One Last... Call

Style

- Dale -

My whole family had decided that we should binge watch movies while having pizza for dinner. Dad was more concerned about me not leaving my room for the past week or so and I totally get him. After all, he didn't want a repeat of me nearly killing myself last year and didn't want me to go down into depression. Mum set up the whole lounge room so we could all be on the floor, either lying down or sat right up with our backs against the couches. I liked this family bonding time that we always have.

"Mum, Dad, can I uhm... go to this street party tomorrow?" I asked quietly. They were so focused on watching the movie that was on screen right now. I can hear from my side Keri snickering underneath a pillow. I rolled my eyes when she noticed me staring at her. 

"Yeah sure, I don't see like it's a big problem. Besides you're an adult now Dale, and you should be able to handle yourself, right?" Dad said rather  straightforward.

"And you gotta enjoy life sometimes Dale. Jeez you've been up your bedroom these past few weeks that we are all worried about you." Mum scooted closer to me, then pulling me in for a hug. 

"I'm sorry if I worry you guys so much. You know how much academics meant to me." I whispered, still snuggled to her. Mum rubbed my back with her palms. It felt soothing and gentle.

"I'm more worried about you and Connor. You haven't gone back to your apartment with him. Is he... okay?" She asked, concerned in her eyes, as she held me with both her hands on my arms. Dad was not even paying attention anymore to the more and turned more towards me and Mum. Keri can't seem to be bothered, knowing that she might have an idea already.

I took a deep breath before starting, while at the same time I felt my phone in my pocket vibrating. I took it out barely enough for me to see who was trying to contact me. It was Connor.

A small smile crept to my face. "Yeah I think we're slowly working things out. Just taking a few steps at a time, you know." I replied to them, reassuring. 

Mum gave me that we'll be here if you need us look. Dad pat her shoulder then she returned her focus on the movie. I pulled my phone out, breaking our no phones allowed rule while watching movie. I just needed to see Connor's message.

C: Be ready by ten minutes before midnight.

I checked the clock on the wall. Great, we've been watching movies for like hours now and it's almost half past eleven and I only have fifteen minutes to get ready.

"Can I excuse myself? I'm really tired." I got up from where I was sitting. My parents still had their eyes glued to the movie. "Sure Dale, have a good night."

"I'll go to bed as well. Night Mum, night Dad." Keri followed shortly after. We both went up stairs into our own bedrooms.

"I'm watching you. Night Dale." Keri gave me her death glare. I slammed my door shut and got ready as fast as I could. It was too cloudy and the wind felt cold when I slightly opened my window. I decided to put on plaid shirt and a hoodie on top of it just to keep me warm and  some skinny jeans that looked like someone had ripped them randomly. I sat on my bed and waited patiently until the time arrived. My phone vibrated once more.

C: I'm here x

As I looked out through my window, I saw a car pull over without its headlights on. It was hard to make out but I was sure that it was Connor's car that stopped. I grabbed my keys from my desk and put on some cologne for good measure.

Lucky for me, there was a roof just outside my window. It was wide enough for me to step on. When I was about to make my way out, someone slammed my door wide open. I turned around and noticed Keri standing, smug. "I knew you were sneaking out tonight."