Anger Management

Chapter 40: Memorials and Nostalgia

“Pumpkin Ashters here!” My dad yells from downstairs making me immediately break into a sweat. I don’t know why I was so nervous. This wasn’t even a real date. 

“All right Syl. You look bangin and just remember that you have the power tonight.” Riley reminds me as she hands me the purse that we stuffed with everything we thought was necessary. I nod absentmindedly as I smooth down the front of the dress Riley and I chose. I rejected the original dress Riley wanted me to wear which in my opinion was showing too much chest and instead went for a nice strapless midi dress that had had strings to tie around the neck. It was more form fitting and overall I thought I looked pretty good. I slip on the low black sandal heel that went best with my outfit before looking back at Riley

“Tell me again why I’m doing this?” The question leaves from my lips as I  try to keep myself from panicking. 

“Because you deserve closure and peace from this situation.” Riley tells me making me nod my head. Right. Closure. Peace. All good stuff. With that in mind I take a deep breath before heading towards my door.

 As soon as it’s open an inch I hear my dads deep baritone voice shaking down Ashter. 

“I hope you know that I back Sylvie on her decision to meet but if she comes home crying again there will be some serious problems.” I feel the blood drain from my face as I listen to my father lecture Ashter. He literally just told the guy that I’ve cried more than once over him. Not wanting anymore embarrassing details to come out I rush towards the stairs, Riley trailing behind me. 

“I mean it I will come to your house. Me and my buddies know how to deal with-”

“Okay honey I think he gets it.” My mom interjects as I make my way towards the front door. I let out a breath thankful that my mom stopped my dad before he can say anything else out of pocket. 

“Okay okay I’m here. No more interrogating and intimidating.” I say announcing my presence. The three turn their attention towards me my mom gasping as she sees my outfit. She runs  towards me pulling me into a hug placing a kiss on my cheek. 

“You look so nice honey. You definetely get your good looks from me.” she compliments me her lips curled into a smirk. I roll my eyes at her antics but I feel a smile form on my face. 

“You do look really nice pumpkin., Actually a little too nice. I thought this was a little meet up to just discuss some things.” My dad says his eyebrow arching suspiciously. 

“Well dad I wasn’t informed on the exact location so i thought better safe than sorry.” I tell him before glancing over at Ashter who has yet to say anything but has his eyes glued to me. My eyes trail over to the bouquet of flowers in his hands making my eyes widen. Wow he really was making this look like more than a meet up. 

“Are those for me?” I ask finally talking to the cause for all my nerves right now. AShter clears his throat before stepping forward his hand outstretched presenting me the bouquet. I take them giving them a sniff before smiling. They smelled nice. 

“Umm Eli said I should get that type of flower.” AShter tells me as he shoves his hands into his pockets. I look humorusly at the bouquet my head shaking. Petunias. Oh I was gonna get him for this but it also reminded me of our talk and it helps me relax a little. 

"Well thank you.” I say before handing the flowers to Riley who is just standing there taking in the whole situation with a smile. She takes the flowers knowingly before sending me a secret wink making me give her a pointed look. 

“Okay well were off.” I say giving my mom and dad both a hug before looking towards Riley one more time. She gives me a thumbs up and I take that as my cue, . I take a deep breath and turn back towards Ashter ready to start the night. He gestures towards the door that he’s already opened and I nod stepping through the threshold.