Bi-stressed

CHAPTER 82

It's been one month since Zac's operation.

Hardin and me have planned to have prayers in thanksgiving for Zac's successful operation and good recovery.

"All set for the Thanksgiving dinner tonight?" Hardin asks, as soon as I open the door for him.

"Yup. Zac is insisting to help you in the cooking though." I tell him, following him into the kitchen.

"Tell him, he needs rest."

"I've had enough of rest guys. You'll know I'm not the guy that sits in one place." Zac says, walking into his kitchen. He walks over to the sink, giving Hardin a light punch in the stomach as he passes him. I smile stupidly at that gesture and they both look at me raising their brow.

I'm happy for Zac and Hardin's friendship. Their friendship began when Zac came to know that it was Hardin who gave him blood. At first, Zac being Zac was mad at the fact that Hardin gave him blood but don't know what struck him that he suddenly agreed on being friends with him and now they act more like brothers.

"What?" I shrug. "I just like- I mean it's different to see you'll like this." I tell them, moving my hands about dramatically.

"Hardin, I guess we should go back to the way it was before. Lexi doesn't like us this way." Zac teases and they both share laughter.

The rest of the day is spent in cooking. Zac and Hardin cooking together is quite impressive. I sit at the table, my elbows up on the table as my chin rests in my palms. I watch them both work together and the sight makes me happy. The two people who used to hate their guts are now laughing about and cooking together. I never even imagined that this could happen. It's so unreal.

Time elapses quite fast and by six I get going home to dress up for the Thanksgiving dinner. Hardin drops me home and tells me he'll pick me up in an hour or so.

I enter in Aunt Steph's house just to see her mood off.

"This house has become a hotel for you. You're out all day and just come back to eat and sleep and next day repeat."

"Aunty, you know Zac-"

"Zac! Zac! Zac!" She gives an exaggerated sigh.

"You're not coming for the Thanksgiving dinner?" I ask her.

"No. I don't feel like."

"Please come." I insist.

"Alexia, I said I don't feel like." She says in a harsh tone.

"Okay." Saying this, I walk into my room and straight into the shower.

Aunt Steph was never like that. She was the best aunt. My favorite aunt. Caring and loving. She is so changed now. Judgemental and unsupportive. Always misunderstanding me and controlling me. Staying here is toxic and it's getting worse each day. I can't bear with her moods and taunts. I can't take it anymore.

My mom, since that night, hasn't reached out to me.

I feel like I never even had a mother. No father. No family. Now having to live the remainder of my life in this toxicity.

Baby Bethany is the only one who cheers me up but once she also goes away abroad, I'll be left all alone. No Halsey to support me. No Louis to save me from shouts. No Bethany to make me happy. Meeting Zac will be limited and going out of the house will be forbidden.

After a hot water shower I put on a turquoise coloured blouse and slip on my favorite denim jeans. I tie my hair in a ponytail, letting my curls fall down my back. I apply no makeup. Just lipstick will do and wait for Hardin to pick me up. Surprisingly I'm ready before time so I plan to sit with Aunt for a while just to keep her from saying  anything else even though sitting with her isn't that good of an idea.

I walk out of my room in search for her. She's seated at the dining table, chopping some vegetables.

"Do you need some help Aunt?" I offer.

"No need. Go for your dinner." She answers rudely.

"I can help. There's still time." As soon as I say that, my phone rings.

"There you get a call and with the wind you'll disappear."

"No Aunt. I can- Please come for dinner with me. I'll wait for you till you're ready."

"No Alexia. Just go, get lost and leave me alone."

Her harsh words upset me not like it's the first time. I should probably get used to this by now. I leave, practically run out without saying a word further. I know tears have already formed, ready to roll down my cheek any second.

"What is wrong? Are you okay? What happened?" Hardin asks as I run into his arms, hugging him tight.

"My aunt. It's, it's getting worse Hardin. I don't want to stay here anymore." I sob into his chest.

"Zac and I will handle this. Please don't worry. Cry it out, let your heart feel light." He rubs his palm up and down my back, consoling me. The one thing unique about Hardin is that he never tells me to stop crying instead to cry it out.

After a few minutes, when I feel better, we leave for Zac's house.

Luckily no guests have arrived as yet. Hardin signals something to Zac and they both go into Zac's room. I follow the smell of baking into the kitchen where I meet Mia.

"The tantalizing aroma fills the house." I tell her.

"Really?" She walks over to me, greeting me.

Just then, the door bell rings.

"I'll get it." She tells me and walks out of the kitchen.

"Good evening Mia. How are you? Is Zac at home?"

I hear her voice.

That voice I never heard after that night.

I feel like the earth is trembling under my feet, scared to face her too..