the kiss we almost shared? If he thought I was going to fall for his charms easily, he had another thing coming.
Shar pulled me out of my thoughts when she ran over to engulf me in a perfumed hug. She handed me some chocolate bars.
'Are you okay?' she asked sympathetically. Yes, I was. I could handle his presence here. I was a big girl.
'Did the poopy-head try calling you to give excuses for his cheating?', she asked angrily as she pulled me in for another hug. Oh right! I was supposed to be heartbroken over Edward, not thinking about her brother.
Focus Emily.
After she was convinced I was not going to burst into spontaneous tears, we went over to her family. They had already moved to the dinning area and exchanging pleasantries with mom. Shar was talking my ear off about some reading material she got from a bookshop. Normally I'd have tons of follow up questions but I was a bit distracted. As we sat around the table, I made sure to avoid direct eye contact with Robert. The adults were at one end of the table to chat freely and I didn't have much of a choice when I ended up sitting between Shar and him.
'What are we watching at your place tonight? I'm in the mood for gore.' I asked Shar conversationally as we dug in to our food, I was hanging out with her after dinner and possibly sleeping over. I sorta had a few drawers filled with my stuff in her room so I didn't need to pack. We are practically sisters anyway.
'Am I invited?' Robert joked.
Shar opened her mouth in shock and I think I mirrored her reaction. It was unlike him to talk in my presence and he was joking around with me?! She recovered quicker than I did and rolled her eyes at him.
'Show me your boobs then you'll be welcomed,' she answered with a satisfied smirk which had Robert laughing out loud. Our parents looked up at us in surprise. I guess I wasn't the only one who noticed his odd behaviour.
'Are you sure we shouldn't do our usual romance sessions?' Shar asked after swallowing a morsel of food.
'Girls and romance.' Robert muttered under his breath but I heard him clearly. Shar must have heard him too cause she flicked him a glare of annoyance.
'Let's go with horror, I don't think I can stomach love right now,' I grumbled and pushed food around my plate. I was still feeling sour about the whole Edward thing.
'I hate being dumped.' I said with a soft sigh.
Shar dropped her cutlery with a loud clang and declared, 'You did not get dumped, you did the dumping. Stop moping and get on with your life.'
I was tempted to applaud her passion but I doubt she would appreciate it.
'Sharon, I saw him with Jeanette making out today. The day isn't over yet and I can't just snap my fingers and get over it.' I had forgotten about everyone around us when I responded. 'I get that he is an ass but …' Robert's laughter interrupted me. He stopped when I glared at him. I could overhear Robert's mom discreetly trying to ask my mom who Edward was.
Great.
'Edward was my ex.' I spoke clearly, looking pointedly at Mrs. Jowels. Mom studied my face for a while. 'I'm sorry, baby.' she said. 'Don't sweat it mom, you never liked him anyway.' I stood up.
'Emily, he's an idiot to let you go.' Robert said, meeting my eyes. An emotion I refused to name sprung in me.
I turned and walked away.