Stay the Night

.Fifteen

15

Evelyn's POV

"So how was training?" I asked, sitting directly in front of Brent at our now 'usual' table of the café.

He grinned, fanning himself with the menu. "Hot, sweaty and tiring" he answered.

"I think you forgot stinky as well" I teased, using my hands to swat the air. His poor expression of hurt and panic made me grin more.

"I'm joking, relax" I said catching his hand just before he left to spray some deodorant on outside.

He chuckled, settling back down, shaking his head and grinning at me relaxed. He made no move to remove his hand away from him, in fact he wrapped his around my outstretched hand more comfortably. Blushing, I turned away from the sight. The butterflies in my stomach going crazy. Using my other hand, I opened up the textbook and we began reading our formulas.

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The hand holding didn't last very long after that as I needed it to write but he did move his seat to be closer to me. The whole situation had fogged up my mind once again but I hopefully tried my best to cover that up by forcing him to do practice questions as I tried to focus my attention back to studying.

The car trip back to Mason's was peaceful, and pleasant. The soft music was in the background of our light conversation. I kept prompting him to tell me stories of his childhood. I don't why I did that, but it always managed to make his eyes light up remembering a memory. It was just so mesmerising.

"I'll see you Monday" He called out, waving me goodbye. I nodded my head, waving back. Then proceeded the walk down my street to the house. Just as I walked up the pathway to the door, did I see Mason leave his spot and drive home. A blanket of warmth spread through me. He waited.

Walking through the doors I did not expect to see what was right in front of me. I even blinked a few more times just to let my eyes adjust to their surroundings. My parents were both lounging on the couch in the living room. Though what got me worried was the four brand new luggage bags laying beside them. It looked like they were going on a holiday. Which couldn't be correct considering, well you know, our collapsed house next door. Which may I add was in the process of being cleaned and re-built.

"Oh, Evie! Finally, your home" my dad greeted, reaching me then proceeded to pull me against his shoulder and towards mum.

"What's going on here? A surprise trip to Hawaii?" I joked, incredulously.

They both laughed. "No sweetie, we just went shopping. We bought you stuff as well don't worry. It's in your room. Though we have some news for you" they filled me in. Bringing me over to the dining table, I began to feel anxious and confused.

"So we've found this lovely apartment 40 minutes away from here, closer to work for us. So we're going to be staying there just until the house is finished."

Staring blankly at them, I processed their words. 40 minutes away? How was I going to get to school on time every day? Not to mention all the afternoon tutoring sessions I'll be having soon.

"You look confused honey. Don't worry" she said laying a hand on my shoulder, "Don't panic, you won't be staying with us. It would be too much of a trek for you" my mum said, as if that was comforting or settled my neveres.

"Where would I stay then?" I asked blankly.

"Here of course, we talked to the Key's and they said you were more than welcomed to stay for as long as the house takes to be re-built" my dad butted in, grinning.

Sinking into my chair, I let their words process through my mind, my hand massaging my forehead.

Could I survive in this house, living with Mason for a few more weeks? Months more likely.

Who was I kidding, I couldn't stand living with him now and we've only been here for two weeks. But did I have a choice? It would be impractical for me to try and live with my parents. Closing my eyes in hopes that it'll help my thoughts. I tried again.

Living with parents.

Pro; I would be with them and I wouldn't need to be in close proximity of Mason ever again.

Cons; I would need to wake up early each morning and trek to and from school. I wouldn't get home until late hours of the day due to tutoring sessions.

Living with the Key's

Pro; School would only be 10 minutes or less away. I could tutor all my students and still make it for dinner.

Cons; Mason Key.

Sighing I knew where I would have to stay. I'd have to live with Mason Key. The devil's son himself. Inwardly wincing at all the bad things this could open for us, I grimaced. This has the potential to blow up in our faces in the long run, but for now I'd have to soldier on. Be brave.

Opening my eyes to stare at my parent's expectant gazes, I gave them a tight smile.

"I guess I'll be living here" I decided watching as they both gave me sympathetic looks.

"Hey" my dad said, "you'll always be able to come and visit us whenever you need to." With that he patted my shoulder getting up from his spot beside me. "Come on honey, we better get a move on" he said grabbing her hand.

I watched as they both picked up their bags dragging it to the front door. Quickly standing up and helping them we lugged them to their cars. Mum and dad playing Tetris with the bags in the boot while I took a step back and observed. Storing their faces into my mind. Who knows when I would see them again, with the final exams for senior year coming up soon I'd be lucky enough to find time and watch a movie.

"Alright honey," my mum said gaining my attention "We're going now, please don't let this house fall down either okay?" she joked, cracking me a smile. Unable to hold back my laugh, I shook my head.

With my final words, "I'll try" they left waving their hands as they disappeared down the street. Hugging myself as the winter breeze wrapped itself around me I headed back inside.

"I see they forgot to take you with them" he said with a sarcastic tone, "I'll have to text them" he said before walking back upstairs ignoring me.

Maybe I should have gone with my parents. The 40-minute drive couldn't be worse than living with Mason Key.