1-800-OOPS

Five: Drunk On Emptiness

"Ms. Carter, are you going to answer?" Bernie is standing right beside me but his voice feels as if it was miles away.

All that I could focus on right now is the phone in front of me. I'm sitting on my bed, criss crossed. I am still in my black sweats and gray tank top pajamas but it's not like that matters much because I didn't think they'd call.

Hell, for a moment I actually believed they had forgotten that they had a daughter back in LA.

That's sad isn't it? That I am actually letting them affect my life when I sure as hell aren't affecting theirs.

"Ms. Carter, that is the third time they've called. Would you like me to pick up?" I shook my head, glancing up at Bernie. His brows were pulled together in a state of confusion and slight worry.

They called once and I was too shocked to answer it, I was in doubt that it was actually them. And then they called for a second time and I was sure it was them but I stared too long that I ended up missing the call. And now, it just started ringing for a third time.

"I'll pick up. Thank you Bernie." He took this as sign to leave. With a curt nod, he found his way out my bedroom door.

I turn to my left slowly, glancing at the window. The sun is rising and I can feel the chilly air brush past my skin from the open balcony door. My fingertips weave into my hair. I tug at it, frustrated.

Answer it Carter. You can do it. They aren't monsters, they are just your parents.

But why does it feel like the same thing?

Shakily, I pick up my phone and slide the lock, answering.

"Finally. I thought we'd have to keep calling for hours." My mother's face appears on the other side of the screen. She has her blonde hair tied up in a tight bun. Her lips form into a tight line. "And we don't have that time." She continues.

"Well, I answered." I reply calmly. I do not want to fight. I do not want to do this, not now.

Tonight is the bonfire and I am supposed to meet Chase there. Melanie still wasn't able to convince her mom but I promised we'd make it up to her and I'd also send her lots of pictures.

Chase even managed to hype me up. He said there was going to be good music and alcohol. Plus, he promised he would be by my side the entire time.

"Adrianna Carter. That is no way to answer to your mother." My dad appears on the screen, and arm around my mother's shoulder. The perfect duo.

Is she really my mother, dad? Is she deserving of that title? Maybe 5 years ago but not anymore. I don't even know if I can still call you my father.

"I'm sorry." I say softly but it's not out of respect, it's more in attempts to stop myself from spitting out other words, as if they were venom. "How is the business trip?"

"Very well. Seems like we are close to sealing a big deal." I can hear whispering in the back but the words are inaudible. A frown makes its way onto my face. My mother cannot keep staring at me, an unreadable expression on her face.

"That's go--."

"Adrianna, you dyed your hair pink? Oh honey, you look like you belong in a circus." She says in the most disgusting tone. I watch slowly as she fixes her baby pink blouse. She re-ties the ribbon on the neckline of the shirt.

I don't get why she finds the need to comment on my appearance. If she were here, maybe she would have had the time to stop me from doing such a thing. Maybe she would be able to actually parent me.