It Started With Hello

Chap. 70

"So, here's the plan for today: I'll drop Alex off at Matt and Nat's for a sleepover. Then I'll drop you off back at your place, then I have to get to work. I get off around 6 today, so I'll pick you up afterwards, and we'll go to his house," Blake said the next day as they pulled up outside Matt and Nat's house. Their father, Logan, opened the front door, waving towards them. Alex opened the backseat door.

"See you guys later," he said before climbing out with his bag on his back.
Blake called out the window, saying, "Please don't cause trouble." Alex rolled his eyes with a small grin. He walked inside, and Logan closed the door after sending them a wave. Blake drove away, making his way towards her house.
"Don't worry, when we see him, I can do the talking if you want?" She shook her head. She wanted to be the one to tell him to cut out this crap.

She knew one wrong move, and Blake would kick his ass, and she couldn't let him do that. In his house, his parents would probably call the police on him or something "No, don't worry. I just need you there for support." He nodded, playing with his chain necklace. She turned on the seat, facing him.

"Did your parents say anything about the tree when they saw we put it up without them? Were they mad?" she said, deciding to change the subject to something more light.

He let out a laugh, shaking his head. "Of course they weren't mad. They love you. They were happy you were there and helped us put it up." It was nice to hear they weren't mad about the tree being put up; after all, it was Alex's idea.
They pulled up across from her house so he wouldn't get caught. She opened the door while holding her bag. "Be careful climbing back into your room." She nodded, sending him a wave before walking across the street to her house.

The window was still open, just how she left it. She looked back at Blake's car one last time as he drove down the road. She used the trellis on the side of the house to climb back up into her room. As she finally got into her room, she let out a breath, tired from climbing into the house, throwing her bag onto her bed.
There was a knock on her door. "Emma, you have to get to the animal shelter today. Did you forget?" her mother said from the other side.

"No, Mother, I'll be right down." Her answer seemed to please her mother because she didn't have a smart reply to Emma's comment. Emma sighed, realizing she made it back home just in time for the volunteering at the animal shelter today. Walking over to her closet, she picked out an outfit to change into to get ready for the day ahead.

"So this is Prince Charming's house. I have to say, it's exactly like I expected: big house with a white picket fence to keep the trash out. I would have expected nothing less," Blake said as he parked his car outside the Prim household.

Emma climbed out of the car, followed by him. She was still surprised she was able to get out of the house without her parents knowing. The climbing out the window trick Blake taught her was really coming in handy. When she came back from the animal shelter, she ate dinner with the rest of her family. Afterwards, she went upstairs, locking herself in her room until Blake got off work and came for her.

She softly knocked on the front door. Opening the door was the rare sight of Mr. Prim. She'd only ever met him a handful of times; this was probably the ninth time. He had slightly gray-blonde hair with the same blue eyes as Jason, wearing khaki shorts with a white button-up.

"Oh, hello dear. Merry Christmas Eve! What are you doing here without your mother?" he questioned, looking around for her mother, only to see Blake behind her.

She couldn't believe she somehow forgot today was Christmas Eve. Her life was so crazy lately, it totally passed her mind. Her parents would probably be leaving for their business trips tonight. She would usually just stay home and mope around the house, but now she had Blake, she didn't have to spend it alone this year.

Mr. Prim's brow raised, looking over Blake's dirty black shirt from work, ring-covered fingers, and chain-covered neck. "Actually, sir, I was wondering if I could come inside and talk to Jason?"
He nodded, opening the door wider, gesturing for her to come in. "Sure, Emma, he'll be happy to see you. He's been pretty upset since your breakup." Emma pressed her lips slightly, deciding to stay quiet as she walked past him inside the house.

Blake followed inside, looking around the house. The inside was decorated and ready for Christmas. "Is Ms. Prim not home?" she asked in a somewhat surprised voice, not really caring about the answer, just trying to make conversation.

Mr. Prim called Jason, saying to come down a moment before answering, "She's actually out drinking with a few friends." She hummed softly. She wouldn't say Ms. Prim was an alcoholic, but she definitely loved her liquor.

Suddenly, a glass shattering was heard. They all turned their heads, seeing Jason standing at the top of the stairs. Shattered glass was all around his designer shoes. Apparently, he dropped a glass cup to the ground. His eyes shifted from her to Blake with distaste.
"Jason, are you alright? Why did you just drop that cup?" Mr. Prim asked, looking at his son confused.

Jason completely ignored his father. "What are they doing here, father?" he somehow managed to keep his expression blank. Blake crossed his arms, glaring over at Jason. "We need to talk with you. It's either going to happen in private or in front of Daddy Dearest, but it will happen, so... you pick."

Mr. Prim looked between them, not understanding. Jason let out a heavy sigh. "Fine, follow me." He turned, walking back into his room, leaving the door open for them.

Emma looked over at Blake a moment before heading upstairs, walking over the shattered glass, followed by Blake. Mr. Prim sighed downstairs. "Don't worry, I'll clean all this glass up," he whispered while rolling his eyes.