The Unwanted Tutor

Chapter 18

Two days before graduation and my mom was already freaking out about what kind of damn party to throw.

"We'll have to invite your cousins, your aunt Janice in San Diego, everyone!" She exclaimed over dinner.

"Jeez, Mom. Give it a break, it's not that big of a deal." I said.

"Garrett, your mother's just trying to celebrate your accomplishments." Dad said absentmindedly.

I rolled my eyes and stirred around the food on my plate.

I couldn't stop considering everything that happened with Anthony, a part of me was glad he helped me get to this point but I couldn't shake the feeling of how wrong our relationship was.

However, my mind kept going back to the betrayal on his face when I left him at the beach. Was it really my fault he was going back to New York?

I just couldn't love him the way he loved me, I should have told him that, now I think I messed everything up.

"Did you remember to invite Anthony to your graduation?" Mom asked as she watched me make rivers with the mashed potatoes.

So that's what I forgot to tell him about. I set my fork down and leaned back in my chair. "No, I mean, does he really need to come?"

Mom raised an eyebrow, "He did help you a lot, I think it would be polite to at least ask."

"Yeah well, why didn't you ask him when he was here the other day if it means so much to you?" I snapped.

"Garrett," My dad said sternly.

"I'm just saying, I don't think he needs to be a big part of my life anymore." I said.

The room was now thick with tension, I could tell from the look my parents exchanged with each other that they knew something was up with me.

I took a deep breath and got up from the table, "If you want me to call him and ask then I will."

"No, it's fine. It's late anyway." My mom answered shortly.

Oh, great. Who knew that stupid Anthony could cause so much trouble when he's not here?

I tossed my plate into the trash and headed upstairs to shower, the second I got to the top of the staircase I could hear my parents talking.

"He was awfully defensive." My mom said.

"Well, teenagers usually are. Must be something with that music they like listening too." Dad remarked.

Mom let out a frustrated sigh, "I just don't know what's gotten into him lately."

"Good thing he's going away for college then." I heard Dad's chair being pushed back then footsteps to the kitchen.

I went into my room and shut the door feeling heavy hearted. My own parents didn't even want to deal with me anymore, it seemed like all they cared about was getting me out of the house as quickly as possible.

*
The next day, I was nervous as I headed downstairs to face my parents.

They weren't up when I was at eight o'clock, I ate my breakfast in my room and fell asleep for another three hours. Now, I guess I was ready to see what today was going to bring.

"We still need some decorations, you have his gift, right?" I heard my mother ask my dad when I was halfway down the steps.

"Yep. Here he is right now, our graduate!" Dad smiled at me I walked into the kitchen.

I smiled back caustically, I couldn't remember the last time my dad smiled at me this genuinely. "Hey, dad."

My mother glanced at me then looked away. I could tell she was still upset because of yesterday.