How To Stay Afloat (BxB)

Chapter 10: train rides, collisions and a pinch of sexual confusion

"Why are you home so early?" My dad wakes me from my slumber.

I sit up instantly.

"What are you doing in my room while you think I'm gone?" I answer him.

"This is my house, I can go into your room whenever I want to." He tells me confidently.

"So you don't mind me going through your stuff?" I challenge him.

"Are you paying bills? Your mom told me you were home. Now why aren't you at school?" He asks me angrily.

"I don't feel good." I say. My phone is lying on the ground. I really hope he doesn't see it. "I talked to mom and she said I could stay home."

He nods. "Alright. Do you need anything?" He asks and I shake my head. He leaves me alone after that.

I quickly grab my phone to check the time. It's already 4 pm.

I've gotten a few more messages in the meantime.

Harry. He sent me the following message:

"Carla told me you settled things. I still think you're an asshole." Nice.

"Fuck you, my head still hurts."

And then the third one. "Aren't you gonna reply? I could be dead right now. Okay I'm sorry for what I said, but only if you're sorry, too."

Then the fourth and last text. "Angry Sammy is scary, I prefer the normal you, hope you're not angry anymore."

Harry texts like three siblings fighting over the phone. I guess we can figure this out tomorrow. Things are looking good.

I also got a text from Austin.

"U ok?" Wow. Three letters and a question mark. He really outdid himself there.

I think about replying to him, but honestly why should I care? He clearly doesn't if texting a fee more letters is even too much work for him.

I go downstairs and find my parents arguing. Over me. My mom saying I should get a day off when things are rough and my dad saying I'm slacking and should focus on school.

I groan. "Can you please stop fighting? I'm doing all the stuff I missed tomorrow."

Dad turns to me. "This was a one time exception, you're not gonna skip school over teenage drama again, did I make myself clear?"

I roll my eyes. "Yes."

"Honey, don't always be so harsh on him." My mom argues.

"You need to man up, it's not normal to be so emotional all the time." He says to me.

Toxic masculinity. Yep, thanks dad. Exactly what I needed to hear. Always a pleasure talking to you.

I just ignore his comment and take a glass of water.

"Why don't you two sit down at the table while I finish the cooking." My mom suggests.

It smells good, but at the same time thinking of food makes me feel nauseous.

My dad sits down and so do I.

Eating with my parents turns into silent torture. No one talks and I keep wondering when my dad will bring up the next thing he doesn't like about me.

I finish my plate and excuse myself as fast as possible.

Back in my room I decide to game. Kevin is also online so we end up spending a few hours together, talking over the headphones.

It's 9 when we stop playing and I take a shower to get ready for bed.

In bed I find another message from Austin. "We have to do the interview for philosophy. Do you have time on friday?"