A Neighbouring Romance

28 - work

everyone, let's assemble into a group hug because i posted twice in 24 hours and only for y'all. i love you guys wholeheartedly, you don't even know how happy your comments make me.

anyways, enjoy. and as per, let me know what you think <3

chapter 28

"We're going to the cabin."

What? When?

"Your mom wants to go as soon as you break for Christmas." My dad says plainly, as though it's the most obvious thing.

"But-" I run over to him on the other side of the car in the driveway. It's chilly outside, but I promised that I'd help him clean the vehicle. "I don't understand why I have to go. Shouldn't it be optional?"

His brow furrows, and I can't tell if it's at me or the 6 month-expired box of pop-tarts he's just discovered from the footwell of the car.

"Hope, you loved the cabin."

"As a child." I groan. "Please, I can spend Christmas here."

"With who, Mr Cuddles?"

I whip my head around at Noah's voice, watching him with narrowed eyes as he makes his way up the driveway, pausing in the empty space where my old car once sat.

"Mr Cuddles is good company I'll have you know. Better than you at least."

"Ouch." He jokes.

My dad moves to greet the boy, before providing a long explanation about the sudden desire he had this morning to deep-clean the car.

"I don't have to go to the cabin, I have college applications to do." I turn to my dad as he goes back to reading the word on the expired box.

"Well, Noah's going, aren't you son? And he'll be applying..." He pauses, waiting for Noah's nod to confirm that he will in fact, be attending college. "to colleges. Besides, it's just for a week because your mom has her review right after."

"Fine." I huff. "Those are definitely expired by the way."

Besides, maybe this'll be good. The snow, hot cocoa... Mr Cuddles can come along too. I pull our my phone, checking the time as Noah and my dad engage themselves in a long-winded conversation about college.

"Well, I have work so I'm leaving." I say.

He fixes me with a stare and I look away sheepishly.

"Wait I'll drive you." My dad wipes his hands on the overalls he donned for the occasion and I shake my head. By the time he's cleaned up the pile of paperwork in the front seat, I'll be late.

"Noah can take you?" My dad turns to the boy expectantly, and he stands up a little straighter.

Why are adults always so oblivious?

"No that's okay!" I say sharply.

My dad mentions how it's supposed to rain later, which I'm almost certain is a lie. Sure, it's a little cold, but the sky is clear enough.

"I don't mind. It's only ten minutes." Noah shoots a smile my way as my dad thanks him.

Outnumbered, I grumble a little before my dad fixes me with a stare, returning back to the dislodging the seats of the car.

I'm really not getting my way today. Or at all, recently.

Twenty minutes later I'm sliding onto the smooth leather of Noah's Dodge, keeping my eyes glued straight ahead for the journey.