The Lawyer

Chapter 1:

Have you ever wanted to get out of a situation but you don't want to deal with the process of actually removing yourself from that situation? That's where I'm at. Don't get me wrong, my boyfriend Bradley is the stereotypical hot, jock that everyone wants to date. But he has a bit of a temper.

I've been dating him for almost a year now, which is crazy to think of, really. For the first 6 months, our relationship was great. He took me out on dates without blowing up in the middle of it. We even used to be able to talk about things that we thought or felt without any hostility or hesitation. However, for the past few months things have been... different.

Despite what most movies depict, he is, in fact, a really sweet guy. Or, was. However, his newfound temper issue distracts him from reaching his full potential. For me, things are easier without confrontation. Or at least I thought they were.

Today is my first day off of work for the next week. I should be excited, but I'm not all that optimistic about it. I'm spending the whole week with Bradley and his "friends" at his super wealthy step dad's beach house. He told me all of his friends were guys, but he never hangs out with anyone from school anymore, so I don't even know who his friends are. Which, now that I am admitting, sounds a bit ridiculous.

As long as I can keep Bradley content and not angry, this week should be fine. Plus, I imagine at least one of his friends would be considerate enough to help if there were ever to be any troubles. At the very most, they might have to bury out sounds of an argument.

I begin packing up my things after spending some time dwelling over what could happen this week. I definitely need something to distract me and I really should pack anyway.

As I begin packing I start to think about the fact that I am technically an adult. I recently graduated high school and have been taking my time trying to decide if I want to go to college.

There's not one main reason why college isn't a priority, I honestly don't see it necessary. So many people in life, including both of my parents, sustain themselves and even a family without a college education. I mean education is great and all, but I'd rather not spend the rest of my days owing money from my college days.

Packing doesn't take long at all and I plop down on my bed while simultaneously pulling out my phone. I realize how close it is to dinner time and head downstairs to find out if my parents had any plans for the night.

As I enter the kitchen, there is $20 on the counter and a small note. Your mother and I went out for a bit. Buy some dinner and enjoy your night. Clean up after yourself. Love you, Dad.

What I really want to do is order myself McDonald's and come home to have a movie date all by myself. However, I want Bradley and I to be on good terms for our mini vacation, so I decide to ask him if he wants to get dinner with me.

Fumbling over dinner choices in my head, I dial his number into my phone. 'This will be good for us' I force myself to think.

He doesn't pick up and the automated lady on the other end tells me to leave a message after the expected beep. I wait, impatiently, and record my message.

"Hey Brad, my parents went out for a bit and left me some cash. I was wondering if you'd want to have a small date night, just you and me. Call me back. Love you, bye."

I write down a small list of dinner options to discuss when Bradley calls back. I don't have an excessive amount of cash, so I stick with cheaper options. Hopefully, he won't mind.

I finish up the list, hungry for every single option on there. Bradley's ringtone blares through my phone moments later and I quickly answer.

"Hey, babe," he says through the line. He sounds like he's in a good mood.

"Hey Brad," I reply with a cheery tone. I pause slightly before continuing. "I made up a list of dinner choices if you want to help me decide. They are somewhat on the cheap side, though, my parents only left me a twenty." I wait silently for his response.

"Oh, alright, we'll talk in the car. I'm leaving now." Well that was easy. I couldn't tell what put him in a good mood or how long it would last. But, I decided I was going to make the best of the night. If I stayed positive, maybe it would radiate onto him, too. Yes, I am aware of how much that sounds like bullshit.

I waited anxiously in my living room for him to arrive. The longer I'm with him, the more unpredictable he seems. Which is the opposite of how it's supposed to work.

In a few minutes, I heard a loud knock at the door, signaling his arrival. I took a deep breath before opening the door and smiling a believable smile at him.

"You ready, hun?" he said sweetly. Good mood still intact, check.

"Uh yeah," I said, a bit flustered. "Let me grab the cash." I quickly walked to the kitchen counter and grabbed the money, returning to Brad and locking the door behind us.

We decided upon Buffalo Wild Wings for our dinner. Surprisingly, Brad offered to pay for anything that was over $20. He was being way more patient than I expected from him, which kind of made me feel bad for ever doubting him.

"Are you ready for our beach getaway?" Bradley asked me with an excited look in his eyes.

"Definitely," I replied with small hesitation but a smile nonetheless. "I'm excited to be off of work and to relax." He smiled at my response as he shoved fries into his mouth.

The rest of dinner included small talk about my work and his college sports. He plays basketball and baseball. I love supporting him so much, but if I miss one game, I'll never hear the end of it.

He obviously doesn't have much interest in my job, but I don't expect him to. I work as a waitress in a small coffee shop. Let's face it, it's not that exciting.

For the remainder of our night, he talked about how much fun we were going to have and how nice the beach house is. He claimed we would have huge parties every single night with alcohol and loud music. I was a little shocked when he said that because he told me only a few of his friends were coming. And it was an hour and a half for the drive, so who else would be partying with us?

The more and more Brad talked about the week, the less and less I wanted it to happen. I'd honestly rather stay and work then go on this mini vacation. But, I'm out of options now.

As Bradley was dropping me off at my house I asked him if I could bring a friend from work with us this week. I said it was to add more to the party, but it was really because I didn't want to be alone with him and his friends. As soon as I looked at his facial expression, I knew I had asked the wrong thing. He. Was. Pissed... great.

I knew we couldn't finish the night without him getting pissed off. If we had accomplished that, we would've had a new record.

"What the hell do you mean? Bring a friend from work? Why in the hell would you ask that?" he raised his voice with each accusing question. His face looked confused and angry.

"Well, I mean, you're bringing a couple of your friends, so I thought one of mine could stay with us." My voice was a million times softer than his, close to a whisper. "That way she can party with us too."

"Wow," he nodded angrily as he paused his words. "You know what Danielle, I can't believe you," he said, acting as if I was completely insane. "You are so fucking inconsiderate. Get out of my car."I stared at him, looking for whatever the hell I was missing because clearly I was missing something.

"Now!" his words cut through me. I quickly exited his car and took off towards the door, putting a safer distance between the two of us.

He took no time at all to speed off as quickly and as loudly as he could, spitting exhaust out into the summer air. What the hell just happened?

I storm up to my room and sit angrily on my bed. It doesn't take long before my face is in my pillow and I'm crying all of the words that I couldn't say to his face. It doesn't make sense to me. Why are his needs and wants more important than mine?

After quite some time of crying and thinking about all the stupid arguments we've had over the last few months. And don't forget all the yelling and name calling I've had to deal with. I made my decision. I was going to break up with him after this trip.