Toxic

C13: Anniversary

Chapter13-Anniversary

Restraining myself from calling Ava was harder than I thought. It was harder than anything I'd done before in my life. Missing her so much didn't make things any easier, either.

Getting over my addictions became even harder without Ava. She was always there for me when I needed someone to keep me on the right track. She kept me from buying drugs, kept me from losing my mind, kept me alive. Without her...

I couldn't tell my parents. I wasn't talking to my mom and dad... dad would be disappointed in me. It was hard to picture him getting more upset with me, after everything I'd done. I'd already exhausted his patience, and that was before I'd even shown up. How could I hurt him now? When he thought I was doing better and finally listening.

Larry was my only option.

I wanted until dad left with Darren, taking him with him to get groceries, before I talked to Larry. I didn't want dad to hear our conversation. That left little time to talk. But something was enough.

"Larry, can I talk to you?"

He was cooking stir-fry for lunch when I went to talk to him, my hands sweaty. He looked over his shoulder at me. "Feeling any better?"

I shrugged and sat at the bar, my legs dangling. "It comes and goes."

He set the wooden spoon in the pan and came over the bar, standing on the opposite side of me. "It's going to get better, Lydia. You'll find someone."

"That's my problem. I like Ava. And my summer here is almost over. There's like no more time left for us."

"Try to have fun without her then."

"Do you even realize how much time we've spent together? Finding things to do without her is impossible."

"You could do some chores around here. I'm sure your dad would appreciate that."

I rolled my eyes. "Funny."

"I'm sure this isn't why you came to talk to me."

I shook my head, meeting his gaze. "I'm going through withdrawal."

"How long?"

"A few days, I guess."

He took his phone from on the counter and started typing things in. "Do you want me to see if your dad can-"

"I don't want him to know I asked you."

"Why not?"

I sighed. "I don't want him to say 'I told you so.'"

"Your father doesn't hold a grudge, Lydia."

"In case you haven't noticed, I'm not exactly the best kid."

"Your father loves you. He'd love you no matter what you did."

"Can we just please keep this between us?"

Larry sighed. "For now, yes. But eventually, you are going to have to tell him the truth."

I nodded. That seemed easy enough. Though I knew that once the time came, I would be a huge wimp and end up not saying anything.

"Is there anything you need? Anything you want me to get you?"

"I'm not really sure. I think nicotine patches or something would work. But I've never really smoked cigarettes."

He nodded. "I'll talk to the pharmacist and see what she would recommend."

"Don't mention it's for me. I mean, not by name."

His eyebrows rose. "Is there something you're not telling me?"

"No. But Ida didn't seem too thrilled to meet me."

"You have to warm up to her. But I'll respect your privacy."

Dad walked in then, a bouquet of flowers in his hands. Before I could ask who they were for, dad handed them to Larry, kissing him on the cheek.

Larry smiled. "You remembered."

"What kind of man would I be if I forgot?"

"Forgot what?" I asked, watching them with raised eyebrows.

"Our anniversary."

Because their anniversary was the day my dad left my mom, it wasn't a day I remembered very well. Or if I did, it wasn't a very positive memory. Sure, I was happy for them. But it was after seeing how happy they were together, how good they were for each other. After I realized I was gay, too.

"Oh, sweetheart. We didn't meant to bring this up in front of you like this." Dad said, coming over to hug me.

I shrugged. "I don't want you to be mad at me for being upset. Or for you to not be able to celebrate because of me."

"Lydia, we just want you to be happy." Larry said.

I got to my feet. "No, you guys have fun. I'll be in my room." I knew they felt bad for me. But I was tired of everyone else being upset just because I was dumped. It was my problem, not theirs.

When I left the kitchen, I came face to face with someone I never thought I'd see at my dad's house.

"Hey, Lyd."

-

Hey, guys! Thanks to all of you who read this story. If you like it, or hate it, let me know in the comment section. But please be nice. I have fragile feelings. Anyway, I'd really appreciate some feedback on this story. Do you like it? Hate it? Have any guesses as to what'll happen in the future chapters? I'd LOVE to hear from you!