Just A Family Friend

• 13 •

We arrived home and got out of his car. I waited as he fumbled with the keys and opened the door. I gazed at his buff toned arms as he did. He held the door open for me and I entered then went to the kitchen to wash the dishes. As I swished my gentle hands through the sink, I felt a presence in the room. I tilted my head back to see Mark sitting at the table. He had his laptop on the table as well. I eyeballed him before focussing on the chore at hand again.

I could feel his stares. I shifted a bit uncomfortable and finally boldly asked him why was he down here.
"Hey, Mark, what are you doing down here? " I asked and he chuckled.
"Work. "
"Why not in the comfort of your own room? " I asked and he just shrugged.
"This house is big, therefore it gets lonely. "
"You're such a baby sometimes." I giggled as I trotted over to his chair. I looked at his screen to see that YouTube page again.
"No, I'm not. I just like closeness. " he murmured and I rolled my eyes.
"Whatever, Mr. Markiplier ~" I dragged out playfully and he quickly closed his laptop.
"I won't tell anyone. " I grunted a bit annoyed that he keeps hiding it from me.
"That's not why. I just- I don't wanna show it right now. It's not doing well. " he muttered and I sighed, not fully understanding but sympathized anyway.

I thought I could play with him a bit to lighten up the mood by snatching his laptop. Yeah- I know its childish, but I'm bored! I'm an only child okay!!

"Come on, be careful with that!!" He growled as he ran after me. I giggled and laughed as I ran upstairs in his room and tried to hide it. He came in right behind me and grunted annoyed.
"You give up. Wh-where is it!?" He asked and I laughed.
" I dunno. " I snickered, shrugging my shoulders.

He rolled his eyes in a huff and began to pull at the blanket with the obvious shape of a laptop under it.
"No." I squealed as I snatched the laptop again and tried running out of his room, but this time, he grabbed me by the hips and threw me on the bed. I laughed when he crawled over me and took his laptop. When I grabbed his hand, he instantly grabbed my wrists and held them down above my head.

My laughter died down once I noticed he was staring at me. I blushed, realizing the position we were in.
"Oh. Sorry. " he cleared his throat and slowly crawled off of me.

Part of me really wanted to yank him back onto me, part of me felt confused and disgusted.

I picked myself up and wiped off before Oreo came and snuggled up to me. I followed her into the room and reached to hook my phone onto the charger. I heard the door slam shut a few minutes later. I thought Mark had left and rushed to open my  door. I was shocked to find my mother in distress and looked as if she has been crying. Mark was just as puzzled as I was for we exchanged quick worried glances.

"(Y/n)  come here please. We need to talk." Her frail voice beckoned. I glanced at Mark before slowly stepping out of my room and going to assist my mother.

Fear and sickness settled within me when she lead me to her room and shut the door behind her.
"Sit down. " she instructed and my stomach did flips.

"Yes, ma, wh-what's going on?  You're scaring me. " I said and she sat beside me.
"Baby,  before I tell you, I just need you to know that none of it is your fault okay? "She said and I sighed in despair. Of course. It was only a matter of time.

I nodded and she continued.
"Uhm- you're father and I aren't doing very well right now. For the past few months we've been trying to overlook the terrible mistake he made, but our relationship just got even worse. We're not sure if we are gonna make it as a couple anymore." She stated and my heart sank. I've seen kids who parents have divorced and I never thought that it would ever happen to me, but it did. My mother rubbed my back reassuringly and I just glanced at her wearily.

She said they aren't sure, which means it's not official right??
"Can you guys still try at least?" I asked and she sighed.
"Baby, we've been trying for half a year now and nothings working out, all we do now is get into arguments. Me and your father thought it would me a good idea to stay together until you were a legal adult, but we just... Can't anymore." She shook her head, her eyes welling up with tears. I could tell it was very hard for her to get that out. I lightly patted her shoulder and held as she cried and sobbed into mine.

"Why did he have to cheat?? A-am I not good e-enough~" she sobbed and I rubbed her back.
"You're the best mother *I* could ever wish for. " I consoled her. This is gonna be awhile.

✖✖✖

My mom cried herself to sleep and I put a blanket on her before sneaking up to my room. I knew Mark was wondering, waiting for answers, but I just did not have the strength. He gazed at me worried, getting up from his bed when I walked pass his room without saying a word.

I sat on my floor with my back against the wall.

Why dad!?  Was it worth it?! Are we not good enough?? I'm still your little girl... Right!?

So many plaguing thoughts raced through my head as I sat there. I floated in my own head for awhile.

Will they get a divorce?!  How will that feel??  They aren't gonna be in the same house anymore??  Will I have to travel to see my father!?

I sighed and opened my eyes when feeling Oreo jump onto me. I pet her softly.

"Is everything okay, (y/n)? " I heard Mark's deep concerned voice ask from the doorway.

I nodded. I'm almost a young adult, I can take it.

"You're crying. " he said as he used his soft thumb to wipe a stray tear.
"Wow. Rogue tear. Didn't even notice-ahehe~" I giggled and my smile instantly faded. Why am I crying?

"It's affecting you harder than you think it is. It's okay. " he spoke as if he knew what I was thinking. He kneeled down to level himself with me.

"I-I just don't understand cheaters!  They had one job. And was to much of a coward to do it!  One fucking job!! " i didn't mean for such language to slip from my mouth, but i was angry.
"Woah. You don't want your mother to hear that mouth. " Mark warned and I shrugged.
"So. Its not like she's strong enough to fuss at anyone right now anyway! I hate cheaters!  She didn't deserve this!! "I growled and he instantly straddled me and brung me into a tight hug. My tears flowed down my cheeks as he consoled  me.

People say everything is easier to deal with when your an adult. I say no, it's just as horrible in its own way.

Next chapter coming soon...
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