Anger Issues

twenty eight

Jessica

The day after Christmas, I woke up rather early, bored as hell.

Then, I remembered my plan for Nikki and Angelo.

Carefully getting out of my room, I went to the basement, where nobody was this early in the morning.

Taking out my phone, I wrote a message.

Me
Hey, is this Angelo?

To my surprise, he responded quickly.

Angelo
Yeah who's this?

Me
Jessica, Nikki's cousin

Angelo
Oh hey

Me
I'm gonna be straightforward with this, do you like Nikki?

Angelo
I really do, she's cool. But idk how to ask her out

Me
I have an idea for you

Angelo
???

Me
First, don't tell her I'm texting you

Angelo
Ok

Me
What are the odds of you making it to a new year's party at (address)

Angelo
Pretty high. Im not that far from there

Me
Okay, just be there. I'll text you the info later, but I'm bringing Nikki, so take it as your chance

Angelo
Are you sure this will work

Me
I'm positive. She really likes you

Angelo
Haha alright. Thanks

Me
✌

Smiling in victory, I went back upstairs.

Austin

The days following Christmas had passed by normally. Most of my family had left, including Lexi, sadly.

The only people left were Justin and his parents.

I was searching the fridge for a snack, when my phone rang in my pocket. Taking it out, Jess' picture appeared on my screen.

"Hey," I answered. "Hi, are you busy tonight?" She asked. "Nah, I don't think so. Why?" I questioned. "Can you come over? And stay for dinner?"
I immediately grew nervous. She wanted me to meet more of her family, even though her parents already hated me.

"Please, Austin," she spoke softly. "I just want you to meet some people," she explained.

I mentally sighed, unable to resist her soft tone.

"Yeah, sure," I agreed. "Thank you," her smile was visible through the call. "Should I come now?" I asked. "Whenever you want," she said. "Alright, bye."

Ending the call, I went upstairs, to my room. Justin and Caleb were downstairs so I knew they'd keep each other company.

Rebecca was in her room, but she would definitely come down as well.

I changed into something more presentable, and fixed my hair before going back downstairs.

"Mom!" I called, reaching the living room. "I'm going to Jess' house. She invited me to dinner," I said.

"Okay, be careful. And don't be late," she told me.

I nodded and made my way out, walking the few blocks to her house.

As I walked up to her porch, the door swung open seconds after I rang the bell.

She grabbed my hand and pulled me inside, looking around before softly connecting my lips with hers.

"Hi," she smiled. "Hey," I chuckled. "Where is everyone?" I asked.

"They went to the airport to drop off a few people," she explained. "So who am I meeting?" I asked.

"Nikki and Lily," she pointed upstairs. "And their parents," she added. I nodded my head, exhaling a large breath.

Noah came down the stairs, noticing us. "Hey," he walked over, allowing us a bro-hug.

I knew Noah didn't think I was the best either, but he gave me a chance. He didn't always hate me.

Jess took my hand and brought me upstairs to her room, introducing me to her cousins.

"That's Nikki, and that's Lily," she pointed. "Hey," I smiled.

We got along immediately, the four of us. Our conversations split into laughter more than half the time.

Time had flown by quickly. Eventually, Jess' family returned home.

Jessica

I heard the door shut downstairs, and conversation fill the air as our parents arrived home from the airport.

"I'll be right back."

I jogged downstairs, going towards my mom, and pulling her into the kitchen.

"I invited Austin over," I told her. She sighed, but nodded her head. "For dinner, too," I added.

"Jessica, you know your dad-"

"Yeah, I do know. That's why I want you guys to give him another chance. Please talk to Dad," I persuaded.

She hesitantly nodded her head. "Okay, fine. I'm going to start cooking in a bit."

I smiled before going back upstairs.

Our conversation continued for minutes upon minutes, switching between topics every now in then. Finally, mom called us down.

"Dinner's ready!"