azaleas [horan]

Daddy

A Z A L E A

I woke up the next morning feeling like I was on cloud nine. I glanced at the clock to see that it was merely 8:07am. I stretched my stiff body before jumping out of the bed and heading for the bathroom. What to do today, I thought. I weighed my options before deciding to stay in today.

I quickly rinsed my face with warm water ran a brush through my tangled brown locks. My phone vibrated on the nightstand and I sprinted to it, hoping it was Josh.

My smile faded when I saw it was Eleanor, reminding me to water the plants. I sighed and set my phone on the nightstand without replying to her.

After brushing my teeth, I headed for the kitchen with a growling stomach. I scoured the counter and cabinets for anything that I could eat, but found nothing. The only things in the fridge were ketchup and a half-full bottle of Pepsi, hardly anything I could have for breakfast. I guess I have to do some grocery shopping today. Eleanor usually did the shopping, but I know I still have to fill the fridge and my stomach while she's gone.

I walk back to the bathroom to get ready before going to the market. Soon enough I'm out the door with my purse slung over my shoulder. I'm halfway down the hall before I realize I don't have a car.

"Fuck," I cursed, pulling out my phone.

To Josh: Do you think you can drive me to the market? The fridge is empty and I'm starving:(

After sending the message I hear rustling further down the corridor. It grabs my attention and I whipped my head towards the source of the noise.

I see that it's just my dad unlocking the door to his flat. Even from this far away, I can see his dark circles and droopy posture. He must be exhausted with that new job. Before I can stop myself I'm tiptoeing down the hall to my father whom I haven't spoken to in ages. Once I'm only a few feet away he looks up but that doesn't stop me. I wrap my arms around him and instantly sob into him.

"I'm sorry Daddy, you were right and I'm sorry," I wipe my runny nose but our embrace doesn't loosen.

"I know baby, I'm sorry too. I didn't want you and that boy to end up like me and your mum," He holds my small frame close to his body and tears up as well.

"I know."

We stayed like that for several minutes, but I didn't care. I was selfish for only thinking of myself and not caring that he worked his butt off to feed me.

"Don't cry, everything's okay," He stroked my hair gently and tightened his arms around me.

I quickly dried my tears and smiled. I pulled away from the hug to look at him, "Have you talked to mum?"

His eyes lose their sparkle almost immediately,"No, but I think it's time to bring the Masons back together," He chuckled lightly.

My smile widened with his cheerful words. It's about damn time, I thought. It's a good thing I only said that in my head, I wouldn't want to ruin this happy moment with my potty mouth.

"I have to pick up some groceries, Dad. Maybe we can have dinner with mum tomorrow night?"

"Sounds great. Bye Azalea, I love you,"

"I love you too, Dad," I turned and began walking in the other direction, a proud grin plastered on my face. Two apologies in a row! I'm on a roll.

Pulling out my phone, I was disappointed to see that Josh hadn't answered. He must be busy. I decided that I could walk to the store and take a cab back to the flat.

I walked down the sidewalk with a hop in my step. All my worries have vanished and I couldn't be happier. The sun peeked over the horizon as it was barely nine in the morning.

Soon enough, I reach the market and grabbed a cart before exploring the aisles of food. I got the essentials like eggs, milk and fruit before invading the snack section.

As I made my way to the cereal aisle, a brown haired boy caught my eye. I do a double take and realize it's Josh. Oddly, he was examining various baskets on the shelf.

"Hey Josh, fancy seeing you here!" I joked. He must not have checked his phone yet. He jumped after hearing my voice and quickly hid a basket behind his back.

"Oh, uh yeah it is! I better get going, it was nice bumping into you love," He left a small peck on my cheek before disappearing around the corner, the basket still clutched tightly in his hand.

I stood stiffly, wondering what the hell that was about. Maybe the kiss yesterday wasn't what he imagined? I shook my head of the invading thoughts and proceeded down the aisles with my partially-full cart.

"We're here, miss. That'll be 16 euros, please," The cab driver said through the glass separating the back seat from the front.

I handed him the money and muttered a quiet 'thank you' before exiting the cab and walking up to my flat.

As soon as I reached my floor I was taken by surprise. Josh was exiting my dad's flat. I heard their farewells from far away and saw Dad close the door behind him. Josh turned to see me with an armful of groceries and keys jingling from my hand.

"Oh, it's good to see you again, Az. Let me help you with those!" He took the groceries from my hands and unlocked the flat. Jogging to the kitchen, he set the bags on the empty counter and sped past me bidding a quick goodbye and repeating the briefness of his earlier kiss.

"Whoa, why do you keep running off?" I grabbed his wrist before he could disappear again.

"I-I just have a lot to do today. I'm sorry I can't talk right now, I'll see you later," He closed the door behind him, leaving me to put the food away alone and ponder his strange behavior.

***

I'm trying to pick up my updating schedule! There's only one more part to "Azaleas" before it's over.

There's a sequel! I couldn't leave my baby Niall single right?

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