1-800-OOPS

Sixteen: No Touchy Please

The only reason why my parents would be calling me is to tell me they aren't coming home for another week.

So here I am sprawled on my couch, stomach against the cushion, feet kicked up above me, and my hair in a messy bun.

I slide the answer button and place the phone on speakerphone.

No one is home except for Bernie but I gave him the day off so he's either out or in his living space.

"Adrianna," her voice is so perky, I hate it. "How are you, sweetie?"

"Mom, what's this about?" I roll my eyes, grateful that she cannot see me.

"Your father is here. Don't be rude, say hi."

I bite my tongue to hold back from saying something I shouldn't and will most definitely regret it.

"Hi dad," I reply emotionless.

"Don't be so bitter Adrianna, we have good news." I doubt it. But at the sound of that, I sit up straight and cross my legs.

"Which is?" I urge them to continue, feeling a bit hopeful that this will actually be good news.

But at this point what should I be hoping for, their return or them elongating their trip duration?

"We've seen you all over the media with that celebrity," My dad says. "It's been great publicity for the Carter business."

Of course they are always thinking about their business, I honestly don't know why I am surprised.

"And?"

"We are coming home! We have a ton of meetings back in LA and it'll be great for you to attend as well. You've done us proud."

"I won't be attending anything. I want nothing to do with our family business." With that, I hang up. I could care less if it seems immature and irresponsible.

The other day I had to leave class early because I was being talked about in every corner of the school hallways.

The news article Chase pointed out in class? Claims that Everett Adler was seeing someone. A non-famous, mundane person.

The only time we've been seen was at SCOOP but the pictures showed us together the other day when we were on the hill. That place was deserted, I have no idea how cameras managed to find us.

So I got bombarded with questions from my peers. Even when I walked away, I could feel their intense stares.

It was like a never ending cycle.

I cannot believe my parents are coming home. I haven't seen them in a little over a month. And worst of all? They expect me to be a part of our family business. Corporate stuff here and there. Scandals everywhere. Arguments, lawsuits, and affairs surround the Carter business.

Not wanting to drowning my own thoughts alone, I call an uber to take me to the one place I can't get out of my head.

Upon seeing the locked gates, a sad smile lingers on my face. Speaking my name into the speaker, security unlocks the gate and lets me through.

As I'm about to ring the doorbell, the door swings open.

A frazzled Everett looks back at me. "Carter, I'm sorry. I didn't think anyone was there. Shit paps always stalking me." He doesn't lose eye contact with me, as if hoping I'll forgive him.

But if there is anything I learned from his hectic life is that there is no forgiveness to give. It's not his fault. None of it.

I shake my head, "I don't care about that, you had no idea. Everett, my parents are coming back home." I wrap my arms around my waist not knowing what to do with myself.