STAR STRUCK: epilogue continues (book 2)

Chapter 12

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Chapter 12

Confrontation

17 days before take-off

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I am more of a coward than I would like to admit to myself or to anyone else who already knows that I do not have the capacity to be brave and take risks. Flying to another country was everything about risk, but I was surprisingly all for it. (Excluding the number of days I have wasted thinking this idea through. We are not talking about that.)

What is in character however is my utmost refusal to go home and talk to my dad. So here I was a day after, still in my old apartment, still hogging the space that was now meant for Vincent as my own. If that doesn't scream cowardly, I don't know what does. 

"I thought I told you this was a one-time thing. Why are you still here?" Vincent asked. He's preparing our lunch in the makeshift kitchen of the apartment while I waste my time on the floor, rolling over and eating chips I bought this morning. 

"A few more days wouldn't hurt, right? It's not like I'm being a total freeloader. I even paid half for the groceries yesterday!" I reasoned, chips inside my mouth making my voice sound all muffled. "Maybe I should have bought a TV when the old man told me to. There's nothing to do in this little room."

"Your dad might be able to afford having the extra expenses but not me. Of course, I wouldn't have that here."

"Well, I could pay for the expenses so I can watch TV here. Problem solved!" 

I popped the last chip in my mouth and chewed loudly. That might've annoyed Vincent along with my response because he shouted at me from across the apartment. "Don't go on and decide to start living here when you should be going home and start packing!"

"Start packing so I could live here?" I joked. His head popped in my from the kitchen with a frown. "I'm kidding, I'm kidding. I just really like your cooking and that makes me want to stay."

His frown deepened which made me laugh. "Flattery won't get you anywhere. Could you just set the table? And clean up as you do," he said as he got back to cooking our meal. 

"Roger that captain!" 

-

"So, do you even have plans to go back home?" Vincent asked after lunch.

"I do," I said. "I'm on my way there now."

He looked surprised for a second, widening his eyes and opening his mouth without saying a word. 

"I know, it's unbelievable. But I'm thinking a day of recharge is enough. Like you said, I need to pack my things too." 

I spent my whole day yesterday thinking about what I would do once I got home. It's surprising how my dad still hasn't come to get me like he usually does. Perhaps he's already given up his rights as my father on paper now that I'm rogue again. Or maybe Melissa convinced him to leave me be. I did send her a message so that she wouldn't worry. I'm not that heartless nor do I want to make my younger sister, Beth, cry. I'm sure Melissa gave them both a good excuse. 

All that thinking about how I should confront the people back home about the situation while leaving all the magical details out of the story made me lose the timing to actually go home and face them. I know it was me stalling, but sometimes I'd like to think I want to plan first before I act. That I'm not such an impulsive maniac trying to bury myself in another mess.