After Us

Chapter Eleven

Mom came in to help me do my last minute packing. I wasn't sure what to pack so having an extra hand helped. I still couldn't believe that I was leaving today and again, I couldnt sleep last night with anticipation.

My mom was way quieter than usual. The tension in the air was so thick that I swear mom opened the window for that reason alone. Across my room, we exchanged sympathetic looks. I knew she was okay with me going but I'm sure she second-guessed the decision many times over.

"Mom," I sigh, "what's wrong?"

She starts folding the shirts I left in a messy pile on my bed, "Oh nothing, honestly, it's just Austin."

I walked over to my dresser to pull out more clothes, "What about Austin?" I asked.

"We caught him smoking something the other night and he was drunk on the couch watching tv. I wanted to tell you Ann but I didn't want you to worry right before your trip." We paused in silence.

"Is he okay?" I worried.

"He is now, he's just in his room and has locked the door." She explains. The silence starts again and stretches between us like a never-ending road. I wonder if Luca had any idea what was going on. "Anyways," Mom asked taking the folded pile and putting it in my suitcase, "have you got everything you need?"

"I think so," I try to answer whilst in deep thought.

"Alright then," mom smiles and kisses me on the top of my head, "come down when you're ready." She said leaving my room and walking back to her room. I checked my phone to see a text from Miles.

He texted, My sister has Volleyball practice so I'll come to pick you up right after I take her there. I texted back, Okay cant wait!

I start to feel nervous. Why was I? I was excited and there was nothing to be nervous about. I didn't let myself think about it for too long. I finished packing and called Oliver before I left. While I was away we wouldn't have much time to talk so this would be our last call for a while. It was actually perfect timing to be away because he was also heading out on a trip with his family.

I brought my suitcase and bags downstairs and placed them by the door.

"Want food before you go?" Luca asked. He opened his arms out for a hug and I hugged him back.

"I'm alright," I said into his chest, "have you seen Austin?" I asked.

"I think he's just sleeping, apparently he broke up with Jodie so I'm sure he's just trying to get over that," Luca says. I pull away from him, I knew it had something to do with Jodie.

"Did he tell you that?" I asked. Luca nodded and looked upstairs to see if mom and dad were around. They were in the kitchen, dad was watching tv and mom was starting to cook lunch. I jumped at a car beep from outside, I recognized the sound of my favorite car. Luca smiled and opened the front door. I ran into the kitchen to give mom and dad one last hug goodbye before they could come out and talk to Miles. How embarrassing. I grabbed my bags and suitcase and headed out to the Mini. Miles got out and opened the truck for me, helping me to load my bags.

"All this for one week Parker?" He laughed, "It's only a week. You know that right?"

"She's high maintenance, you'll soon realize." Luca laughed back. I rolled my eyes at the two and got into the front seat and rolled down my window.

"Tell Austin I say bye," I tell Luca. He nods. Miles gets in and slowly turns the music up. Luca was heading to college tomorrow so when I got back he would probably be gone. I blow Luca a kiss and Miles waved goodbye. I was really going to miss Luca. As we drove away I started to think about how many problems I was leaving behind. Austin and Jodie, Josh being upset with me, and my thoughts and confusions about Ben.

When Miles cranked up the music and put the windows down we drove off and away from all my problems. I was determined to forget about all of this for one whole week and not let it come affect this week away. I would deal with it all once I got back.