Blue 2

Chapter Forty-Nine

Lily

There isn't another time in my life when I've been this anxious. The Snowflake Showcase was nothing compared to this—this sensation of anticipation of the worst to happen. I'm sitting on the edge of the floral couch in the living room, listening to the soft click of the door after Blue went inside. I consciously mark all possibilities of how this night will end. One: Blue and his father will talk through their issues calmly, two: Blue will end up fighting his father again, or three: He won't give him any time to explain himself and never speak to his family ever again. I'm naively praying for the first possibility, but the chances of that happening is crazy low. I've known Blue for five months now, though it feels like my whole life, and I like to think I know him well enough to predict this particular turnout. He is a hot-headed person and doesn't really like listening. A part of me is just waiting to hear shouting and furniture being knocked down so I can race in there and apologize to his father and give him space for a week before he cools down.

I bite on my nails but stop before the horrific habit can form. I stand up and pace around the massive room, waiting and straining my ears. I begin to walk over and eavesdrop through the wood door, but I don't want to invade their privacy. They're talking about serious topics that have nothing to do with me. I stay in the seemingly limited space of the living room. I wonder how things are going. I heard a few snippets of raised voices, but they sounded like Blue's voice, so I'm not too worried, I expected it. I try to listen for his father's voice, but I rarely even hear him. The walls are thick and the only loud person between the two of them is Blue. Mr. Montgomery is quieter in his voice and the way he carries himself. He reminds me of an older socialite from the romance historical books I used to read when I was fourteen. Calm, wealthy, and handsome. Blue on the other hand is volatile and irritational, but he isn't the villain in the story. He's the complex you have mixed emotions about. You hate him, love him, understand him, are confused by him. He is all the emotions at once and he throws you off balance. He certainly has the moment I met him.

I start to sit down after a few minutes of quiet, until I hear a deafening crash. It sounded like glass hitting a wall. "Oh, Blue..." I sprint across the hall and go to open the door, but this could be a part of the making-up process. Right?

I catch my breath and gather my nerves long enough to calm down and knock on the door. "Is everything okay in there?"

"Yeah—we're just having a heart-warming father-son conversation," Blue replies, laughing.

Why is he laughing?

"Blue... what is going on? Mr. Montgomery?" I call out, hoping his father will help me understand what the heck is going on inside this room with my puzzling boyfriend.

"We're fine, dear. Give us a few minutes, please," Mr. Montgomery says in a calm voice. I'm shocked by the soothing level in his voice despite what I heard and Blue's crazed reply.

"I'll see you soon, babe," Blue says, but I don't immediately move from the door. I wait a minute, trying to listen for a sign of an altercation. My nails unintentionally scratch at the door. I want to know what's going on and diffuse the situation if it's turbulent, but after not hearing anything, I sigh and walk back into the living room.

Maybe I've been expecting the worst and imagined it. But after a few more minutes of anticipation gnawing through my stomach, I hear another glass shattering. I gasp and jump to my feet and run over to the door. I put my hand on the door knob, but I don't have the willpower to interrupt in this livid conversation. At least they're talking... at least I hope they are. I stay still and stare at the black door, wanting to slam a battering ram into the door and see a glimpse of the commotion. Not being able to help is driving me crazy, but this is their moment. I have a feeling they're getting somewhere, and I refuse to interrupt and ruin it. So, with a deep breath, I put my faith into Blue and walk into the living room. I thread my fingers into my hair and stare at the door, willing it to open and for both men to walk out with smile on their faces. Twenty minutes ago, I would think that was impossible, but I just know it's a great possibility.