Anger Issues

six

Jessica

I woke up to my dog, Nite, trying his best to get on top of my bed. But since he's so small, he struggled.

His whimpering woke me immediately. I sat up and saw his little paws graze my bedframe, before picking him up.

I looked to my side to see my phone gone. I forgot to put it back last night. That only means that my parents know.
I went downstairs to see my parents and Noah, all shuffling around the kitchen.

"Where were you last night?" Dad asked, as soon as he laid eyes on me.

I darted my eyes at Noah, but he put his hands up and shook his head.

"Home," I lied. "Jess we watched the security footage because the door was unlocked when I woke up," Mom said.

"Why did Austin come here at one in the morning?"

I didn't know what to say. I couldn't tell them the truth because it would only make him look worse.

"I asked him to come over," Noah mentioned. We exchanged eye contact, telling me that he had this one.

"What?" Dad asked. "I felt bad that we all judge him because he gets angry. I know it was late but.." Noah shrugged.

Mom looked back and forth between us, while Dad simply looked unconvinced.

"Either way, you're still grounded," Mom said. "No phone, no TV. You can use my computer when I'm home from work only for school. Are we clear?" Dad strictly said.

"Dad come on," I sighed. "Jessica, are we clear?" He asked.

"Can I at least walk Nite?  I asked. "Noah can do that," Mom said.

Noah stopped sipping his water and set the cup down. "You guys are being a little too harsh," Noah defended.

"Noah, you know the rules. No TV for her, and you walk the dog," Dad said.

Noah reluctantly nodded. "Jess?" Dad looked at me.

"Okay," I finally gave in.

In a few minutes, Mom and Dad both left for work. As the car disappeared, I looked at Noah.

"Why did you lie for me?"

"They're being unreasonable," he began. "But if I need your help, can I count on you?" He asked.

"Yeah. Thank you," I said. He nodded, making his way upstairs.

"Oh, Jess," he called. "Yeah?" I asked. "You can walk Nite if you want," he said. "TV?" I questioned. "All yours."

I went back upstairs and freshened up for the day, then returned back downstairs.

Pouring a bowl of cereal, I sat on the couch and turned on the TV.

I couldn't find anything to watch, so I spent my breakfast watching commercials and shows I've never heard of.

Finishing, I grabbed Nite's leash and attached it to his collar.

"I'm taking Nite out!" I shouted. "Okay!"
I allowed Nite to lead me for the most part. We crossed a street and turned on a block, when I saw Austin in the distance.

He was walking while using his phone, not doing anything else.

He looked up and in my direction, but I averted my eyes back to Nite. I couldn't face him right now.

"Nite, c'mon," I tugged on his leash. But Austin was inching closer to us and Nite wanted to go towards him.

I finally got Nite to move out of his spot. Turning around, I walked as if I saw nothing.

When I heard fast footsteps approach me, I sighed, knowing I'd have to face him.

"Why are you avoiding me?" He stopped in front of me. "I'm not avoiding you. I'm trying not to extend my grounding," I lied.

I tried making my way around him but he stepped in my way. "Jess, let me talk to you, please," he begged.

I looked up, my eyes meeting his. "I have to go."

Finally making my way around him, I walked home without him following me.

"That was quick," Noah said as I got inside. "It was good enough."

I gave Nite a treat, then went up to my room and shut my door, beginning to start homework.