Signal of Distress

28 - Jealousy

~ Dirty Laundry - Blackbear ~
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The thought of you with anyone but me makes me sick -River Mitchell

"Finally. I think that's the last of it." I drop down my duffel bag next to my carry-on suitcase and backpack. We're all heading down south. Apparently Eli's parents currently live there. They move around a lot.

I hear a knock at my door as I finish fixing my makeup. They're probably here. "It's open!" I shout. The door opens and the last person I expected to walk, walks in.

"Hi dad," I greet as he looks around. His eyes land on the bags. I quickly stand up and close the door.

"Where are you going? It's spring break. I thought you'd come home," he says. Why? Why would he think I would want to be home with Amelia?

I walk over to him. "Yeah well a few friends and I are heading to Foxwell. It's only like four hours from here," I explain. He nods.

"Who are you going with? Who's driving and for how long?" He asks. I'm 18! Why can't he understand that?

"Just Ebony, Ellie and a few others. Just for the week," I assure. I don't really think he'd be happy if I mention boys are going on this trip.

He nods slowly but I can tell he's not done yet. "This doesn't have to do anything with you going on birth control?" He asks. My heart just dropped to my ass.

"How do you know about that?"

"Dr. Williams. Who else?" He says it like it's the easiest thing in the world. Does doctor patient confidentiality not exist? I need a new doctor that isn't close friends with my dad.

I hear a loud bang. I turn around just as my door flies open. Marcus, Jordan and Eli all come stumbling in while laughing. I immediately noticed the beer in Jordan's hand. "River, you ready?" Marcus asks.

The boys go silent as they notice my dad. "Oh. Hey random guy," Jordan mutters. His sunglasses tilted on his face.

I must have the worst luck ever.

"I suppose one of you guys knows why River is on birth control. Which one of yo-"

"Dad!" I shout looking back at him.

He narrows his eyes on the boys. "Elias." He holds up his hand and motions for Eli to come towards him.

"It's Elijah," I correct, rolling my eyes. Eli walks over to him and stands in front of him with a reasonable amount of space between them.

Marcus and Jordan snicker trying to hide their laughter. I shoot them a glare and they shut up. "Dad, stop." I whisper. He's embarrassed me enough as it is.

He looks up from Eli and back to me. "Maybe you should come home for spring break," he suggests. I notice the disappointed look on Eli's face.

"No, it's fine. You're making assumptions. It's for my period. Did Dr. Williams not tell you about the bad cramps I was having?" I continue watching his face pale. He's uncomfortable. I'm definitely getting a new doctor.

He clears his throat shaking his head. "Eli and I are just friends. Same with Marcus and Jordan. Jordan's on Eli's football team," I explain. I should just tell them they're gay. "Please dad. I just need a break. And I didn't lie, Ebony and Ellie are coming too."

"Who's driving?" He asks.

"Not Jordan, that's for sure," Marcus mutters. I look back at them and shoot them a look hoping they'll shut up. Three boys walking into my room and one of them being drunk is not helping.