Fate

Chapter Twenty-Three

Chapter Twenty-Three

"You're not going to regret choosing to go to this party," Nick boasted happily. Which was a surprise considering he almost seemed nervous Melinda's party would outdo him. This was much more important to him than I had originally thought. Maybe because I was focused on other things. First was my conversation with Alec.

"I'm more aware of my student's problems than you may realize," he'd smiled at me. "So, I can usually tell when somethings bothering one of them. Even though I'm not sure what, I could tell it must have been important if it kept you from studying. I've seen the type of student you are. Usually, you do study so I know you must be stressed."

"I am," I admitted.

"I know I can't pry or make you tell me anything. But the offer still stands if you ever want to talk."

"Thanks."

"Alight. Do me a favor and study next time, okay?" he'd grinned.

"I will," I smiled in relief Zayn wouldn't be penalized, and neither would I.

I was so thankful Alec had been understanding and kind making me respect him even more. It helped he hadn't been angry at me as well. So, I'd had a good rest of the day and had some renewed hope.

When we headed to Maggie's house to get ready for the party, I could tell she was a little nervous as she was being uncharacteristically quiet. This was a big step for her as I could understand why she'd keep friends from her house and her home life. I went through the same feelings of shame for my own home.

"Maggie, you sure you're okay with having everyone at your house?" I questioned.

"Not really, but we're doing it, so I better get ready. " Reggie, Nick, and Sunny were in the car behind us, en route to her house. It was one thing to have just the three of us going but adding in all our friends would make her more nervous. When we pulled into her driveway, I saw a woman standing on the porch who already looked to have a sour expression on her face. This was Maggie's mom.

We parked and hurried to gather around Maggie before walking up the driveway. She seemed hesitant, eyeing her mom but Liam took her hand in comfort. I smiled at the sight of him comforting her with such a sweet gesture. He was always doing these things for me after all.

"Here goes nothing," Maggie sighed.

"It's okay. We won't judge you," I said to her, smiling and she smiled back.

"Who are these people?" The woman asked with a raised eyebrow before we'd even arrived on the porch.

"What a warm welcome," Nick commented.

"Think we should tell her we're in a gang?" Reggie asked.

"Please don't," Sunny frowned.

"These are my friends, Mom," Maggie introduced.

"Yes, I assumed so. Why are they here?"

"We're getting ready for a party."

"Party? Shouldn't you be thinking about studying?"

"I do, but it's the weekend." The woman rolled her eyes, opening the door.

"Come in, take your shoes off at the door. I don't want mud on my carpet."

"What a charmer," Reggie commented.

"She's good at that," Liam informed us which didn't make me feel good. When we arrived inside the house, I noticed a man who wore the same expression as the woman. This was Maggie's dad. He reminded me of Kenneth except for a slightly fancier version who seemed to be completely sober.