azaleas [horan]

Just My Luck

A Z A L E A

I pulled into the car park and stepped out of my vehicle. I shivered as a frigid breeze blew by, making goosebumps flare on my exposed arms. I face palmed. Why didn't I bring a jacket? Ugh.

I raced up the stairs to my flat, anxious to get my clothes and drive back to Niall's. I sprinted to my door and jammed the slim key into the keyhole. Slamming the door behind me, I ran to my bedroom and snatched the first articles of clothing I saw. I grabbed my favorite blue hoodie, a set of pajamas, and a pair of white jeans along with two brand new toothbrushes, still in the packaging.

Before I could make it to Eleanor's room I heard a soft knock. Ugh. This is not the time for visitors. I picked up the shirt and denim shorts lying on the floor and rushed back down the stairs with an overstuffed duffle bag.

I peered through the peephole, wondering who in the name of fruit loops was dropping by so late. Dad. I twisted the doorknob to see my father wearily leaning on the doorframe. Eye bags and dark circles masked his face. His eyelids drooped while his stance swayed side to side and it looked as if he could fall asleep any second.

"Hey Dad, did you need something?" I asked.

"Huh? Oh yeah, I came by for that picture I asked for last week." He said sleepily.

Shit. I knew I forgot something. "Um, Dad? I kind of forgot to take one... But me and Eleanor are both dating a member of the band!" 

"That's great honey. Just get the picture when you can." He ambled out the door and down the hall, probably back to his place.

I followed him down the corridor. "What do you mean?" I asked, confusion ringing in my voice. 

"I meant that you can get the picture whenever. I don't need it immediately." 

"I can't just take a picture, Dad! We're pretty much together now! It would be wrong of me to take one!" 

He had a sudden burst of energy and spun on his heel to face me.

"Azalea! I am working my ass off to provide for you and your mother and you are acting like a selfish little brat! I have been working nonstop this whole week and I don't get anything in return! I'm exhausted and you have been ungrateful considering how much I have given you! I am your father for Christ's sake and you will do what I say! I am more experienced than you and no doubt you and that boy will break up by next week!" He spat.

A wide, pale green vein stuck out the side of his neck. His face was a deep shade of red and if this were a cartoon, steam would be oozing out of his ears. Hanging at his sides were his hands balled up into fists.

Tears streamed down my face as I hung my head in shame, making the teardrops hit the ground. He said ‘boy’ with such disgust that it sickened me. How could he say that?

I couldn't stand being in his presence for even another second. I shut the door to my flat but my attempt to push past him failed. He clenched my wrist as my guilt turned to anger.

"I am not a child and you can't treat me like one!" I screamed furiously. I yanked my arm out of his grasp and bolted down the hall.

By the time I made it to the car park, rain poured from the dark, depressing sky.

"Of course, just my fucking luck." I muttered to myself. I ran to my car and sheltered myself from the raindrops.

The tears continued to fall from my eyes as I drove down the road. The rain pitter-pattered against the windows. I stared at the pivoting windshield wipers. Was Niall really going to break up with me soon? I was hoping my dad said that to make me feel guilty for not getting the damn picture. Who the hell does he think he is? He's not the boss of me, that's for sure. I get called selfish for not taking a picture of my boyfriend and his friends? That's rubbish! Yet the bitter tears kept coming.