Anger Issues

sixty six

Jessica

I went back at least three times, not believing what I saw. I kept trying to convince myself that the lady was Mom, but it was stupid. It clearly wasn't.

Tears already flooded my eyes and I couldn't do anything about it. I was boiling with anger.

Grabbing my phone, I took multiple pictures and even videos of the entire clip. Dad was a cheater.

As angry tears escaped my eyes, the only thing bringing me to stop the photos was the front door opening.

"Jess!" I heard Noah shout. I ignored him and watched what happened after. They simply walked off the porch like nothing happened, and then got into the same car.

I took a picture of the car, zooming in as much as I could to get the license plate, if necessary.

"Jess," Noah walked into the office, holding a box. "What happened?" He asked.

I looked up and shook my head, turning the monitor towards him.

"Dad's cheating on Mom," I said, playing the clip. Noah came over to me and put his arms around me. I cried against his chest, unable to do anything else.

The entire time, I never suspected that, of all things. Maybe it was work, or maybe Mom and Dad were having problems, but never did I think that either of them were cheating.

"He's a cheater," I croaked. "I know," Noah softly said.

I pulled away, looking at him weirdly. "You knew?" I sniffed.

"Jess when you were out that day and Dad and I got into a fight, it's because he was on the phone with someone that wasn't Mom. He didn't deny it," he explained.

"Why didn't you tell me?!" I snapped. "Because I had no proof!" He spoke sternly.

"What do we do?" I asked, collapsing onto the chair. I wanted to tell Mom, but a part of me couldn't even bring myself to even think about telling her.

Something was forcing me to believe that Dad wasn't a cheater, but the proof was right in front of my eyes.

"I don't know," Noah sighed. "Do we tell Mom?" I asked. He shrugged. "I don't know, Jess," he said.

"Well what the hell are we supposed to do? Just act like it didn't happen?" I questioned. "I don't know," he said, pacing.

"Look," he began after a few seconds. "Just.. don't say anything yet. We'll figure something out, alright?" He said, calmer than before. I nodded.

"Just.. ignore this. Don't make it look like you saw it," he said. I nodded again.

A few seconds passed, but nothing was said. He went over to the desk and picked up the package.

"The neighbors got it by accident," he handed it to me. I nodded and took it. I couldn't bring myself to speak.

He came over and closed the application, setting everything up the way it was before.

"Come on," he nudged his head.

I followed him out of the office and closed the door behind myself. Dad was such an asshole.. my anger couldn't even be expressed.

I went to the kitchen and calmed myself down, drinking a glass of water. Wiping my eyes, I fully composed myself and went to my room.

Noah came in a few minutes later. I was still in no mood to talk, but I had no reason to lash out on him.

"What happened on Saturday?" He asked. I slowly put my phone down, and fiddled with my fingers.

"Someone told me about this party," I began. His expression immediately changed. "Let me explain before you freak out, please," I stopped him.

He nodded. "I didn't want to do anything wild, I swear I just wanted to go for fun. I went with Kayla but when we got there we had no idea who anyone was. After a while.." I paused, not sure if I should mention the spiking our not.

"I called Austin to get me. When he was there, some guy started fighting with him and the police showed up and arrested a bunch of people, including him," I finished. He was left with an open mouth.

"Did anyone hurt you?" He asked. I shook my head. "What happened to Austin?" He asked.

"I called Caleb and he got out after a while. But he's grounded for two months," I explained.

"How's he holding up?" He asked. I sighed. "I don't know. He's not angry. It's like he's acting like it didn't happen," I said.

"What do you mean?" He questioned. "He never talked about it. He doesn't seem mad, either," I said.

"You screwed up, Jess," he said. "I know," I nodded. "No, you screwed up with Austin," he said. I looked up.

"Why?" I asked.

"He's acting like it didn't happen. He's done trying with you."