𝐅𝐈𝐍𝐃𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐌𝐄 ↠ 𝐓𝐨𝐦 𝐇𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐝

chapter 14: agony

"It's so much darker when a light goes out than it would have been if it had never shone." - John Steinbeck

☆☆☆☆
Songs for chapter:

Melanie Martinez - Pacify Her

Amber Run - I Found

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FRIDAY after school, I got ready for the party. I put on an oversized, purple hoodie with black leggings and my old pair of Air Jordans. I let my hair down, scrunching my dirty blonde curls and put on some light makeup. Once I'm finished, I head downstairs, heading into the living room.

I stand by the larger couch that faces the TV, my dad sitting in the middle of it watching a show. "Why are you watching Say Yes To The Dress?" I ask him, looking at one bride critiquing the dress and getting shown another white one.

"I have no clue, honestly," he says, not looking away from the screen.

"Your job finally let's you off early and this is what you decide to do in your free time," I say.

He turns his head in my direction. "You watch your shows, and I'll watch mine," he answers.

I put my hands in my pocket, spinning around muttering an okay about ready to go into the kitchen.

The door bell rings right when I walk past the foyer. "I got it," I call. Walking backwards and into the foyer. I see my dad get off the couch, coming in my direction.

"What are you doing?" I say like a parent catching their child with their hand in a cookie jar.

"I want to say hello to Austin," he says.

I told my parents about the party and that Austin invited me. They were thrilled I was getting out of the house and going to mingle with friends. Back home, I would sneak out and go to parties. The last time that happened, I was caught and couldn't go anywhere after that for awhile. This time, with me asking for permission and also knowing Austin was going to be there as well made them say yes with no hesitation.

Annoyed that I can't leave the house without at least one of my parents being there, I open the door. Austin stands on the porch, wearing a black shirt and jeans, along with a red jacket and shoes to match. He smiles at my dad and I, holding his hand out for my dad to shake.

"It's good to see you Austin," Dad says, shaking his hand firmly, letting it go seconds after.

"Likewise, sir," says Austin.

"You two have fun and try not to be out too late," Dad says, giving us a friendly warning considering my reckless behavior when it came to curfew awhile back.

"I promise to take care of her. And I will have her back by ten if that is okay with you?"

"Perfect," Dad says.

"Great. Now let's go," I say, walking out the door and past Austin to his car.

"It was good seeing you, Mr. Havington," Austin says, walking off the porch behind me.

"It's always a pleasure. Stay safe. And Skylar, you know the rules when it comes to parties," Dad calls.

"Yeah, I get it. Thanks," I say bitterly, slamming the car door shut once I sat in the passenger seat. Austin gets in the car, turning the keys in the ignition. My dad finally closes the door, leaving me to breathe. I silently pray that Austin won't ask me about my dad's comment.