On the Run: The Texas Files ✔

Chapter 26: The Dinner

Yesterday, Parker and I set up Izzie in his guest room.

Parker ended up staying in the kitchen most of the day after testing the coil with me. He had to spend a day prepping foods for his Thanksgiving meal. Izzie and I did the best we could, as we tried to help him.

Izzie ended up handing me things while I peeled and cut potatoes and then cut the ends off green beans. Parker took care of other things, like the turkey and the prep of other dishes.

Eventually, Dad said I needed to come home. We didn't want to leave Izzie alone while Parker drove me back, so she came with us.

The car ride that evening consisted of Izzie sobbing when love songs came on the radio. Parker squeezed my knee before I got out of the car and mouthed that he was thankful I was there. I put my hand on top of his to say goodbye.

I also learned why she couldn't stay with Del. Apparently, Del's in foster care, and her foster parents aren't so wild on the bisexuality concept. They keep her around for the check. If that's not heartbreaking, I don't know what is.

Parker texted when he got home. He told me that Izzie was still crying. He planned on sitting at the foot of her bed until she finally fell asleep before he went back to finishing his prep.

It was hard for me to sleep last night too. I couldn't stop thinking about what would have happened if Izzie hadn't shown up at the door. We were done with the coil within the hour. Would we have kissed again? Would things have escalated? We've been alone before, sure, but that was before we were...whatever we are. Props to anyone who is good at the art of seduction. I apparently suck at it.

~~~

Holidays are tough for Dad. He usually spends them in his room with several bottles of wine as he drinks and sleeps the day away. They remind him of Mom. The worst is Christmas, by far. December is just a dark time for our household, honestly. He shuts down and drinks himself into almost a walking comatose. It's horrible to watch.

We stopped celebrating the holidays a long time ago.

That's why when Parker extended the offer for us to attend dinner at his house with our friends, I graciously accepted for Andrew, Noah, Marissa, and me.

Marissa, unfortunately, had a crisis before we left because she had to move a size up on her clothes already. She's very upset about it. Noah tried his best to soothe her, but it was hard for her to handle all of the changes.

I was in the most comfortable, yet still fairly decent looking outfit I own. I know Parker cooks well, and I'll be eating so much, I'll need the extra space.

Eventually, we get out of the apartment. Andrew got special permission to use the van since their punishment isn't over yet. When we left, I looked out the window at our apartment, thinking about Mom.

I haven't had a vision for a long time. I haven't seen her or heard her voice since that night on the fire escape. I don't know if something is coming or everything is going to be okay soon.

I don't know which is scarier...

~~~

When we arrive, Andrew immediately springs into "Dad-mode" and goes to help in the kitchen, leaving Marissa, Noah, and I in the foyer with Izzie.  

Parker is ambitious, to say the least. He somehow managed to decorate the dining room for autumn, cook a dinner, and keep Izzie from retreating into hiding.

Izzie looks more put together today than last night. She's wearing a pink boho dress with matching pink booties.