Tinkering Hearts

Chapter Nine

Zaelia

School gets over just like that. Zeke and I stand by the wall waiting for our bus.

"So...?" I start. "You broke up?"

"Hm? With who?"

I roll my eyes. Cocky much.

"Uh... Leah?"

"Nah. I felt pity for her when I saw her all scared that day. I mean, she knew what was coming. She didn't seem ready to accept it. So I let her be," Zeke shrugs.

"You know you're just leading her on, right?"

"I know. I'll do it soon..."

"In my opinion—"

"Keep it to yourself." And... he walks away. I'm not going to give up easily, but I choose to let go for now.

Our bus arrives after a moment and we get in. I press my forehead on the window when I sit and try to recollect everything, as other students board the bus. I think of taking a shower soon after I get home, and having some Nutella and almonds—that is, if any are left. But if not, I will have to go to the grocery.

I rub my forehead, dreading the thought of going to the grocery again. And before I think of anything else, I doze off.

. * ● ¸ .

For a moment I think I'm drowning, but it's just Zeke sprinkling water on me from his plastic bottle which had holes in the cap. I snatch the bottle, open the window, and throw it out.

"My babyyyyyyy!"

I leave him to fake sob and somehow manage to enter the house with drooping eyelids. Zeke comes in while I take off my shoes. "Who's screaming?"

"Hmmmm?" I try to take in the noise and hear shouts from the kitchen.

"Uh-oh."

Zeke and I rush to the kitchen and find mom and dad arguing uncontrollably with each other. My ears ring with all the screaming and cover them with my palm.

"I'm telling you, Oscar, you have no fricking idea what it's like to sit here all day taking care of everything—"

"Our situation is different now. We can't just sit here doing nothing anymore!"

"You would not call me jobless for taking care of you!"

"Guys, please calm down..." Zeke tries.

"Zeke, go to your room! Now!" Dad yells. He shudders at his temper.

They continue arguing—voices increasing second by second. Everything else getting blacked out and ears getting numb. Head stinging with pain and heart racing out of fright. Somehow I find myself in between my parents, protecting one from the other.

"STOP!"

It goes silent. Everyone's eyes on me. Zeke and Dad look confused. Mom looks horrified. My head's throbbing harder than ever.

"Stop... please," I beg. "Let's sit and talk it out. Mom, dad, tell us what's wrong."

Dad paces the room back and forth, running a palm over his face. He eventually sits at the dining table, loosening his tie and trying his best to keep his cool. Mom covers her face with her hands looking miserable. I grab her gently by the elbow and make her sit at the table too. Zeke and I place our bags on the kitchen countertop and join them.