Whiskey & Vows

T H R E E

C H A P T E R  T H R E E | TONGUE TIED

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                For as long as I’ve known Derek, we’ve never been on good terms. I’ve never been worth his time and he’s never been nice to me. We had mutual friends and when we were all together, Derek and I ended up causing some sort of issue. His comments blew me over the edge and his football friends would laugh at me. Now, none of our past mattered as we sat in his father’s office. I’ve known Derek had money; he didn’t dress or act as if he came from a struggling household, but I didn’t realize how easy he had it.

                I met Derek at his father’s firm early this morning, dressed somewhat nice and hoped that his father could make this go away. Derek tapped his leg nervously next to me as we waited for his father. I imagined he told his father when we got home and knowing how my talk went, it probably wasn’t good. His father’s office was new and modern; I was afraid to touch anything in fear of breaking it.

                “Derek?” He pulled from his trance and looked at me in annoyance.  My nervous habits had me asking questions about anything that had nothing to do with our situation and I couldn’t stop my curiosity.

                “Huh?”

                “What are you going to school for?”

                “What?”

                “What are you-“I started to repeat, but he cut me off.

                “I heard you, Anna. Why the hell are you asking me this now?” I bit my lip awkwardly and felt my cheeks fill with color. I’ve ever been bashful with Derek-he pissed me off too much, but I was nervous and I needed some sort of normal interaction to make this easier. Derek must have noticed my discomfort because he shuffled with his khaki pants and looked out of his father’s giant glass window.

                “Special Education.” He mumbled. I almost didn’t hear it under his breath and I realized he might be embarrassed about it. My eyes widened at his answer and for a moment, I was speechless. I couldn’t see him do anything that involved doing something for others, but I only knew how he treated me. When I didn’t respond, Derek became irritated.

                “What?”

                “I’m just surprised.” I admitted.

                “It’s not stupid.” He snapped.

                “I didn’t think that,” I whispered. “I just would have never guessed that.”

                “Oh.” He exhaled, becoming more relaxed.

                “Why?”

                “Because I want to?” He responded, irritation lacing his voice. “My mom.” He finally admitted and I nodded my head.

                “That’s neat, Derek?”

                “What, Anna?” He sighed.

                “Do you get along with your dad?” I asked curiously.  I didn’t mean to pry, but it was a valid question to ask, because his father might not like his son and make us suffer, or he might get us out of it quicker.

                “Why do you need to know?” He snapped.

                “Just wondering.” I sighed.