On My Own Time

Chapter 36

Max walked me home once we left the cemetery. He was hesitant about leaving me alone because on the driveway was Daniel's parked car which meant that Caden was probably here. Though after some reassurance he began his not so long journey home and I tried to muster up the courage to go inside. I had stayed outside for a good five minutes before I decided to enter and when I did I was shocked. Boxes were scattered around and I saw some of my mother's dresses peaking out along with some of my clothes in other boxes. My mother was the first to appear, bringing down more clothes and putting them in boxes.

"Mom? What's happening?"

"We are going to live back at our house for a while, sweetie. I called and told them that we will re-buy it and since they had no other offers they accepted."

"Mom, but why?"

"Because we need a break," she said and sniffed, wiping a tear that fell down her cheek.

Daniel came down a second later, looking depressed but upset. He grabbed the clothes my mother had just put in the box and took them away. I was confused but my mother looked upset and she snapped at him to put them back. I didn't know what to do or what was going on nor did I really want to find out.

"You are not leaving, Christina. You want to stay in a guest bedroom to have your space? Fine. But you will not be leaving. You heard what the people said, a neighbor saw men walk in and out of the house and for all we know, they could be dangerous!"

"She also said they looked like teenagers!"

"Well I rather not take any chances," Daniel stated firmly.

"We are leaving, Daniel!" She shouted and grabbed some of the clothes he was holding to stop him.

"I don't want to leave. . ." I found myself mumbling.

They both turned towards me in shock, my mother's hold on the clothes loosening. She stepped forward and gave me a look as if to ask why? I didn't quite know why I didn't want to leave, I mean I didn't even want to enter the house because of Caden. This was my escape. Yet, I didn't want to go. If my mother and I left, I have no idea if my mother and Daniel's relationship would eventually be fixed. She was happy with him, it's not his fault Caden did this. He had no idea.

"I just. . . I want to stay," I said and walked past them and into my room, ignoring the fact that Caden's room door was wide open and if I stopped walking I would have definitely seen him.

I laid down on my comfortable and inviting bed. I know it wasn't healthy to be like this but I couldn't help it. I just couldn't find it in me to be happy at the moment. I sighed and took out my phone, seeing the many notifications. I was right, there were many messages and missed calls from both Victor and Caden. Max had texted me a lot of times as well before he actually saw me. Charlie sent many worried messages and then I finally saw Sara's messages.

From: Sara
I can't believe you. Like do you honestly think this is okay? I always knew something was off with you but I didn't think it was something this bad.

From: Sara
So you aren't even going to explain yourself? Like seriously? You do this to me and just ignore me?

From: Sara
I can't believe how selfish you are. At least Hector likes girls. People keep asking me if I really am your friend and it's embarrassing to say that I was.

From: Sara
You know what? Fine. Ignore me. Probably with a guy anyway.

From: Sara
One more thing, don't even think about talking to me. I don't want people thinking we still are friends. So don't even respond to this message. I don't care for your explanations any more.

From: Sara
I can't believe you took away my friends from me. How dare you. Charlie was my friend first and you don't deserve Max. He's only friends with you because he feels bad. Just go the fuck away. No one wants you here.

Six messages just to show she doesn't care? And here I was always saying she was a good friend. It did make me chuckle that she thinks I was taking Max and Charlie away. I'm pretty sure her ugly attitude is what drove them away. Even if Max were to be homophobic I don't think he'd send a single mean message or say anything. I think he'd just stop talking to me which I prefer more than this. A knock on the door was heard and I expected my mother to walk in but to my surprise Daniel walked in. He gave me a soft smile and closed the door, awkwardly moving to stand in the middle of the room.

"Thank you, Diego. I mean for convincing your mother to stay. I know I am being selfish in not wanting you guys to leave, especially with. . . What happened. I hope you know that I had no idea nor would I ever want to hurt you. I just. . . I can't lose you guys. If you guys leave then it's like I'm letting you guys go which is never an option in my mind. I mean not to sound possessive or controlling! I just- I mean- I-"

"I know, Daniel. Thank you. All I want is my mother to be happy. She gets that from you. Plus, she's pregnant. I'm sure by tonight she'll be telling you she is sorry and didn't mean anything she may have told you."

He gave a weak smile and said, "You're strong like your father. I wish I would have had the chance to meet him."

"He would have liked you," I said and looked down.

"Caden is leaving."

My head snapped up and my eyes widened. He was leaving? Leaving where? Just like that? I know I'm very upset but that didn't mean a possible friendship could happen in the future. I did like whatever it was we had in the end even though it might have been fake. There must be a reason as to why he did this. It couldn't possibly be because he was a bully.

"Where?"

"After he completes the ten day suspension and two week detention he will be transfered to home school and go with his mother."

His words at the wooden bridge rang in my head. If I remembered correctly, that woman didn't actually care. She probably wanted Caden for child support when he was younger. There wasn't actual love there. Why would Daniel send him back to that? Did he not know?

Before I knew it, I walked out of my room and towards Caden's open door room. Instead of him being there, there were boxes scattered around and some not-so important items were already packed. Where was he? I turned around to see Daniel there with a look of confusion on his face too. Caden didn't tell him he was leaving. I got my phone out and called Charlie. Since Sara wanted nothing to do with me, Charlie was definitely the next person who would know.

"Hello?"

"Charlie, are you in class?"

"Oh my gosh, Diego! I was so worried and-"

"Charlie? I'm so sorry, but do you know where Caden is?"

"No problem, hun. I'll have that info for you in five minutes. Hang tight," she said and hung up.

"Diego? What are you doing?" My mother asked, a look of worry on her face.

"I know what happened to me is big, trust me I'm feeling awful right now. But Caden can't go back to that woman. It's just like you said, mother. A woman is not a mother unless she loves and cares for her baby, instead she is just a woman who gave birth. I hate Caden right now, but I wouldn't want to be with a mother who doesn't care."

"Honey-"

"I'm sorry, mom," I said and walked out the front door.

I texted Max that I needed him and he was soon pulling up in his dad's car, a look of worry on his face. Just as he pulled in Charlie texted me back with an address and I swallowed hard once I saw where he was. Of course he was there. I'll just have to get Caden out without talking or seeing him. I got in the car in silence and buckled up while he began to drive off.

"Where exactly am I going?"

I looked at Max and sighed, he was gonna hate this.

"Victor's place."