The One

Chapter 24 : FML.

Alyssa's P.O.V

"Seriously, Alyssa! I come all the way from Hong Kong, from one continent to another to see you and your brother and this is what I meet? Is this what's been going on since I left?
My God, Joshua you couldn't have done a decent job in watching after your own children? You just let them do whatever?"

As much shit as I was in right now, I could help but snicker when she shifted the blame to dad. If only she knew how much of a swell job he's been doing in watching Ivan and I. Mom kept pacing around the living room while dad stood transfixed to a spot just... staring at her.

Like, he was just frozen.

Ivan let at an obvious fake cough from where he was seated. That seemed to snap him out of... whatever state of confusion he was in.

"Joshua did you hear a word of what I just said?" she finally asked, stopping her pacing and crossing her arms.

Quite frankly, I don't think he did.

"Uhh, yeah. Yes I did." he stuttered.

"Liar." Ivan fake coughed again.

"And?" she prodded, raising one of her arched eyebrows, her lips pursed into a thin line. Now that I think about it, I might just understand why dad is acting all dumbstruck.

I don't know what kind of sunshine, or kind of food is over there in Hong Kong, but it's got to be some really amazing stuff. My mom looks hot... like smoking if that's a thing. Her skin looks bright and full of life, she's in good shape and she looks flawless in her black slacks and peach blouse.

I bet he's realising what he's lost now. No way Christine could beat this.

"Hello? Are any of you even going to say anything?" she shouted making motions with her hands.

Dad cleared his throat. "What was her punishment?"

He totally just shifted all the attention back to me. That was such a coward move.

"Smooth," I mumbled to his hearing. He glared at me and I smiled back. Mom was oblivious to what was happening.

"Suspension for the rest of the week. It could've been worse if I wasn't called on my way from the airport to come get our daughter. Honestly Joshua what if I wasn't here?"

And the spotlight shifts back to it's original position. Technically, mom didn't exactly come get me, 'cos I drove home in Tammy and I guess I should confess that the only reason she was called instead of dad is because only her number is registered with the school, but I won't. I'm just gonna wait this one out.

"I'm sorry about that, but I was at the firm. Working." he added as an afterthought.

Bullshit. Unless working was code for Christine-which it probably was, no one in the room believed one bit of what he said.

"Next time try to keep your work separate from your family." Having said those words, she picked her bag.

"I have to go get some things settled. I'll see you kids tomorrow. And you," she pointed to me, "stay out of trouble. Now come give me a hug." We stood up and enveloped her. It felt so good being able to touch her again and not giving virtual pecks. I can't remember the last time I hugged my dad. She kissed both our cheeks before finally leaving.

Not really having any tangible reason to remain downstairs, Ivan went up to his room immediately. I followed suit, barely reaching the fourth step before dad called me back.

"Where do you think you're going?" he asked.

"The moon." I replied with the straightest face I could muster.