Comfortable Chaos

Chapter 14

Brandi

As long as you're living under my roof...

Mama and I stopped to the grocery store on our way home. The minute we pull into the garage I see Chuck's truck. I gasp. Mama turns off the car and raises her eyebrow at me.

"What's wrong with you?"

I shake my head. "Nothing." I open the car door and go to the trunk to grab some bags. C'mon, Brandi. You're over this. Go in there say 'hi' to everybody and drop the bags off. I slowly walk inside with the bags in my hand. Daddy and Chuck are sitting in the living room talking.

"Hey, honey. How was school?" Daddy asked.

"Fine."

"Are there more bags in the car?"

I nod. Beads of sweat are forming on my forehead but Daddy doesn't seem to notice.

"Alright. Well, I'll go help your mama."

Daddy starts out the door and I want to cry out for him to stay but I'm afraid of what will happen. I want to run after him but I'm afraid of the questions that will follow. I still can't tell. I also can't stand here while he looks at me with that intense glare. I'm struck by fear so I hustle to the kitchen, sitting the bags on the table. I quickly take things out of the bag and put them away. Maybe if I hurry up I can avoid any more interaction with him. Too late. Chuck walks into the kitchen.

"Do you need help?" he asked.

"No." I said quickly, almost interrupting him. Please, God, help me get out of here.

"How have you been?" Chuck asked.

"F-Fine," I stuttered.

"What's the matter?"

"Nothing." Only a few more cans and a box of cereal left.

Chuck sighs and glances over his shoulder. "Look. I don't want it to be awkward between you and me, okay? What we had was...spur of the moment. It happens like that sometimes, you know?"

What we had? Is he delusional? I don't understand his reasoning but I'm sure glad that I'm finished bagging. I turn toward the kitchen doorway. He's in the way. Oh, God. If you let me by this man, I promise I won't ask for anything else.

"No need to be embarrassed. We should keep the shed between us. Your parents won't understand anyway and it'll get in the way of our plans." He chuckles. "Your father and I are going to make a lot of money."

Chuck moves closer to me. I back up and wrap my arms around my body. He stops.

Chuck places his hand over chest. "Forgiveness." I hear Mama and Daddy coming in the front door and I wipe a tear from my cheek.

"Looks like you and your Mama bought out the store," Daddy said, coming in the kitchen carrying several bags. Mama follows with a few. I've never been so glad to see my parents. Now I'm ready to bolt out of there.

"Um, I put everything up. I'm gonna go start on my homework now," I said. I don't recognize my own voice it's so soft but apparently my parents heard me.

"Okay," they say in unison.

I bolt passed Chuck, holding my breath the whole time. Miraculously, I'm able to hold in tears that pour after I reach my room.