21 Days To Live

Day 12 & 13

Thursday
8:06 pm

"How was your interview?" I asked Rome during dinner.

He had returned early in the morning, and after the long day we both had, now was finally the time when I was able to talk to him.

He glanced up at me in the same way Gemma had two days ago. He too was surprised that I had taken the initiative to talk to him first.

"It went well," he answered, sounding as normal as possible. "They said they would call and let me know. Now we just have to wait for the results."

I nodded, my tongue itching to ask about his plan to move away.

But, for the rest of dinner I kept my mouth clamped shut, thinking that if I didn't bring up that topic, then he might just forget about it all.

"Dad, I have a dance next Wednesday," Gemma said halfway though the deadly silence that had taken over. "I'm going to the dance with a friend."

Rome pursed his lips into a thin line and nodded. "Which friend?"

"Mikal Owen," she quickly replied.

"Is he like going to come pick you up?"

"No, we're going to meet there. It's after school," she responded, then shoved food into her mouth so she wouldn't have to answer anymore questions.

I suppressed a chuckle, and quietly watched the interaction between the two.

It was a lovely sight to see; something I had failed to notice in the past.

Friday
2:23 pm

I felt as if this was my only chance, as I stood in front of the house where I had spent most of my childhood; both good and bad.

It was the house I had once loved, yet learnt to despise over the years.

But, now?

Now I was wanting to take back all my hatred for the people who had lived in that house with me.

I took small steps up the porch and towards the door, not exactly knowing why I was here today.

I had nothing else to do, I had told myself. And maybe I would never get this chance again.

On Sunday I hadn't entered the house. Instead I had dropped Gemma off and left, telling her I would be back later to pick her up.

Today though I was here alone.

Gemma was at school like she should be, and Rome was off to some place I wasn't aware off. He hadn't told me, and I hadn't asked.

I put thoughts of him aside for a while and focused on what I was about to do. Right now it wasn't about Gemma or Rome. It was about the people who took care of me when I was younger. It was about the people I had never been able to understand.

Yet, now after realizing all the damage I had caused Gemma, perhaps I was beginning to realize why my parents must have done what they had.

They loved me and all they wanted was the best for me.

I rang the doorbell once then took two steps back and fiddled with my hands as I heard movement from the other side.