Computerized

Chapter Ten: Disney Surprise

"Wow, I can't believe your brother left. He could have helped us," Ty mumbled. I shot him a glare, not really wanting to talk about it.

"I'm sorry my brothers burdening you," I snapped sarcastically. Ty just shrugged. We, at the moment, were planning out our trip to Montana.  It had been delayed slightly, just by a day though.

"Okay. So Rebecca and I will ask for money to go on a road trip. Based on the mood Jack was in this morning I don't think that will be a problem," Hannah concluded, quickly changing the subject. She too, knew about Matthew leaving and it was a topic we had avoided for the past fifteen hours.

"We leave tomorrow morning at six!" Ty stood up from the chair and grabbed his laptop before saying a quick goodbye and leaving the cafe. I rolled my eyes, wishing he wasn't so demanding and blunt.

"He is so weird," Hannah said. Her shoulder length blond hair was tied back in a low ponytail. Dark circles outlined her tired eyes. Everything going on was hard on her. She hadn't even bothered changing out of her pajamas. Of course, I didn't look much better. "Anyways, I'll see you at home."

"Yep." I nodded. "Bye!"

****

When I entered through the front door, memories of the past rushed to me. I didn't understand it until I noticed the atmosphere of our house. It smelt of freshly baked bread and cookies. My nose scrunched up at the unfamiliar smell.

Pots and pans clattered, the noise drifting from the kitchen into the living room. I started towards the kitchen, and with each step the memories got stronger. My mother stood in the kitchen. She wore a red apron and her blond hair was tied up in a bun at the top of her head. A bright, happy smile graced her face. Jack sat at the kitchen table reading the newspaper, a pair of glasses perched on his nose.

I cleared my throat. "Um, hi."

Jack's head shot up and a grin formed on his face. He looked like a friendly man, when he wanted to. He wasn't someone you would immediately be afraid of. "Hey honey. How was work?"

I shrugged. "It was fine. Um, do you know where Hannah is?"

"I'm here!" Hannah announced, entering the kitchen. My fathers smile grew wider. I was relieved I didn't have to be with Jack and Janet alone.

"J-dad we have something to ask you," I said. Jack nodded, letting me continue.

"Can we borrow some money for a road trip with some friends?" My words seemed rushed, like they had to escape my mouth before someone took them away.

My father furrowed his eyebrows and squinted. For a second that seemed everlasting, a dreaded feeling engulfed me, and I thought Jack would say no. But, instead he stood from his chair and took a few steps, pausing to lean against the counter.

"What friends?"

Hannah stepped in, "Just Rebecca and I along with another kid named Ty."

"Where will you be going?" Jack interrogated.

"Um, we are going to go camping," I said.

"Will Matthew be going with you?"

The question struck a nerve and a unsettling nervous feeling aggravated the pit of my stomach. I did my best to ignore it. "Um, no. He won't be with us."

My father smiled, "Oh, sure. I trust my girls. How much do you need? You know what? I'll just give you three grand. That will cover it right?"

My jaw dropped open. "Um, yeah that will cover it. Thank you dad. L-love you." I did my best to force the words out.