These Broken Roads

Chapter 23: Plans for the Future

~Elliot~

I was drawing on my tablet. My back leaning against the headboard and my headphones on. I was sketching out a big bush of multiple kinds of flowers, while nodding to the beat of the music.

The music wasn't too loud so when Dad knocked on my door frame I looked up. I took off my headphones.

"So how did it go?"

I nodded. "Pretty good. She was really nice. We should hear back soon with what they decide."

Dad nodded. "Are you ready for the game Saturday?"

I shrugged. "I hope so, since the scout is here. Did they really have to come to the first game of the season?"

"I don't make the rules, but I'm glad you were able to talk to her before the game." Dad said with a proud look. "I know you've been having a tough few weeks."

That's an understatement.

I've been keeping myself busy with practice and school work to keep me from thinking about Natalie. When I saw her at the diner, where I had my interview, I just wanted to hold her again.

I'm making myself better for her. To be better for her. To get her back and to prove to her that I'm not a failure.

"Yeah it's been hard." I said looking down at my tablet.

Dad gave me a small smile. "If she's the one then nothing will keep you two apart."

"You think so?"

Dad nodded. "I know so, now, what did you want to do for dinner?"

Honestly what I wanted was to go to the diner to see Natalie, but I feel like she'll think that I'm stalking her.

"I don't care." I said. "Why don't you ask Quinn?"

"You know your sister. She'll pick some healthy place." Dad chuckled and shook his head.

"Then I'll ask her." I turned off my tablet and stood up from my bed.

Dad shrugged, but agreed as I walked past him to Quinn's room. I knocked on her door.

"Dad wants to know what we want for dinner." I said through the closed door.

There was no answer. I tried the door handle and it was locked. I swallowed the lump in my throat telling me everything was fine, but flashbacks of when I found Nate came to my mind I began frantically pounding on the door.

"What?"

I wrapped my little sister in a tight hug as soon as she opened the door, breathing out a long breath. She hugged me back after a few minutes of confusion.

"Sorry. I just..." I cleared my throat and pulled away from her. I frowned seeing her eyes were red and puffy. "What's wrong?"

"Amanda is going to a private high school." She said in a soft voice. "It's in the opposite direction of Jefferson. I don't know if we're going to make it."

"Well I don't know if I'm the one to give relationship advice right now, but Dad said something pretty cool a few minutes ago." I said with a grin. "If she's the one, nothing will keep you guys apart."

Quinn smiled, a small one, but still a smile. "Thanks E."

I wrapped my arm around her shoulder and squeezed her into my side. "No problem."

"Sorry I had my earbuds in." She said looking up at me. "That's why I didn't answer the first time."

"Sorry I freaked out." I said letting her go.