To Long and Belong

Chapter 4

The morning came fast and hard, and as Seth raked a hand through his hair, sunlight filtered in through the windows. His room flooded with warmth. He'd never felt happier in the morning than he had now. He had no work today, and there was no school either! He remembered with a smile. He'd revelled in the weekend as long as he could remember. The familiar sound of Poppy's paws on his door sounded. Poppy bowled him over when he let her in, licking his face mercilessly.

"Poppy, Poppy, Poppy!" Seth laughed joyously. His phone vibrated, then rang as he realised Alyssia was calling. He felt horrible doing it, but...he declined the call. Moments later, Alyssia texted.

Seth, I know you're there. You declined my call for whatever reason, but my offer still stands. I really do think we should be friends. Or even partners, if you want. I'd happily keep dating you.

So she did want him back. He didn't know how to deal with it, or what to say...he still loved her deeply, but it hurt beyond recognition. She'd hurt him beyond recognition, and he couldn't let her go. But there was another woman now.

"Ah, Poppy," said Seth. His bedroom door opened abruptly. Seth rolled over immediately, feigning sleep. His mother couldn't know he was awake. She'd nag and nag him until he woke up. "Screw her," thought Seth. This was his day. He'd probably go out with Charlotte later, as well. His mother could try to spoil his life all she wanted.

"Seth," his mother whispered softly. Looking at her son's profile, it was hard to believe more girls hadn't flocked to him. He was a beautiful boy, inside and out. She just wished she could find the strength to be kind again, to parent three children without her husband. Seth, Willy and Lana deserved to have the best parents in the world.

Seth heard his mother's voice, warmer than ever before, and he supressed the urge to turn around. To hug her, to cry, to tell her he missed his father and he missed his ex. That he missed all the parts of his life that he could never go back to. But he didn't. He stayed strong. His mother tiptoed out of the room quietly, considering going into Willy's or Lana's. But the last thing she needed was an angry teenager on her hands. She knew Lana and Willy would react angrily; Seth would remain cool, calm and collected, like always.

According to the digital clock, it was ten in the morning. Seth groaned. His phone beeped again. Dreading the thought of reading another one of Alyssia's texts, he opened it.

Hey sweetie. I was just thinking that if you aren't busy today, maybe we could go out later? If you have work or can't make it, maybe we can do it another time? Charlotte xxx

Seth smiled. He was still half-asleep, but the thought of going out with Charlotte was more appealing than sleeping in right now.

Hi Charlotte. No I'm not busy. No shifts today. We can go anywhere you want. Seth xoxoxo

Poppy clambered into Seth's bed, settling at his feet. He couldn't get up now even if he wanted to—his dog was sprawled out on his legs. But then again, who needed to get up when you were texting Charlotte? Seth thought with a grin.

Great! I've got a really great place to go for lunch. When can you make it, Seth?

Seth put his phone down for a brief second, yanking it back roughly when Poppy nearly picked it up in her mouth. Sometimes she attacked it, thinking she was protecting Seth from something bad. She was coming around, though. At least, Seth thought she was. Poppy was like an open book to read, even if she was a dog. She was his de facto animal girlfriend, after all.

Whenever you want. Just not right now because my dog has me trapped to the bed.

Charlotte sent a "LOL" back, sending him many smiles and hearts.

You're a cutie, Charlotte.

The feeling is mutual...cutie!

Lol.

Seth's door opened again, and he slid under the covers immediately. Poppy had nodded off, so she wouldn't give him away. "Seth?" his mother hissed. Great. She was back to her same coldness. Why was she like that? She'd be warm one minute and cold the next. Seth smirked to himself. He didn't think the first woman he'd be saying that about was his mother. "Seth! Are you awake?" his mother said in a loud whisper. Seth wouldn't budge. He remained as still as a statue, quietly texting Charlotte from under the covers.