Stranger

ch30

What doesn't kill you makes you stronger. 

At least that's what they say on posts on the internet and in different books. Words that are supposed to motivate one. Words that I wish would give me strength today. 

Saturday finally is here. I made an alarm for early this morning and the second it went off, I jumped from bed. For anyone watching in, it would have looked like I was excited and couldn't wait for the day to start, but it couldn't be further from the truth. 

Knowing that today I was going to propose an insane idea to my parents, one which I needed to make sure they agree to, had my nerves working more than ever. My heart beat was erratic since the minute I woke up and everything was moving in a blur. 

I vaguely remember taking a shower, getting dressed, fixing my bed, all the normal things. I also made sure to do one important thing and that was put Devon on speed dial and make sure I have my phone with me the whole time. That's the only reason I have a hoodie on right now, so my phone could be as closest to my hands as possible. 

I did send a few, okay, a bit more than few silent prayers to whoever was listening because I needed this plan to work. I needed more than anything right now. 

So, with a deep breath, I finally make my way downstairs. My palms are getting sweaty and my knees feel unsure, but I power through it. Today I need to be the strongest I have ever been. 

"Morning darling."-mom greets me first as I enter the living room. 

My parents are dressed casually and are both drinking their morning coffee with dad reading his newspaper. He is old school like that and I admire that about him.

"Morning to you two."-I say with the fakes smile ever, one that I hope it looks better than it feels. "Do you guys have anything planned for today?"-I ask as I go to have some cereal in the kitchen. 

"I don't think so."-mom says first. "We didn't plan on anything, did we Patrick?"-she asks dad next.

"No, nothing Nat."-he replies to mom. "Why, what do you have in mind Evie?"-he then asks me louder.

"Well, something."-I say as I put the milk in the bowl and fetch a spoon. 

Slowly, mixing the cereal, I walk back into the living room and sit down on the armchair, across from mom and to dads right side. They both have their eyes on me and now my nervousness is peaking higher than before. 

"Do you mind telling us what it is sweetie?"-mom says with a gentle smile as she gestures with her hand for me to speak. Dad has put the newspaper down, folded on his lap as he waits for me. 

"I was thinking you could invite uncle Roger for dinner."-I speak quietly and watch as their both expressions morph into one of surprise. 

My parents take a quick glance at one another before dad speaks to me with furrowed brows.

"Why would you suggest that? I thought you hated him."-he asks a bit coldly than usual and I gulp down the vile that starts rising in my mouth. 

Remember, this is for their and you own good. This needs to be done. Lifting my chin a bit higher, I pin him with my gaze. 

"Because I think it's time I apologized to him about my behavior."-I speak with the most sincere tone I can possibly manage as I spit the lie out. Hearing my own words out loud, an unpleasant shiver goes through my body, but I hide it. 

Dad once again widens his eyes at my words, as well as mom. They are both looking like I have slapped them across the face and neither of them can believe what are they seeing. I, however, make sure not to break my composure as I keep my ground.