A Bad Year In Romantics

Chapter 4

Two days later I flew out to Chicago Illinois.. We spent all night that night coming up with different ways on how to cover up the bruises.Finally,after rejecting it a million billion times, we went to our local Sephora.None of us knew squat about makeup.But with the help of a lovely and understanding employee named Farrah,we found everything we needed. She even showed me how to put it on.

The plane ride was 3 hours long.I spent this time with my headphones on sleeping.The plane arrived in Chicago at 2 in the afternoon. There was a rental car service just outside the airport.I rented a Nissan for the two weeks that I would be there.After throwing all my things inside the trunk,I drove towards my folks house

They lived on the rich side of Chicago in a private residency by the mountains where all the houses looked the same.It was complete with a pool area,a gym,a playground,and 24 hour security.There was even a bus stop right outside the guard gate to take you into town.

Every corner of this city had a piece of me in it. I passed the seven eleven where I had my first job.Then I passed the drive in movie theater where me and my high school friends would sneak by going through the ripped fence behind one of the giant screens.I could see my old high school in the distance.That's when I remembered my first girlfriend Evie. She was a beautiful blonde with gorgeous green eyes. Her dad and my dad worked in the same business for years. She was a family friend,and our families liked each other very much. I parked my car on the curb and walked along the chain linked fence. There was football practice in session. I tried out once but I was turned down because I had no muscles.

I walked behind the bleachers.Somewhere under one of those metal seats that burnt your thighs in the summer was mine and Evie's name. It read "Gabriel and Evie Ballinger." We were deeply in love.We wanted to get married straight out of high school but we knew deep down that that wasn't going to be possible. There were other things we needed to do first. She wanted to become a Veterinarian. I wanted to pursue my cooking. That's why we broke up. That and it simply wasn't our time.

My detour didn't take long. After a 23 minute drive into the city I finally stopped in front of the mahogany colored house with decorative happy birthday balloons tied everywhere. I parked a little farther down the street,then i proceeded to walk down towards the house,treading extra lightly to make sure I didn't make noise.

Slowly and quietly I crept in through the side gate. I could hear my sisters favorite band playing on the speakers.The smell of my mom's tuna melt made my mouth water. My dad's manly laughter filled the air. Damn I missed being home.

They were in the middle of playing a game of uno. Family games were a big thing in our household. Every one of us was extremely competitive. We bet things from allowances to our homework. My timing could have not been more perfect. I peeked my head around the corner when my mom said:

"This is fun. I love spending time with everyone. I just wish my baby Gabriel was here with us.Parties aren't the same without him."

I chuckled and said,"Ew why?"

Everyone turned to look over at where I was. I was immediatly ambushed in hugs and kisses from family members. My sister hugged me tight. My dad ruffled my hair. My mom grabbed me by my cheeks and showered me with kisses.

"Sweetie I didn't here you come in! I can't believe you're here!"

"Neither can I really! Sorry I didn't tell anyone. I wanted it to be a surprise.God I missed you all so much!"

"We missed you too!And a surprise it is kiddo."My dad said,"Come sit down! Tell us how've you been. Is Parker here with you?"

"No he isn't. He's coming down next week. I'm staying here for two weeks."