Turn Away | c.h

Chapter 11 - Fake a Smile

(Double update lol but look how fucking hot Calum looks in this photo I want to cry why can't he just love me already)

I awkwardly crossed my legs under the table, resting my head in my palms as I looked around the restaurant. People were on the dance floor, couples swaying to the live music playing. I wished there was something for me to do here, instead I was awkwardly seated with dad and Katy, forced to eavesdrop on their conversation about their work-lives.

I glanced up at Katy as I felt her tap my arm.

"Elbows off the table."

Restraining a groan, I leant back, wrapping my arms around myself as she turned away. This had to be the most dreadful dinner I'd ever had. It made me wonder why I was even still allowed to come, since the two of them were practically ignoring me after the fight this morning. Dad had not spoken one word to me today, he was still upset about the hickey on my neck, which I'd managed to cover extremely well. I just didn't want anymore fights, I knew that if I didn't at least try to cover it, he'd bring it up again. It just how dad was; he didn't let go of go of things easily.

I glanced over at the two of them, leaning forward as I tried to include myself in the conversation.

"Right, yeah, but did Dale say he'd paid off the extra $200?" Katy said, sipping at her wine as she looked up at dad.

"Yeah, he told my accountant that he had paid it off, but I checked the accounts yesterday, and he hasn't paid."

"What's this about?" I asked, leaning in even more.

"Rob, I'd pull him aside and ask what's going on, I'd even go so far as to call the police."

"I've thought about it... But I'll see what's happening, first."

"Guys?" I said, slowly feeling myself give up.

"Yeah, that's a good idea."

Fed up with being excluded, I stood up.

"I'm going to the bathroom." I announced, not bothering to wait for their approval before walking off. I wrapped my arms around myself, angrily walking over to the toilet. I narrowly missed a waiter with a tray full of food, almost knowing them over in spite of getting to the bathroom and away from dad and Katy.

That was when I ran in to a taller person, sending the both of us backwards. I cursed as I felt my stomach become damp, and looking down I saw that the stranger had spilt his drink on me.

"Oh god-"

"I'm so sorry," he said, placing his cup down on the table beside us.

"This is gonna stain so badly." I groaned, running my fingers over the red mark on my white dress.

"I am so sorry, I didn't even see you coming," he continued to apologise, reaching over to grab the napkin sitting under the cutlery on the table beside us. "Let me help." He said, leaning in with the napkin. I pulled away as the stranger touched my chest.

"It's fine," I snapped, grabbing the useless piece of fabric from the stranger.

"Tonight is just not my night, honestly. Can I do something to make it up?"

"Just stop talking, please," I laughed out of defeat, dabbing away at the stain on my chest. He embarrassedly laughed back, and finally there was a silence between us. He remained standing in front of me, as if he was expecting me to do something.

"Hey... Don't you go to my school?"

I looked up at the stranger, and I studied his features. As I analysed his features, the more I remembered him. His brown hair and blue eyes suddenly become recognised- oh god. It's Chet.