TFIL // Colby Brock

Dad

Part of me felt sympathetic: for my mother who had ignored the doctors warnings and taken the consequences for having me. Another part felt sad: though, not a curse, I would be putting a horrible burden on whatever child I had, putting a limit to their life choices and possibly even their life in general. Part of me wanted to cry because of their sadness while another just wanted to pretend I didn't need to be upset about it. I didn't want babies in this moment, sure I was happy in my relationship but not that far along.

I only realised I was staring off into space when someone cleared their throat; my eyes snapped towards the source of the noise.

"Are you OK?" Devyn asked, worry filled her eyes. As conspicuously as I could, I took a deep breath and prepared to lie.

"Yes, I'm... fine" my hesitation caught Colby's attention, causing him to walk as close as he could.

"Not to be rude but no one believes your façade. What's really bothering you?" Sam's face was hard, his eyes full of care and anxiety. I sighed, unwilling to tell them but knew I had to.

"My mother... she took a huge risk by having me. When she was young, she was told that if she ever - ever - had a baby, her organs would slowly deteriate. From the information the doctors know, it takes about twenty years to effect the important organs. As you all know, I'm twenty, and the eldest child meaning my mother is dying literally because she decided to have me" the words spilled out. Everyone's face had a sympathetic expression.

"The doctor" Colby mumbled, my face turning toward him.

"Yes, whenever the doctor spoke to me alone, he was explaining more and more he knew of the... illness" I still didn't know what to call it and I was determined not to mention the genetic part.

I looked back to the others. Devyn walked over, climbed on the island and gave me a hug. I accepted it, staying there for a moment.

My phone started ringing, I looked at the ID to see it was my dad. Quickly pulling from Devyn, I answered it.

"Hey, honey"

"Hi"

"Listen. I know you have been to see your mom and you think I don't care enough to go but that's not it"

"I'd rather you give me this lecture in person"

"But..."

"But you have work" I rolled my eyes visibly to the others. "Until you figure out what's more important, don't talk to me" my finger pressed on the red button without thinking. He would probably yell at me for that, he always had.

"Was that your dad?" Elton asked.

"Yeah, the prick" I saw Corey cringe at my words. "What?"

"Nothing, it's just... he's your dad"

"Yeah..." I was no longer sad - just infuriated. I realised I wasn't getting a hint.

"Don't you care about him?" Elton pitched in. I sighed.

"Of course but when he leaves for work and never comes home not even to visit his dying wife I'm pretty sure I have every right to be mad at him" my eyes switched between them all, catching their reactions.

Sam and Aaron took a step back, clearly effected by my words. I hopped off of the island, beginning to walk upstairs but I stopped at the bottom step - turning towards them.

"I don't think I'm doing anything wrong here, you have a problem, tell me" then I walked to Colby's room. I didn't mean for it to sound so harsh but once I'd turned, there was no going back.

I woke up with arms around me but I knew I was in my clothes. Had I fallen asleep? When did I lie down? I sat up, looking around. I was in Colby's room and he was peacefully asleep next to me. My eyes trailed to the alarm clock on the beside table that neither of us actually used. It was 07:57. Not a bad time to get up. I picked up Colby's arm and placed it over his stomach, standing up and walking to my bag in order to grab some clothes. Once I was changed, I took a peek at Colby's still body, laying under the sheets and moving in sync with his breathing.

When I had gotten to the kitchen, I remembered that some of the roommates would be awake. I wonder what the others thought? Were they all mad at me? I was in my rights to be angry with my dad - he's basically neglected his dying wife. A noise behind me broke me from my reverie. They were footsteps and I wasn't willing to really talk to anyone right now.

"Hey" Sam's voice said, making me spin around.

"Uh, hi?" it sounded more like a question.

"Listen, I was just taken aback because I've never really fighted with my dad" he explained with a warmth to his eyes.

"Right, OK" I nodded my head then turned back around to make myself some breakfast. By the time I looked back, he was gone so I continued to eat.

"Hey" I slightly jumped when arms rested on my shoulders. His voice was recognisable by anyone.

"Hi" I'd finished eating so I stood up, shaking him off in the process. I began to wash up as he kept talking.

"Don't be like that"

"Like what?" I snapped. He grimaced.

"Making as little conversation as possible" I calmed myself for a second, bringing myself to be able to say sorry.

"I apologise" instead the formal words slipped out, as though I didn't know him.

"Chloe..."

"Colby, listen to me. I don't feel like talking to anyone right now, OK?" he nodded, lifting his arms up in surrender and backing away. I drained the sink before heading back upstairs. When I sat on the bed and went on my phone, Colby came into the room - the sound of the lock filling the silence.

I sat still, staring at my phone though nothing was really happening. Colby sat next to me, he pushed my hair back, leaning to my neck and kissing it gently. I tensed slightly.

"What are you doing?" I asked, trying to sound annoyed.

"You said..." he kissed my neck again "...you didn't want..." and again "...to talk..." and again "...so, I'm not talking" and again.

"Colby..." he moved away, accusation on his face.

"I thought you didn't want to talk" he accused, a smile playing on his lips.

"I don't" he tried not to smile more.

"Then I won't talk and you won't have to respond or listen to me" I couldn't argue with his logic. His lips moved back to my neck. His right hand suddenly placed itself on my leg, pulling it slightly towards him. Only when his hand gripped a little harder did I realise he was finding it hard to resist going further. I decided to make it harder for him by shuffling closer and leaning my head away, giving him more room.

He gripped my leg even more but gave up, moving his hand to my face and turning it to him, crashing our lips together.

"I knew I'd break you" I mumbled between breaks.

"Shut up" I think he meant to sound harsh but I could hear the teasing and amusement. I held a chuckle and moved myself completely onto his lap, gripping his neck to keep him where he was. That's when he gave in completely.