Athena

53. Let's Fucking Go

Ron's words hurl me into a conflicting state of heaven-like celebration and hellish uncertainty.

I'm relieved about Ron and Aunt Katrina's broken engagement. My aunt, despite her faults, deserves a better man than an abusive asshole like Ron. I'm also thrilled that Cruz and I can now be together. Out in the open. Because we're not going to be family anymore.

But I also feel overwhelmed and confused by this whole situation. Ron claimed he only had a "slight disagreement" with my aunt, but I don't know if I believe him.

What would trigger Aunt Katrina to cancel the wedding and walk away from their relationship?

I feel so out of the loop. The fact that my aunt didn't call or text me about any of this hasn't escaped my notice. Her silence is distressing.

Is she okay?

Where are we going to live now that we're no longer welcome at Ron's house?

So many unknowns about this real-life plot twist ricochet around my head, I need answers, but all I can do is gape at Cruz with a lost, helpless expression. More than anything, I just want a moment alone with him, away from his dad, so we can figure out what the hell is going to happen to us.

"I'll help you pack," Cruz offers right away. His voice sounds thick with emotion, but his face betrays nothing. There's no emotion in his eyes.

Ron glares at Cruz. "I don't fucking think so. Get your ass out of Athena's room, son. Our conversation isn't over. Come with me."

Shit.

What does Ron want with Cruz?

"Wait," I call out in anxious tones, "Can I-I ask you something, Ron?"

I don't want Ron to go anywhere alone with Cruz. I want to keep Cruz in my line of sight, at least, until Ron calms the fuck down.

"About what?" Ron asks suspiciously.

I try to stall him, "Did my aunt mention where I'm supposed to meet her on Monday?"

"No," Ron replies, "you should probably call her."

"Let me call my aunt right now," I offer anxiously, "and figure out where I'm supposed to go. Is that okay with you?"

"Fine," Ron mutters, "but make it quick."

With shaking hands, I grab my phone. As I turn on the screen to enter my passcode, I notice that there's a new email notification from william_eyelash_stan@yahoo.com.

It's Suzie.

Damn it.

I totally forgot about her in the middle of this new shitshow with Ron and my aunt. I'm dying to check Suzie's message, but it'll have to wait.

I call my aunt. At first, she doesn't answer, and it goes straight to her voicemail. Ron is watching me like a hawk. Cruz looks at me as though he has something to say but can't say it. Nervously, I try again. This time, someone picks up on the third ring. It's not my aunt, though.

It's my dad.

Quietly, he greets me, "Hello... Athena."

My stomach flips. I can't remember the last time we spoke to each other. This moment feels like something out of the twilight zone. My heart catches in my throat as I reply, "Hi... dad."

He coughs. "I assume you're calling about your aunt?"

"Yeah," I mumble, "is everything okay with Aunt Katrina?"

"I wouldn't say that she's okay. Your aunt is pretty shaken up."

"Oh, no..."

"Your aunt meant to call you last night, by the way," my dad offers, "but she wasn't able to get around to it. I hope you understand."