Unofficial First Girlfriend

CHAPTER 21

I gripped the duffel bag tighter and glanced down at Naiah. She was calmer now, but she still had no idea what was going on with her father and me. But at least I was able to calm her. Although it took quite some time.

"You're really okay staying here again?" I asked.

"Yup." She nodded and smiled.

I opened the front door to my parent's house and let her in. I could hear the dishes clanking from the dining room. Mama was probably setting up the table for dinner.

"Nana!" she yelled and ran excitedly to the dining room.

"Naiah, what are you doing here?"

I put down the duffel bag on the living room floor before following to the dining. Once I reached the threshold, Mama and my grandparents all looked at me.

Mama raised an eyebrow at me, and I just shook my head.

"Naiah, have you eaten dinner?" Grandma asked, and Naiah approached her to sit on her lap.

Mama urged me to follow her to the living room.

"Clark fetched her yesterday, and now you brought her back today. What is going on, Mace?"

"We had a misunderstanding."

"A misunderstanding? And you want us to watch over Naiah?"

I sighed. "We'll figure things out. Don't worry, we didn't fight in front of her."

Her eyes darted down to the bag on the floor. "How long is she going to be here?"

"A couple of days, maybe?" I replied.

I really had no idea.

"Go home and talk to Clark. Sort things out."

I nodded.

I didn't even know how to start sorting things out. For starters, I didn't even know where he went.

Oh, he's probably at Sara's.

***

I paced around the living room as a melancholic tune played from the speakers with a can of pre-mixed vodka in my hand. Once again, I had the house all to myself.

Once again, Clark was lying to me.

I hate this feeling.

It was already past 10 o'clock, and the door was already locked. Clark wasn't coming home tonight. He literally sent me a message saying not to wait for him. I also found his spare key in our bedroom.

I hate this feeling.

It was beginning to be my new, stupid chant. I took a few more sips of my flavored vodka before tossing it to the bin.

I had a fight with Nick. Clark looked like he was having an affair again and with the same woman. I had to bring Naiah to my parent's house. I was all alone in this house with nothing but my thoughts repeatedly swirling around in my head.

This was as pathetic as my life could get.

I grabbed my phone and checked if Sabrina was online.

Active four hours ago.

I groaned. I scanned the list of active friends, and I couldn't talk to any of them except for one. My finger hovered over Nick's name.

I was undecided if I should send him a message. Well, I made a scene and I told him I didn't care about him. That certainly stripped me off of my late-night emergency message privileges, right?

I scrolled through my conversations and pressed Sab's.

Macey: Hey Sab. I know you're probably busy writing... I guess I'm just wondering when you're coming over to hang out. Night-night.

I went back to the list and stared at Nick's name. I so badly wanted a company for the night, and I wanted him here with me. He always knew how to make me feel alright, no matter how crappy my situation was. He knew how to turn things around.

But I couldn't get myself to press his name.

Should I really let my pride rule?

Maybe I could apologize then ask him if he's busy. Not that he would be busy, but I was referring to 'Sunshine-Busy'. Then if he's free, maybe I could give him a call.

Maybe I should count from one to ten before making a decision.

I put my phone down on the table and started pacing the living room.

One... Two... Three... Four...

Oh my God, this is a crazy idea, but I should carry on.

Five... Six...

Screw this.

I quickly picked up my phone and called Nick before I changed my mind. Thankfully, he immediately picked up.

"Dude," he greeted, and I couldn't be more relieved to hear his voice.

"Hey..."

"What's up?"

"Uh... nothing, just wanted to apologize about—"

"Mace," he cut me off. "Apology accepted."

Wow, that was quick. I was expecting I would have to recite a lengthy speech. I cleared my throat, unsure of what to say next.

"What's going on?" he asked.

"Nothing. I just wanted to..." I took a deep breath. "I wanted to talk to you, that's all."

"Clark just got back yesterday, am I right?"

I bit my lower lip to keep myself from crying. I wouldn't allow myself to cry. "Mm-hmm."

"And you're calling me in the middle of the night?"

"Sounds about right."

"I guess it's a good thing I'm driving around town, and I was wondering if Macey's Diner is still open."

I furrowed my brows and asked, "What?"

"Just open the diner's door for me, will you?"

I hung up my phone and immediately went down the stairs. I turned the lights on in the dining room before heading towards the threshold of the diner. I flicked the switch on, and the diner lit up. The blinds in the windows were shut, so I couldn't make out anything from outside. I walked towards the door and unlocked it.

I braced myself as I opened the door. A gust of wind blew, making me shudder as I was only wearing an oversized shirt and really short shorts.

Nick was standing on the other side of the door, leaning against a red hatchback.

He offered me a smile. "I take it that the diner is still open for customers, yes?"

"Select customers only."

"Does that count me? Because I really want to make up for all the times I bailed after promising I'm going to eat here."

"Lucky you," I replied before inviting him to come in.