Reaching out to people sometimes doesn't work out the way others intend it to. Inez faced the brute force of those consequences when beginning to tackle the wall that was Sebastian.
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Plagued by loneliness since childhood, seventeen-year-old Inez...
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What A Joke
To say I didn't feel good after that day in the courtyard was an understatement. I was miserable. That was the lightest way to put it. Whether it was thinking about Sebastian, being reminded of him, or having guilt weigh me down, I couldn't let him go like he wanted me to. It all took a large toll on me after four days.
Taking a small bite out of the sandwich Mom made me, I watched as she and Dad packed up the last of their things into small bags before throwing them over their shoulders. We were all in the kitchen as they gathered their bearings, preparing to leave. Dad looked relaxed and a bit relieved to finally be going on vacation. Mom, on the other hand, was a different story.
"Sweetie, you know that you have to lock the doors at all times, just in case?" Mom questioned nervously.
I smiled. "I do, Mom."
"And don't-"
"Don't go outside at night. I know," I assured her, standing up.
She looked me up and down before taking a glance at the sandwich I'd been eating. "I don't know... You've seemed so down these past couple of weeks. You haven't been eating that much food as of recently."
"Mom," I laughed. "I'm fine. You need to focus on your trip."
"But, I'm worried about you. We can stay home if you need us," she whispered, hazel orbs melting me with kindness.
"You don't have to do that. I can cook for myself, keep the doors locked, and do laundry while you're gone. It'll all work out great."
"Should we ask Chrissy to come over? Or a babysitter?" she muttered to herself.
Dad came in that same second, an amused look on his face. "Our baby girl is eighteen years old, and you want a babysitter?"
She smacked Dad's arm. "Stop being a smart Aleck." She turned to me. "Are you sure you'll be okay while we're gone?" Mom asked, eyebrows knit together with worry.
I gave her a small smile, trying to reassure her it was all alright. "I'll be fine. You two focus on your trip and have fun. Chrissy will come over and keep me company if that's what you need."
Mom opened her mouth to argue against me, but dad immediately jumped in. "Honey, it's okay. You know Inez. She's more responsible than we are."
"I know. It's just-"
Dad interrupted her, "Alright, up we go," he sighed, throwing Mom over his shoulders.
