Housemates

Final Day

                                                                                            
Aaron

I sat with my legs crossed on the couch scrolling through my phone. The silence in the room is unbearable and I don't dare to look up at my parents who are sitting in opposite areas of the room. They don't want to admit it but I'm pretty sure this is the end. Their marriage is far too unrepairable.

It's graduation day hence why they aren't strangling each other for being in the same room. We'd leave but we're waiting for a specific someone to finish getting ready. I offered to drive in my car alone but mom kept insisting on having all of us in dad's car.

"Arianne! Come on we gotta go!" Mom called out for her.

As if on cue, Arianne walked into the room wearing a summary dress with her graduation gown. I don't get much of a look at her because I move my attention elsewhere.

Mom walked up to Aria and hugged her, feeling excited about us finally graduating. I made her promise that she wouldn't cry a day before because I cannot handle seeing her cry. Mom urged the both of us to stand next to each other so she could take a photo. I don't bother arguing on that because I know that there's no use. I got up from my seat and walked up to Aria giving her a smile.

She smiled back at me but I know that smile, its a forced one.

Its been six days since she started sleeping back at the house. Six days since peace has been brought back into the lives of the Kingstons. Every single day that Aria wasn't here was a glimpse of what was going to happen the second she's gone. Every day, I hid in my room while I heard the arguments and bickering of the two people I call my parents. They couldn't agree on a single thing.

You see, the thing with my parents is that they both lack communication and are very stubborn.

Ever since my dad took that month vacation from his job its been chaos. Sometimes I wish he'd go back to the business travels. They seem to be a lot happier when they're not around each other. But summer break is starting, I can't use school as an escape anymore and I know they will be at each other's throat the entire time.

"Aaron you aren't smiling in any of the photos," mom pointed out, bringing me back to reality.

I forced out a smile and she takes the picture.

Once she's satisfied we all left the house and climbed into dads car. Arianne and I sat in the backseat. I am pretty sure I'm not the only one who feels this awkward palpable tension between us.

I couldn't help but glance at Arianne a few times. She holds a sad expression on her face that I can't tell if she's nervous or upset. Or maybe both. The silence in the car is broken by my mom asking Ari if she's nervous about graduating.

I guess I am not the only one concerned by her looks.

"No, I'm just sad that I'm leaving tomorrow," Aria replied, her gaze fixed on the passing scenery outside the window.

Wait what? She's leaving tomorrow?

I know she's leaving soon but not this soon.

My mind is left racing the entire car ride, caught off guard by her response that when we reached the school I was still zoned out.
I don't realize we're there until mom knocked on my window telling me to get out.

We make our way toward the football pitch where the graduation ceremony is going to be held at. I am not gonna lie, whoever was responsable for planning this did really well.

This place looks really great.

Arianne excuses herself a few minutes later saying something about wanting to go meet her friends.  I am then again left with my parents.