W.A.T.D

Chapter 11 Older - his perspective

Estimated reading time - 5 minutes 40 seconds
(GUYS I AM SO SORRY THIS TOOK SO LONG)

After she left I felt sort of… incomplete. My arms were empty and yet her sweet scent lingered in my room. I didn't dare wash my blanket till her perfume was gone, the smell brought me comfort as I slowly bounced back from my cold.
She texted me every day, never giving me a moment of peace. Not that I'm complaining…
She got better a lot faster than I did, however, but I skipped Monday just for fun. I knew she was excited to go back, she got a little stir crazy being stuck in her room all the time, but she said it was worth it to see me.
Whether that was a lie to make me feel better or not, I loved hearing it.

It was Monday morning, I was dressed and ready to do absolutely nothing. I was about to go out and get coffee when I heard the garage door, someone was home.
I hurried outside and peeked out through the door. It was my dad, my blood went cold.
If he knew I wasn't at school he would kill me, even if I was still sick. He was not a very compassionate man, not in the slightest.
I rushed upstairs, getting back in bed and trying to look sick so I at least have an excuse, maybe he will go easier on me.
He called out to the supposed-to-be empty house, I responded in the most nasally-sounding voice I could muster. I could hear him stomping up the stairs, it was obvious he was pissed already.
My door practically slammed open, and his brows furrowed in annoyance.
“What are you doing in bed.” he snapped, a scowl on his face.
“Sick,” I quickly responded, flinching slightly as he sighed disappointedly.
“Your grades are already dropping, you can't afford to be ‘sick’” He retorted.
“A’s are fine, B’s are unacceptable. Starting tomorrow you are not staying home, even if you are ‘sick’” He accentuated, leaving with a huff.
I sighed, settling into the bed and trying to calm my racing heart. He always makes me so nervous, but he isn't home often so I sometimes forget how much he scares me.
He's always been cold, ever since I was born he held a certain disdain towards me, avoiding me at every turn.
There was one thing he was always willing to talk about, however, and that was grades. Nothing but perfection was ever good enough for him, it always had to be perfect, everything I did.
That's why he loves my brother so much, he did everything just how my dad wanted and joined the military.
They all left me alone in this big empty house, ever since I was old enough to take care of myself.

I spent all day in bed, getting bothered by my dad. Despite him being around me so much he didn't bring me anything helpful, and when I went downstairs I opened the fridge expectantly.
The leftovers of the soup Eliza had made me were nowhere to be found in the barren fridge.
“There was soup in here. Where is it.” I questioned harshly.
“Threw it away. Where did you even get that garbage? Smelled terrible.” My father complained from across the room. My hands clenched into fists and I simply stalked back upstairs without another word.
I grabbed my phone and threw on a random hoodie, my hands in my pockets as I descended the stairs, walking out the door without saying a single word to my dad. I didn't even turn around when he started yelling.

It was a long walk to the school, but I got there before the bell rang and that's what matters. Students started flooding out, I spotted her and hurried over.
“Hey there,” I say, enjoying watching her jump slightly.
“Why are you here? You skipped?” I didn't want to tell her it was partially from wanting to escape my dad.
“I wanted to walk you home, is that ok with you?” I respond quickly, smiling as her hand slides into mine. I start walking in the direction of my house instinctively, then I feel her hand tug me in the other direction.
“This way idiot,” she smiles so sweetly at me, a hint of blush covering her cheeks.

On the way to her house, I could tell she wanted to be closer, but I said nothing about it. I just enjoyed the way our arms ‘accidentally’ brushed against each other occasionally as I asked her questions to fill the silence.
“So here's a good one, why didn't you freak out?” I was genuinely curious about this one, she was so calm and I was a crying mess.
“what do you mean,”
“When I… you know… threatened you with a knife?” I muttered apologetically.
“I've moved a lot over the years, lots of different places and environments.” she squeezed my hand softly, and I squeezed hers back with a smile.
“I've been threatened with worse” My smile quickly faded, replaced with confusion and shock. Where has she been living?
“Liz?” I halted, holding her hand tight.
“Yes, Raymond?” Hearing that cute little voice of hers say my name always makes my heart flutter, but now is not the time.
“Are you ok?” I asked, looking genuinely concerned. She just giggled softly, that cute smile on her face. Once she realised I was serious she scoffed slightly.
“Yes! Yes, I'm ok, that's a silly question,” She muttered, pulling me along, urging me to keep walking. I can't help but wonder, who wouldn't? What could have possibly happened to make her desensitised to having a knife at her throat?

Once we got to her house I didn’t know what to do… Or what to say. She was looking up at me so expectantly, that little glimmer in her eyes like always.
All I could think about as we stood there just like last time was how she felt, her soft lips and the way she melted into my arms.
All I wanted to do was kiss her again, but instead, I ruined the moment by talking as always.
“So we’re here, see you tomorrow?” I mumbled, shoving my hands into my pockets instead of where they wanted to be, which was all over her. She scoweled slightly, her brows furrowing and a slight pout appearing on her lips. I could tell I just majorly screwed up, but no going back now.
“Or? I could-” I was about to suggest before the front door opened, revealing her mom. I’d never properly met her mom. I saw this more as an opportunity than an interruption because I was severely fumbling.
“Ray! So happy to see you sit down sit down!” Eliza’s mom chirped, leading me over to the couch and gesturing to Eliza.
“Oh, sweetie can you also get me- awww that's so sweet!” She beamed, smiling as Eliza handed me and her mom some water. As soon as Eliza was sat, her mom flooded me with questions, Eliza blushing and covering her face at some of them. I took long thoughtful sips of the cold water, trying to calm my nerves as I get interrogated so intensely.
In the middle of a particularly embarrassing question, Eliza grabbed the water from my hand, taking a small sip, her mom smiling. Eliza choked slightly on the water, I wanted to laugh but I know if I did she would kill me later.
“So, what are your intentions with my daughter?” Her mom suddenly inquired, making Eliza almost spit out her water. I already know the answer to this question, but I definitely can’t say that in front of Eliza.
My eyes flick briefly between Eliza and her mom, the smile on her mom's face is off-putting, to say the least. I lean in close to her mom’s ear, whispering lowly enough that I know Eliza can’t hear.
“I intend to marry her ma’am,” I respond simply, leaning back in my chair again. Her mom muttered something to her before speaking again.
“You're free to go,” she chirped, I got up immediately, not wanting to waste a second getting away from this incredibly awkward situation. I bowed my head to her mom and started towards the door, Eliza scurrying behind me.
“Wait wait wait! What did you tell her?” She spat, gripping my forearm, her eyes full of curiosity and confusion.
“You'll understand when you're older” I mumbled, ruffling her hair slightly before walking out the door. I take a deep breath, the cold air entering my lungs and my heart beating wildly.