Fireworks

40

My mom's car is in the driveway when I pull up. Of course.

She's always at work by this time. Why today, of all days, must she stay home?

As I drive past the driveway, I peer around the hedges to see if maybe I was imagining her car in the drive from across the road. It's there though, and it's not alone. My dad's car sits right next to it.

My breathing quickens and I speed past the house, pulling back onto the main street.

Well, home isn't an option, then.

I drive to the nearest convenience store and buy a pair of shorts and a plain tee-shirt. I get the travel-size version of the facewash and moisturizer I normally use, and a hairbrush. I grab other miscellaneous objects I think I'll need before checking out. When I get back to my car, I'm stuck. I still have three hours until work, and not much to do.

I drive around for a bit, listening to music in the hopes of distraction, but I've found that I'm absolutely not equipped to deal with this. It's not being alone that's bothering me, it's the fact that I have no plan. I don't know where I'm sleeping tonight, I don't know how long I'll need to make arrangements for: I don't know anything. I hate how stupid my problems are. I put myself into this position, and now I'm acting like a child running away from it all.

I'm in the middle of my downward spiral when my music cuts off and a call comes in.

Dad.

My heart rate spikes again, and I quickly pull into the church parking lot I was passing. I park haphazardly and pick up the phone.

Should I answer? He's with my mom, I don't really want to get yelled at. But I need to talk to him soon anyways about when I'm moving in... if I'm moving in.

"Hello?" I say nervously after accepting the call.

"Hadlee, where are you?" My dad's voice asks, panicked. "Your mother says she hasn't seen you since last night. Are you at a friend's house?"

"I spent the night at a friend's house, but now I'm getting ready for work. I may not be home again tonight."

I don't know why I said it. Maybe to see what he'll do? But I regret it as soon as I say it. I don't want to use Arlo anymore than I have by staying at his place again, and Isa has a family that would wonder what's going on if I randomly showed up without warning. I'm too shy to ask anyone else.

My dad pauses before saying, "I understand why you may not want to be here right now, but I feel uncomfortable with no one knowing where you are. After work tonight, could you come to my apartment?" he pauses before adding, "I've hired some movers for today, to bring your stuff over."

So it's happening, then.

"Are you with mom?" I ask instead of giving an answer

I can hear the reluctance when he says, "Yes, I'm just at the house to pay the movers and show them your room. I won't be here much longer, though."

"Oh." I take a deep breath. "Okay. Um, I don't have your address, but I'll stay tonight if you want me to."

"Good, okay. I'll send it to you now. What time do you get off?" he asks, seeming relieved.

"Around 9:00, I think."

"Okay. I'll be at home. Do you think you'll want food? I'll get food." he says more to himself than to me. I can't remember the last time my dad got me something to eat. Lately, it's been the other way around.

"Alright, well... I guess I'll see you there, then."

We say our goodbyes, and I hang up the phone quickly, my breathing uneven.