Our Deep End | ✔️

CHAPTER 23

Author's Note
Hi! I'm finally back from my little break. Back, and better than ever, woooo! I hope you enjoy this chapter. All votes and comments are much appreciated!❤️

Christians POV
"Well, you're home awfully late." My dad says, startling me as I enter the dark foyer. I drop my keys on the coffee table and flip a switch, allowing light to fill the room. I left Elle's house after a few more hours of  enjoying each other's company. Oddly enough, no matter how long we spend together it never feels like enough.

"I forgot you were here." I reply firmly. I don't attempt to make eye contact, as I head to the kitchen. I don't have the time, or energy to waste pretending to feed into his false fatherly imitation.

"That's fair." He trails behind me, in an attempt to continue conversation. It was past midnight, but somehow felt earlier. Now that I'm home I'll probably shower, and see if Elle's still awake. She, and the day we spent together run laps around my mind, allowing jovial feelings to rush through my bloodstream.

"Look son, I'm sorry that I haven't been the best dad recently, but I'm here now and I'm trying. I really am."  He adds, and I actually look at him this time. The somber look in his eyes says it all. I'm not sure whether I wanna call bullshit or not.

"I know." I half smile. I know so much more than he thinks I do, but I can't make that obvious. "And I appreciate it."

He smiles. "Great."

"Don't forget to give me the bank passwords. I have to include some financial information in my college applications." I run a hand through my messy hair, quickly changing the topic. I was in no mood for a heart to heart.

"I already made a list of all the passwords. Check your email, it should be there."

"Awesome, goodnight." I smile awkwardly before leaving to my bedroom. It's extremely weird having him here. The past few weeks I've had to adjust to living alone and being independent. It's been rough at times, but I eventually got used to it and grew rather fond of it. I do what I want, when I want, with who I want. This was perfect practice for college. It's crazy to think that in just a few months I'll be in California, all alone. It pains me to think about life without Elle though.  She'll be here, miles away from me. It's still too early to stress about this. With a sigh, I flop down on my bed lazily. I should call her, and tell her I'm home safe. A grin takes over my lips when I think about how she's the only person who's ever pestered me about stuff like that.

Just as I pick up my phone, it begins to ring. I'm very caught of guard once I see who the caller is.

What the hell does she want?

"Kayla?"

"Hey." She says softly.

"What's up?" I answer, in spite of my raging confusion. I haven't heard from her in awhile, and with the direction my life has been heading, she hasn't crossed my mind much either.

There's a momentary pause that feels a lot longer than it actually was.

"So you and Elle huh?" Her voice is low, and apprehensive.

Suddenly my confusion comes to a halt, while her intentions become abundantly clear. I'm surprised, but at the same time not really. She hasn't reached out to me since Elle and I kissed, and I have no clue why she's now doing so.

"Yeah..." I reply slowly, trying to get a feel for where this conversation is going. Is this the part where I apologize?

I hear a sigh, followed by a scoff on her end of the line.

"Knew it." She mutters under her breath. "Are you guys like...actually together, or just screwing?"

She's got hella nerve asking that.