The Bachelors: a tiktok story

114: Over and Out

When you arrived at your house there were already two cop cars not very discreetly parked across the street. You just knew the neighbors would be talking and honestly, you had to laugh. Your parents had always been so caught up in appearances. It was part of the reason they stayed married even though they had both been miserable since you were in high school. It's also the reason they spent thousands of dollars every year to host an extravagant and formal New Year's Eve bash for half the town. You knew they'd be upset that the cars out front weren't unmarked patrol cars but if your parents really did betray you, then they deserved it.

You turned to Josh:
"Baby, I know I said I would come back to your house tonight but I think I need to go in and talk to my parents alone."

Josh: "I understand. It's whatever you need."

God, you were so grateful for him. He took his cue and gave you a quick kiss through the car window as you promised before he drove away:
"I'll call you as soon as I'm done here."

By the time you made it inside, your frustration had turned into full-on fury. You pushed your way into the kitchen and interrupted the conversation your parents were having with the officers that had been sent over:
"Sir, if you'd be willing to sign an affidavit that Noah was responsible for the damage in the backyard, I'm sure we can arrange to have him cover the cost of the repairs."

Your Mom tried to counter:
"I understand why you're upset, dear but I think we should talk to our daughter first."

You knew she meant well but still found yourself yelling:
"DID YOU GO TO THE POLICE BEHIND MY BACK?!"

Mom: "Honey? You're here. What are you upset about? Can you calm down and talk to me?"

Dad: "And lower your tone while you do it. Don't come in my house yelling!?"

You tried to calm down, but the words just spewed out of you:
"I got dragged down to the police station all night to be questioned about a report filed on behalf of what happened to me. ME?! NOT YOU!"

Mom: "Sweetie, neither of us called the police."

Dad: "Not even when half of our lawn furniture became rubbish for the fire pit!"

You were trying to calm yourself down but you weren't sure what to believe anymore after having your trust ripped out from under you. Your dad continued:
"But before you start another tirade, you should know that just because we didn't call them, we completely agree with the decision to report this."

You looked between your mom and dad, frantically:
"Are you kidding me? That is NOT your place to decide! Mom?!"

You looked to her, pleading for her to take your side, but she sat quiet. She was scared to tell you that she agreed with your father. Your father had no problem speaking up though:
"I already told you once. You're not going to come into my house, yelling. So shut up or get out!"

You: "Then consider me out."

You stormed upstairs and packed another bag because the only clothes you had outside of the house other than the ones on your back, was the overnight bag you'd left at Josh's. You sent a text to Emma then hurried down the stairs, intent on getting out without saying another word to your parents.

Your mom tried to stop you but you put your hand up to let her know you weren't open to talking about any of this. You pointed in at your father who was still talking with the officers:
"I cannot believe that you agree with him!? You KNOW firsthand what I went through with Noah. You even witnessed one of the times with your own eyes."

Your Mom lowered her head in shame:
"Honey, I know. I just- Your dad is just so angry and I tried to tell you that I thought you should go to the police but you have to believe me. We absolutely did NOT go behind your back and file any report. I promise you."

You: "What good is your word when you sit quietly while he yells over you to undo all that you and I have been trying to get right the last few months."

Your mom was completely silent after that because she knew exactly what you meant. The two of you had gotten closer than ever lately and her inability to stand up to your father on your behalf had threatened all of that progress. You handed her the key to the house and asserted:
"Consider me gone."

She placed the key back into your hand and whispered through tears:
"Keep it. This will always be your home if you ever change your mind."

You sat outside, waiting for your ride, and were surprised to see Bryce pull up:
"Hey darlin', I was on the way home from the gym and a little birdie told me you were looking for a ride."

You rushed around to the passenger side and climbed it, throwing your bag in the back. Bryce looked in the backseat and asked:
"Planning more than a quick get-away, I see?"

You: "I don't even know what I'm doing. I don't know where I'm gonna go. I just had to... well... go!"

Bryce: "The offer has always been there to stay with Emma."

You: "God, I wish I could but Olivia and Eva are literally so awful. I don't know-how in the world she was able to stand living with them."

Bryce: "I think she was just lonely. Her parents packed up and moved across the globe when she was 16 and left her alone in that big downtown condo. When the witches of the east side offered to move in with her everyone told her they were just using her but she didn't care. She was just glad someone wanted to stay when her own parents didn't."

Wow. You knew her mom moved to Europe with her step-dad for a job but had no idea they'd left when she was still so young. You had such a better understanding of her, her friends, her living situation, just her life.

You: "You are totally in love with her. You know that, right?"

Bryce: "Hell yeah I am. But don't go telling her that. It's not the right time yet."

You winked with a smile:
"Your secret is safe with me."

Do you want to move in with Emma for now?