The Fallout | ✓

30 - not this again

Q U I N C E Y

"Why were you late?"

"Jeez, a hello would've been nice," I let my bag fall to the floor as I took a seat on the couch near my father.

"You still didn't answer my question."

Mom gives Knox a look and Dad too lifts his reading glasses to glare at him, "Stop annoying your sister, Knox. We all know you don't have anything else to do other than look at the camera and look pretty while some of us have more serious jobs."

Knox sinks into the couch, thick silence filling in the air. I suck in my cheeks and stare at the tv screen playing a news channel while Mom scolds Dad and asks him to apologize.

Our parents had always supported Knox with his expensive hobby, but to Dad, that's all it ever was a hobby. He never supported the thought that Knox would go pro and work in that field, and I know he's not disappointed at Knox's choice and is actually proud of the accomplishments he's made, but he's also worried sick about him because being an athlete comes with risks and isn't the most stable job.

When Dad refuses to spare Knox an apology, the tension intensifies and Knox stands up, "I'll take Bear for a walk," Our dog's ears perk up at the mention of his favorite word and Knox leaves without another word leaving me feeling guilty for not answering straight ahead his question and leading us to here.

I spent the rest of the afternoon helping my parents with gardening, checking the time every passing minute, and hoping that evening would come so I could get back to Maddox.

As the sun starts to set, we sit on the porch with a platter of cheese and crackers, my tummy churns with every bite I take as my mind conjures images of all the things I want to do with Maddox when I get back home.

Mom asks all the questions that's are occupying her mind: How's work going? (Okay). Have you cleaned your apartment at all this week? (Not yet). No plans for this week? (Not much). Until she asks the last one, "Have you gone on any dates this month?"

My dad groans at the mention of his most hated question, "Lou, please not this again."

"What can a curios mom do?"

"Stop asking questions maybe?"

I smiled as I leaned my head against the fence railing, unlocking my phone and noticing the amount of texts Maddox left there since the moment I left the apartment.

mads
Is it feasible that I miss u already?
3:44PM

You got there yet?
4:01PM

Q?
4:03PM

You Have 2 Missed Calls
4:03PM

mads
Please text back or i'll be the person filling a missing report this time around.
4:20PM

You Have 2 Missed Calls
4:03PM

mads
Quinn your starting to fucking worry me baby, please pick up the fucking phone.
4:31PM

You Have 6 Missed Calls
4:32PM

M A D D O X