Capturing Us (bxb)

Chapter Eleven

Liam's POV

That Monday evening, as the storms grew in strength, so did Liam's confusion. He wasn't the only one, though.  

"Sooo..," Liam's mom started.

"Soooo..," Liam copied.

The two were seated at the dinner table accompanied by his father and sister late in the evening. Liam assumed that his mother had told his father about Blake's very unexpected visit - if you could even call it that - because the only sound heard at the table was the scraping of utensils and chewing. Liam couldn't stand it. 

"How was it?" Liam's father asked, confirming his assumption about his knowledge on that afternoon's events. Despite Liam knowing exactly what the man was alluding to, he decided to delay the conversation by playing dumb. 

"How was what?"

His mother sighed, setting down her fork. "Look, Liam. You know what we're talking about. We just want to know if you're alright."

"If i'm alright?" Liam asked, puzzled, "why wouldn't I be," he finished dismissively, looking down at his half eaten plate of food. 

"Well... you know..." his father started, seemingly unsure of how to say what was on his mind. "You guys have some history, and from what your mother has told me, you two were standing at the door... like normal people?" his father stated, but it sounded more like a question. It was almost funny that his parents were expressing concern over the fact that they were acting civil towards one another. 

"So, what i'm hearing is that you're worried because we weren't biting each other's head off?" Liam responded, slightly amused.

"No," his mother defended, "well... yeah, but that's not the only reason," she sighed, frowning a little bit. "I know how much you were affected by Blake's past actions, and I can imagine that today could have brought up some emotions for you..." the woman trailed off, trying to gage Liam's reaction to her statement.

"I'm fine," he grumbled, but knew that there wasn't a point in lying about how he felt. Sighing, Liam played with his hands under the table, "I don't know. It's just... i'm just confused."

Both of his parents nodded in understanding, but Jazz just continued to look at her brother. Finally pitching into the conversation, she said, "Look, Liam. I'm not trying to make excuses for Blake 'cus there's no point. However, maybe Blake has, I don't know... changed?"

Liam could only stare at his sister in shock, lips parted. Jazz, seeing that Liam wouldn't be responding any time soon, continued, "I also want you to know that i'm not trying to defend him in any way, and I can understand why today has been confusing for you."

Liam honestly didn't know what to feel. Part of himself knew that Jasmine had a point; people change. On the contrary, he couldn't find it in him to believe that. Sure, Blake had been acting nicer recently, but what would have changed for him? And if what Jazz said was true, would Blake want to be friends again? More importantly, would Liam  want to be friends again?

To make matters even more confusing, Liam couldn't help but to constantly replay the moment that Blake had grabbed him by his waist and carried him to his car. It was as if the moment was a broken record in his mind, torturing him with its repetitions all afternoon. The feeling of his strong arms...the breath on the back of Liam's neck that caused goosebumps to break out all over his skin...Blake apologizing with so much sincerity that Liam's heart fluttered...

All of these thoughts became too overwhelming, and Liam needed to escape. 

Standing up, Liam addressed his family, "i'm tired. I think i'm going to go to bed." He moved to pick up his dirty dishes and pushed in his chair. "Thank you for dinner, ma," he said, not making eye contact as he left the room.