Anger Issues

88

Austin

Jess and I had spent the entire day relaxing at her house. Her Mom came home from work, but her dad didn't. For me, it was a relief.. as bad as it sounds.

We had just finished eating dinner, and Jess and I went back up to her room. "I'm tired. I've had the sleeping schedule of a baby lately," she said, grabbing her laptop.

"You went to sleep at midnight yesterday," I slightly laughed. "Same thing," she shook her head. "Don't sleep. It'll end up being a nap and screw up your sleeping schedule even more," I kissed her head. "I know," she nodded.

"I can sleep though," I smiled, leaning my head on her chest. "No, not without me," she complained. "I was joking," I gently laughed.

"Did you know we go back to dance next week?" She asked. "We do?" I lifted my head up. She nodded. "And you don't have to miss it, because it's on Thursday," she smiled.

"I wouldn't want to miss it," I shrugged. She stayed quiet for a few seconds, before speaking again.

"Can we go get pretzels?" She asked. I picked up my phone, checking the time. 8:17.

"If we do, I'd have to go home after," I looked at her. "No," she whined, wrapping her arm around my neck. "It's 8:17," I laughed. "Can't you stay a little bit longer? You live like, two minutes away," she pleaded.

"I don't wanna push it with my parents. I plan to have a good time when we leave," I reasoned. "Austin," she complained, holding me tighter. "We were together all day, babe," I laughed. "So?" She softly asked, looking down.

I breathed out another soft laugh. "I'll ask," I said. After sending a quick text to my mom, I sat up.

"Come on," I nudged my head to the door. "Are you gonna leave after?" She looked up.

I shook my head. I couldn't say no to her when her brown eyes were so softly looking at mine. It was a full trap, I swear.

"No," I quickly cupped her face, kissing her. She set her hand over mine, before pulling away.

"Let's go," she stood up, still holding my hand.

After telling her Mom where we were going, we walked out to my car, where I started driving.

"What's making you so clingy today?" I glanced at her, smiling. "Don't deny my love," she softly laughed, grabbing one of my hands. "I won't," I shook my head.

"But really, are you alright, Jess?" I softly asked. From the corner of my eye, I could see her slowly look down.

"Yeah, why?" She asked. "Just.. checking up," I shrugged, not wanting to push her.

"Um- so, what kind of pretzel are you getting?" She questioned, obviously changing the topic.

"Cinnamon, you should know," I softly laughed. She smiled, nodding. "Good choice."

After a couple minutes, we arrived at the mall. Walking in, we were instantly greeted by the pretzel maker stand.

While we waited for the snacks, Jess walked to the closet shop, looking through the window.

"Do you wanna go in a few stores?" I stood behind her, wrapping my arms around her shoulder as I leaned my chin against her.

"It's okay," she shook her head, putting her hands above mine, before twisting herself out of my grip.

"Here you go," the employee handed us the bags. Quickly paying and thanking him, we went back to the car.

"Damn, I think it's gonna rain," I said, looking up. "It is, I just felt a drop," Jess agreed.

"Let's go," I nudged my head in the direction of my car, jogging towards it.

"It's so quiet tonight," Jess mentioned, as we sat inside. "Mhm," I nodded. "I hope that doesn't mean it'll rain hard," I said, looking at the windshield, as droplets of rain fell upon the glass.

A big flash in the sky caused Jess to softly gasp. "It's a thunderstorm!" She happily recognized, thunder following her words.

I laughed at her reaction. Jess loved thunderstorms.

Putting on my seatbelt, I started driving back to her house. Not a minute had passed before it started pouring, and another flash of lightning lit up the sky.

"I can't see shit," I leaned forward, wiping the foggy windshield with my sleeve.

The windshield wipers couldn't keep up with the heavy rain, and the heat from inside of the car mixed with the cold water on the glass, fogging up the windshield.

"Pull over, babe," Jess softly grabbed my arm, looking through the blurred windows.

I slowed down and looked to the right, turning and coming to a stop.

"How long is it gonna rain like this?" I leaned forward, looking at the sky. "I can't tell, but it doesn't seem like it'll stop anytime soon," Jess said.

"Tell your mom you might be home a little late," I looked at her, pulling out my phone as well.

Calling Mom, I waited until she picked up.

"Hello?" She answered. "Hey, Mom, jess and I went to the mall quickly, and it started pouring. I can't see anything, so I pulled over until it stops. I might be a little late," I explained. "Are you guys alright?" She asked, as the sky lit up again.

"Yeah, we're fine. I just wanted to tell you," I said. "Okay. Be careful. I'll call again soon," she said. "Okay, bye."

Jess and I spoke at the same time. I finished a few seconds before her. Waiting for her to end the call, I took a bite of the sweet cinnamon pretzel, falling in love all over again.

"Bye," Jess hung up. "What happened?" I asked. "Nothing," she sighed. "My dad still isn't home," she added.

I looked at the time on the car.

9:04

"Maybe he's waiting out the rain, too," I reasoned. She softly shook her head, leaning against the seat.

"He's not coming home tonight," she said, playing with the paper bag.

As another strike of lightning flashed, I noticed a silver chain around her neck. A necklace- the one I got her.

I took it as my opportunity to change the topic. "You still wear that necklace?" I smiled. "Why wouldn't I?" She glanced at me, gently pulling it out of her shirt.

I leaned forward, kissing her lips. "I love you," I said. "I love you, too."

A/N: I should go to jail for the amount of times I end a chapter on "I love you"