Accidentally in Love // z.m

Twenty Three

"Hi Dad..." I said nervously when I was faced by his glare as he stood before the bedroom door. He was still, partially hidden in the shadows of our hallway. His tall stature came into view and I was slightly intimidated. That was a lie. I was very intimidated. When he stepped into the light of my room I took in his tired features. His face was unshaven, his dark short hair scattered with greys, his eyebags deeper than ever but his glare was just as scary as it used to be.

"Sahara? Why are you here?" He said sternly.

"I came to visit." I mumbled.

"Why didn't you tell us?" 

"I forgot." I shrugged and he shook his head like I was the biggest idiot in the world. And I guess I was. 

"Go to sleep, you must be tired and keep quiet, the others are still sleeping." I nodded obediently and moved Hannah's papers off my bed, receiving a scowl from her. She can deal. I didn't even bother getting changed before I crashed into my bed, falling asleep almost instantly. 

*

A few hours later I faded back awake. I kept my eyes shut as whispers came into my consciousness and I realised Mum and Gabe were in the room. I peeked an eye open and my mother widened hers in shock.

"You're awake! You're here!" She cried and fell on top of me in an attempt to hug me. 

"Stacks on!" My little brother called, jumping on top of her. 

"Owww, move." I groaned, trying to roll over so that they would fall off but I was too weak. Eventually they got me out of bed and made breakfast. Gabe took the day off school to spend time with me and Mum was constantly baking to please me. She hardly ever cooked when I was in high school so I was definitely making the most of that. Mum explained to me that Dad was leaving today at 4 pm for Sydney which was why he was grumpy when he woke up. I'm pretty sure that isn't entirely why he was grumpy but I didn't say anything. My fathers view on my career choice has always been an awkward topic at home and we all tended to avoid it unless necessary. Mum, however, loved hearing about it all and was even more ecstatic when I handed her a Louis Vuitton bag as a present, along with a thousand Dutchery items at her disposal. At about 12 pm my father woke up and silently moved around us, preparing his breakfast. It was ridiculous that I felt uncomfortable amongst my own family in my own home. He sat down with his usual, eggs and falafel, cooked himself because he believed no one could make it as good as him and began eating in silence. I sat on the island stool sipping my tea and facing Mum, who gave me a sympathetic look.

"So how long are you here for?" My dad grumbled, breaking the silence and giving me a mini heart attack.

"Um about a week. I'm leaving next Tuesday." I confirmed, trying to keep my voice even. 

"So you're going back to live in London then?" He added, though he knew the answer.

"Yes." I could tell where this conversation was heading and I didn't like it. He was already going to attack me on my choices and I had only been in the country for a few hours.

"Do you ever plan on returning?" He asked sharply but I kept my back to him, facing Mum. 

"Maybe. I don't know. I'm happy in London." I shrugged but he only scoffed.

"How can you be happy when you're alone? You'll never find a decent husband whilst your running around in a foreign city trying to make clothes. You need to come back here so we can find you a husband." I was alarmed at his words, my eyes widening in fury as I turned on my seat to look at him.

"I don't need you to find me a husband. I will marry who I want. And I'm not alone, I have India and Pooka and other friends." I snapped at him and he shook his head.