Anger Issues

90

Please vote :) I've been working really hard on the plot of this book, that's why my updates have been more spaced out. A lot is going to happen, I promise

Austin

Long story short, Jess and I were smacked by the time we came home. We stayed out a little bit longer with Kyle and Kayla, and during that time, gave in to using his pen.

It wasn't the pen that was the problem. It was our lack of control. But if we could get a grip, maybe it wouldn't be so bad.

I knew damn well that my eyes were red. When I got home, I basically snuck in and up to my room. After shutting and locking the door, I searched around my dresser for eye drops.

After successfully finding them, I tilted my head back and dropped them in. Looking in the mirror, I could already see my red eyes clearing up.

Just as I finished, my phone started ringing on my bed.

"Hey," I smiled, seeing my beautiful girlfriend on the screen. "I'm so hungry," she laughed. "We just ate at the theater," I said. "What's your point?" She sarcastically retorted.

"We have to go to dance tomorrow," she groaned. "Mhm," I nodded. "I don't want to," she said. "Why? You love dance," I scrunched my eyebrows.

"No, I wanna go. My mind is tired so the thought of going is tiring," she explained. "That can relate to anything," I said. "Shut up," she started laughing, making me do the same.

—

"Holy shit," I panted, putting my hands on my knees. "Nice work guys," our choreographer laughed, clapping for a few seconds. "Did that warm up get to all of you?" He asked. The room filled with nods and groans of all the tired dancers.

"Alright, take five and we'll discuss our new choreo," he said. Everybody scattered around, getting water and sitting down.

"That hit me hard," Jess said, before drinking water. I nodded in agreement, drinking mine as well.

"What song do you think we're doing?" She asked, pulling her phone out of her pocket. "I actually have no clue," I shrugged.

After the next few minutes, Tanner called us in again. "Alright. For this one, we'll be in groups of eight. I'll be assigning them, but overall, we'll have the same choreo. Sound good?" He asked. "Yeah," we all agreed.

After another two hours, we finally finished up for the day. "Great work guys. Good to be back. See you all next week," he said, before the class again scattered.

Just as I was about to talk to Jess, my phone started ringing.

Mom

Seeing Jess talk to one of the other dancers, I answered the call as I gathered my things.

"Hey Mom," I answered. "Austin, make sure you're home soon so you can make sure you have everything for tomorrow," she explained.

I sighed. I wanted to spend some time with Jess. "Can I have an hour or two?" I asked. She paused, and I assumed she began thinking. "Okay. Just make sure you're home on time," she said. "Okay, I will. Bye."

"Ready?" Jess turned to me. "Yeah," I nodded.

"Can we hang out for a little?" I asked her. "Of course," she nodded, slipping her hand into mine.

Once we got outside, the soon to be spring air cooled us down a little bit. Jess had taken her hair out of her ponytail, letting it fall naturally.

"Where should we go?" She asked. "Anywhere. I bought an hour or two until I have to get home," I told her.

"I forgot you're leaving," she looked at me, pouting her lip. "Don't do that," I smiled, hugging her softly. "Can we get food?" She asked. "Of course we can get food," I instantly agreed.

After deciding on getting pizza, we drove to our favorite pizzeria. "It's warm in here," Jess said, relieved.

"Let's go to the park after this," I suggested. "Okay," she nodded.

Jessica

As we started walking in the park, my phone vibrated in my pocket.

Noah
Dad's home

Austin was in the middle of a story, so he was distracted. I didn't want to tell him, only because I wanted these few days to be as stress free as possible for him.

While he continued talking, I quickly texted Noah back.

Me
Is everything okay?

Noah
For now. When will you be home?

Me
Maybe an hour? Text me if anything happens and I'll be home sooner

Noah
Okay

"Are you okay?" Austin glanced at me. "Yeah, sorry. You were saying?" I looked at him. "I was talking about the restaurant I wanted to take you.. a really long time ago," he said.

"Oh, you mean the one you got into a meaningless fight for?" I teased, smiling as I looked up at him. "Yeah that one," he nodded, smiling.

"When I get back, I'm gonna try to get us a spot that'll work for both of us," he said. "You don't have to, babe," I said. "I want to. I didn't get my ass beat for nothing," he laughed.

"Damian got his ass beat," I corrected. "I try not to brag," he shrugged, speaking with sarcasm.

"Anyway," I let out a soft laugh. "I miss Nikki," I complained. "How's it going with her and.. what's his name again?" He asked. "Angelo. Last time I checked, they were good," I shrugged.

After walking around for a little while longer, we got back into Austin's car. He pulled to a stop in front of my house, making me subtly glance around, making sure everything at least looked okay.

As we got out, I wrapped my arms around him tightly. "I love you," I closed my eyes, leaning my head on his chest. "I love you too," he said.

Staying in that position for a few more seconds, he cupped my face before drawing our lips together.

"Please be careful," I pulled away. "I will," he nodded. "And text me when you leave," I added. "I will," he laughed.

I smiled, backing away. "Bye."

As I closed the door to my house, I heard Austin's car drive away.

Immediately, I saw the office door open. That had to have meant Dad was home.

"Mom?" I called. Getting no answer, I walked down to the office, seeing Dad in his room.

Oddly enough.. through everything he's done recently, I felt a massive wave of relief when I saw him at the desk.

"Hey kiddo," he smiled. He was sober, too.

"Hi," I walked over, giving him a hug.

I knew that he wasn't going to bring up his sudden disappearance, and I didn't really want to, either. He's back now, and that's what the focus should be on.

"Where's Mom?" I asked. "She's upstairs," he said. "Alright. Thanks," I said, before jogging up.

I heard the shower running, telling me it was Mom. Walking to Noah's room, I started talking quietly, but frantically.

"Nothing happened?" I asked. "I guess not," he shrugged. "When did he get here? What did he say?" I asked. "Like an hour ago. And not much. He caught us all by surprise but we haven't asked him about anything yet," he explained.

"Don't," I said. "Don't what?" He asked. "Ask him. Leave it as is," I sighed.

"Jess.." he looked at me with a soft expression. "You know where he went, right?" He asked. "I don't know... but I assumed," I lowered my voice.

He nodded. "When are we telling Mom?" I asked. "How do you plan on doing it?" He leaned forward. "I don't know, that's why I'm asking when so I can at least think about it," I shrugged.

"We don't," he sighed. "What?" I asked.

"We can't tell her, Jess. It'll ruin everything. It'll happen eventually, just don't be the reason of it."