What The Future Holds - The Next Generation (One Tree Hill)

Chapter 13

House of the Bakers

Everyone had followed Mom's request, I realized, when I entered the dining room in the early evening. But that wasn't surprising, because we were all curious and wanted to know what our parents had to tell us this time. I couldn't forget their fight and I really hoped it had nothing to do with that. My fear was still there that they might get a divorce, though Dad had assured me that wouldn't happen. But how much could you trust your parents? Debby's parents had certainly denied it first as well until it had became official. Nervously, I began to chew on my fingernails and immediately got a glare from Justin. I glanced over at Davis, who was nervously running a hand through his hair. Just as I began to chew fingernails, he fumbled in his hair when he was nervous. Was he also worried that mom and dad would split up? I looked at the clock. We had agreed on 7 pm, now it was already 5 minutes after that. When I just wanted to get up to see where they were, the door opened and mom and dad entered the dining room. The atmosphere in the room was suddenly tense, because everyone was waiting for the great announcement.

"How nice that everyone has followed my invitation."

When Mom grabbed Dad's hand, I exhaled in relief. She wouldn't hold hands with him if she intended to divorce him. I looked around among my siblings. Everyone was calm and waited.

"I don't want to torture you any longer, because I can see that you can't wait to learn what we have to tell you." She took a deep breath. "As you may know, your dad and I have our 18th wedding anniversary in a few days. And since we weren't having a honeymoon back then, we wanted to make up for it now."

Honeymoon! That was the big secret, no divorce! I looked around and saw that my brothers were a bit more relaxed now too. "You want to make a trip?" I inquired curiously.

"Yes. And since our destination isn't exactly around the corner, we need to prepare something for it before we can start."

"Shall we help you?" Jude asked.

"No, we don't need help. We can manage on our own packing our bags."

"Where are you going?" Davis intervened.

"To Paris."

"Oh my God!" I blurted. "Mom, the 'Fashion Week' takes place there. Do you want to visit?"

"I don't think your mom and I will have time for that. We have some other things planned."

I looked at my father frowning. What was more important than visiting a world-famous fashion show? "May I come with you?" I asked and laughter erupted around me.

"They want to catch up on their honeymoon," Davis said with a chuckle. "I don't think they want you with them."

I pouted and folded my arms in front of my chest. "It was just a question," I mumbled.

"Well, if I'm allowed to continue talking without anyone interrupting me, then I can tell a little bit more about it."

I nodded. "I'm sorry, Mom. I'm listening now."

"Your father and I plan to stay there for a week," she continued. "Otherwise, it's hardly worth it. We talked about it and made the decision that you are old enough to spend a few days alone."

"Wow!"

I glanced quickly at Davis.

"That doesn't mean that you have a place where you can do what you like. That especially applies to you, Davis. Visits from girls are not allowed."

"And what about Lydia?" Jude interrupted.

"Well, Lydia is an exception. She..."

"No!"

I flinched as Davis suddenly jumped up and began to pace back and forth. Suddenly all eyes were on him and I wondered why he reacted so odd. He knew that Jude and Lydia were a couple. And so far he never minded when they met.

"If I'm not allowed to invite girls, then this rule should be apply to Jude, too."

"Lydia can visit me," I interjected quickly. "She is my friend, too. You can hardly forbid me to meet with my friends, right?"

"I think we will clarify that later separately. Now, it's about whether you're old enough to stay alone for so long."

Dad looked at me questioningly and I nodded. "Sure, we're almost all grown up," I replied casually.

"So we can trust you?"

Everyone nodded at the same time. I looked at Justin, who suddenly cleared his throat.

"I have an announcement to make, too. I decided to stay in Tree Hill for another month. That means I can take care of the kids."

We all looked at him wondering what had happened, that he had changed his mind so quickly?

"That's good, because we were already thinking about telling your grandmother to take care of you."

I looked at my father frowning. The first years after my birth, grandmother Sylvia had lived in our house with us. But I could barely remember her, because I was too young.

"If I stay here, it won't be necessary for her to come," Justin said quickly.

"Well, then that's settled. Do you have any questions?"

"When are you going to fly to Paris?" I asked.

"Saturday in a week. We still have to prepare a few things before we can make the trip, and I have something to do here as well. The new collection has to be finished this week."

"I can help you," I offered.

"I know but I didn't mean you. I know that you work like crazy, besides school and your hobbies. I also have some employees who work for me, they could also try a little bit harder. Okay, that's it for now. You can go."

Relieved, we all got up from our seats and I walked over to Justin. "Why are you staying in Tree Hill for another month?" I asked curiously.

"The 'Ravens' haven't found a new coach yet," he replied. "That's why they asked me to stay another month. I'm sure they will find someone soon."

"I'm glad you'll stay longer," I said, smiling. "And I promise you that I won't cause any trouble in the time when Mom and Dad are in Paris."

He laughed. "Well, that's the least I can expect." He suddenly became serious again and pointed to Davis and Jude. "No seriously, Izzy, I'm not worried about you. I'm worried about these two."

I looked at him in confusion. What did he mean by that? Before I could even ponder on it, my cell phone started to hum. I quickly pulled it out of my pocket and then, frowning, read the text message that Lydia had just sent to me.

"Hi Iz, the cheerleader team meets tomorrow after school in the big gym to discuss the new rehearsal plan."

Another rehearsal plan, I thought with a sigh. I hope it didn't interfere with my other appointments. "When is dinner ready?" I asked curiously because I wanted to call Sawyer.

"Mom just went to the kitchen," Davis informed. "You can help her."

Sighing, I nodded. That I, the only girl in the Baker household, always had to help my mom to prepare dinner, was unfair. But at least I didn't have to do the washing up afterwards. "See you later," I told my brothers and went over to the kitchen to help my mom.