The Red Flag

Part LXXXV - "Doing what's best"

I slowly glanced around the kitchen table. Lily's eyes remained glued on the t.v. while  Aralyn chatted with Regina about her future plans for work. Chris, for some reason, stayed in his office.

"Is it me or has he been spending more time in there than usual?" I asked myself.

Hell if I know. I prefer not to get involved with the relatives. It's best not to get too attached.

"You make it sound as if we're not going to make it out of this alive."

Well. . .

"Wait, wh-"

"So, Amelia, how's work been?" Regina asked.

It took a solid minute for me to refocus my attention. My mind was racing a mile a minute and I couldn't stop. My heart sped up in my chest like it was on the verge of sending me into a panic attack. Exactly how much was I underestimating our situation?

I looked up from the table to find all three of them staring at me.

"Huh?"

"How's work been?" Regina repeated.

I shrugged. "Oh, uh- it's been okay. No busier than usual, I guess."

"You should invite him over," she suggested.

"Not a chance in hell."

My eyes widened in terror. The words flew out of my mouth before I even had a chance to process them. Once again, Mia's disposition towards Elijah had surpassed my mental defenses. Goddamnit.

I didn't even bother picking my head up that time. I could already feel their shocked and bewildered expressions burning holes into me. 

"It wouldn't be professional for our work relationship," I tried explaining. Maybe if I threw a bit of logic into the conversation, no one would question my sudden retort against my boss. 

But Aralyn arched a brow in response and proceeded to speak under her breath.

"Why bother when the two of you al- Ow!"

I swung my leg out from under the table, nearly kicking her off the chair. Had she lost her mind? How could she let something like that fall out of her mouth?

Regina checked to see if she was alright while Lily giggled uncontrollably. My eyes narrowed at Aralyn in irritation as she realized what she almost let slip out. She offered a weak smile in reparation for her mishap.

Tell me again why we're friends with her? And you wonder why it's crucial we don't tell her anything.

"I need to talk to someone, otherwise I'm stuck talking to you," I thought to myself.

Hey, you say it like it's a bad thing. I'll have you know that I am wonderful company to have around.

"Oh yeah? Name one person who actually enjoys your presence," I challenged back.

Touche, sweetheart. Touche.   

I struggled to suppress a laugh, one that would have surely made me look insane. Granted, there was truly nothing sane about this picture. Here I was sitting at a table with real, actual people and I was choosing to have a conversation with my alternate personality instead. This girl gave me nightmares, insulted everything about my existence, has straight up bullied random people, and- yet- has the ability to make me laugh.

Jesus Christ, I'm convinced that padded rooms were invented for people like me. 

"Aralyn, I want you to come look for apartments with me tomorrow," I said abruptly.

Once more everyone at the table turned their heads towards me. Even Lily pulled her attention away from the t.v.. Regina set down her fork.

"Really, Amelia?" Regina questioned. She started entwining her finger- something she only did when she was feeling weary. The cautious look on her face made me feel as though I needed to provide an explanation.

I sat back in my chair. "Yes. My hours are becoming longer and it's not right to have you and Uncle Chris wait up for me to get home. Plus, it would be a good experience for me."

Regina still remained unsure about my sudden decision.

"It's not that I'm opposed to you moving out, it's just- what's the big hurry? I mean you just moved back from campus. I don't want you rushing into making any rash decisions."

"It's not like I intend on staying here forever," I plainly stated.

I watched her eyes widen. Surely she wasn't that surprised by this. Had I not told her weeks ago that I intended on moving into my own place after graduation?

"I'm not in a rush. And, don't worry. I don't intend on simply buying the first place that I see. . . It's too hard staying here right now."

Regina stayed quiet. God only knows how many nerves I destroyed in that woman just now. It's not as if I wanted to hurt her feelings; but, this was bound to have happened eventually.

"How far away are you moving?" Lily asked with sadness in her voice.

My stomach twisted in knots.

"I'm not sure. Hopefully not too far away," I reassured her.

A painful silence filled the room. I was certain that there was nothing else more for me to say that would ease the tension. But, thankfully, I didn't have to.

Aralyn turned to me, and with a meager smile she spoke.

"No problem. I'd like to help you find a nice place. We'll go after you get back from work tomorrow."

I smiled graciously at her for not only agreeing to come with me but by also breaking the silence. Regina remained quiet in her seat. Her eyes stayed on the table. No doubt her mind was conjuring up numerous scenarios as to why it's a bad idea for me to live on my own.

Deep down, you know she doesn't trust you. She thinks you're unstable. That you're better off staying here where she can keep an eye on you.

"I know. That's why it's best if I leave," I thought.