Obstacles [on hold]

Congeniality

How did it go? Are both of you together? Are the burning questions at the back of my head. I wanted to ask Tanner how it went. But I think I already know what happened, judging from the solemn look on his face and Tori's after they met us at the school's entrance.

He drove us home silently, not saying a word. I let him have his own space and time to think it through, keeping quiet during the drive back because he really seemed like he needed it.

After he closed the house door shut, he walked off, still ignoring me. But I grab his wrist.

"Tann, what happened?" I ask quietly, afraid that I would trigger some sensitive emotion inside of him.

I feel him stiffen under my grasp, then sighed, relaxing. He turned around, bending forward so that his head rests on my shoulder. I instinctively wrap my arms around him and stroked his hair.

"I hurt her Kath. She liked me for so long and yet I was so oblivious," he paused, taking a deep breath before continuing "I brought her hopes up by teasing her every now and then, but all I viewed her as was a close friend. I..."

"It's not your fault Tanner, don't blame yourself," I reassured. When he didn't answer, I carried on. "I know it's a surprise for you, but did she say that you brought her hopes up?"

He shook his head against my shoulder in reply. "See? I'm sure Tori isn't such a person to blame you for what you've done. Especially when you've done nothing wrong. She will understand, I just know it."

"I don't know," he said as he wrapped him arms around me, pulling me closer towards him.

We stayed like that for a few moments until I broke the silence. "Wanna watch a movie?" I ask. Well, in times where either of us were feeling sad or down, we would just share a couple bags of popcorn and watch a movie (or have a movie marathon). It's been a long time since we last done that as we both haven't seen each other in ages.

His face lit up a little before he replies "hell yeah". We ended up watching 2 movies along with Miss Congeniality. We were both laughing out loud as I imitated the actresses, in hopes of lightening the mood. I mustn't brag, but it worked.

"What is the one most important thing our society needs?" Tanner asks, trying to hold back his laughter.

"Well that's easy Tann. That would be World Peace." I say, holding the remote control in my hand as a microphone while smiling stupidly at him.

We burst into laughter, Tanner clutching his stomach while I rolled around in the sofa. Literally, us.

The door slammed opened. "I SAW THE WAY YOU LOOKED AT THAT WOMAN ROBERT. DON'T YOU DARE TRY TO HIDE IT. And I just KNOW you both aren't just COLLEAGUES!" Mom screams as she storms into the house.

We immediately stop laughing and turn our attention towards them.

A moment later, dad trudges into the house with his luggages. "How many times must I tell you. It's a real trip for work. For god's sake Linda, can't you believe me for once?" He huffed.

"Believe? You know I went there to pick you up, hoping we could settle things, make life better. BUT THIS IS WHAT I GET?!"

This went on for a while before I couldn't stand it no longer. I gripped Tanner's arm and motioned for him to go upstairs. He nodded before pulling me along.

I flopped onto my bed, hating the sight I just saw. Dad was away on a one week trip and Mom decided to pick him up at the airport.

"Don't worry, they'll settle things soon enough." Tanner reassured me, rubbing my back with his hands in circles.