Glowing Cigars

Part 3: And Cupid Follows

The question isn't who's gonna let me, its who's gonna stop me.

Five part Prologue

Part III: And Cupid Follows

~~~

I ran out, but I didn't know where to go. I'd stayed in the house for most of my life so I barely knew my city the way Ezra did.

Ezra.

He'd learned to lower my parents expectations in middle school, getting 55's and getting praised for improving to a 70. I partially blamed myself for my parent's high expectations. I tried too hard at my work. I've always felt dirty getting lower than an 80, so much so that I'd rip tests up and cry. I just wanted to feel accepted. It was easy picking favorites when twins were involved.

Maybe that's why dad left. You're too much of an ass kisser. As soon as you stepped out of line he realized how annoying you really were.

No. That's not true.

If only you would've shut your trap like usual, he would still be here. You drove him away.

No!

My steps faltered when a car screeched to a stop on my left. My hair flew to my face and I just stared like a deer caught in headlights. The lady flipped me the finger out of her car window, driving off after I stumbled off of the road.

What am I doing?

I don't know why I was making such a big deal over the asshole. It was probably because of the memories of his past, happier self spending time with Ezra, mom and I. I just couldn't let that go. There was this fuzzy feeling I'd get whenever I'd think about it. He was so sweet, kind, gentle.

Why did it have to change?

~~~

I stared at my Netflix account like it'd killed what's left of my family after it asked 'Are you still watching?'. Right in the middle of my Gossip Girl marathon. Yes, I have been watching for hours, so fuck you. No need to remind me of my pathetic life.

"I need a drink." Mom sniffled, pressing pause. "I just can't put my life on hold because your father decides that we aren't good enough for him. The girls invited me to Monsoon earlier, anyways. Guess I'll just go. You'll be good on your own, right?" She sighed, looking at me with a pleading expression.

"Of course, of course." I said trying to contain my eagerness. If my mother was able to be strong about the fact that the love of her life left, so could I.

Now's my chance to do something with my life, I just hoped Ezra was still in his room. I impatiently waited for my mom to fix her smudged makeup and straighten her kinky hair. As soon as she found her keys and walked out of the door, I ran up the stairs to Ezra's room in the renovated attic. I gave three, sharp knocks.

"What?" His muffled voice sounded rudely. I sighed in relief, he's still here.

"C-can you take me with you?" I asked nervously. Somehow my confidence dwindled and my heart raced in the short period of time it took to bound up the stairs. Something in Ezra's room dropped, and a couple of swears sounded before the top half of Ezra's head peeped through the newly opened door. He crinkled his eyebrows in confusion

"You do know this is a party right?"

"Yeah of course I-"

"Not only that, but The biggest party of the year?"

"Yes I know, I know!" I sighed, exasperated. "I just want to get my mind off Dad. See?" I asked, pointing downstairs. "Even Mom went to get a drink. I think I deserve a little fun too."