My Eyes Pick Up What Most Leave Behind

Chapter Sixteen

Recap:  

The day went by rather quickly, until sixth period Citizens Law rolled around. That class always drags on forever. Once the bell rang I gathered my stuff and found Erick waiting by my locker.  

"Hello beautiful," He greeted me. I smiled. 

"Hey handsome." I spun my combination and put away my books.  

"Were still on for tonight, right?" He asked. 

"Yup." I said. 

"Great. I'll pick you up at 7?" He confirmed. 

"Sounds great!" I exclaimed. He walked me out to my car.  

"See you later." He said. I nodded before shutting the door and fitting the key into the ignition. I drove home. 

I was putting they key in my front door when it flew out of my hand. Now, I did not drop it. I rolled my eyes. "Really? Pick it-" I started as I turned around, but stopped abruptly at the sight before me.

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Chapter 16

"Up." It practically fell out of my mouth as I finished my sentence under my breath. A huge grin spread across my face as I leaped into my dad's arms. "Dad!! What are you doing here?!" 

"Just thought I'd stop by to see you, honey. It's been too long, I know. I'm sorry." I looked into his eyes, which matched the green shade of mine, but felt no emotion. It was like staring at a blank computer screen.  

"Dad, are you okay?" I asked. I felt a pang of fear in my stomach and he nervously started speaking. At least I felt some emotions from him. 

"Okay. I'll a-admit that I didn't come here just f-for fun. I h-have something to tell you, honey." My eyebrows knit together in confusion as I walked over to pick up the keys that had previously flown from my hands. I will never know how he does that. 

"What is it, Dad?" I can't get enough of that word. A word so often taken for granted by my friends, thrown around like a...ball.  Yeah, a ball.

"Scarlett honey, I got married." I stood there, as still as a statue. The anger, sadness, and just plain neglect rose from the very pits of my stomach, through my throat, and started trickling down my cheeks in the form of salty tears.  

"Married, huh?" I squeaked out before bolting down the street. I had no idea where I was going, or why.  

"Scarlett!" My 'dad' shouted at me, quite pointlessly....I think I finally stopped listening. For good.

I stopped at the neighborhood park, my chest heaving. I walked to a secluded tree and slumped under it. The tears were falling freely now, and I really didn't care who saw me. I wiped my eyes for the thousandth time and laughed in spite of myself. I'm so stupid. How did I not see this coming. My dad rarely calls, let alone shows up on my porch unannounced. And I let myself believe that he actually WANTED to see me. Silly me. He got married to some chick and neglected to invite me, his own flesh and blood, to his wedding. Hell, he didn't even tell me.  

The exhaustion hit me like a strong ocean wave, and pulled me down with it. I closed my eyes and fell asleep under a tree in the park.

Erick P.O.V

At 6:45 I left the house. Being late is not an option tonight. Sure, it's a five minute drive, but so much could happen to make me late. A slow driver. Too many stoplights. Why am I so nervous all of a sudden? Sheesh. 

I got in my car and started the drive. A few minutes later I pulled into the neighborhood. I passed the park and noticed a girl asleep under a tree.

"Wow. She looks a lot like Scarlett." I mumbled subconsciously to myself. I took a double take, and it was Scarlett! I pulled up by the sidewalk and hopped out, slamming the door and running up to her. 

"Scarlett, love, wake up!" She lifted her head and her eyes fluttered open.  

"Erick? Where am I?" She asked. Her eyes were puffy and red, and her beautiful honey hair was a mess.  

"The park, love. Why are you here? Are you all right?" I questioned, worry creasing my forehead.

Scarlett P.O.V

"Scarlett, love, wake up!" Erick's soothing voice woke me awake. I lifted my pounding head and looked around. I was in the grass. 

"Erick? Where am I?" I asked.  

"The park, love. Why are you here? Are you all right?" He asked. I felt his worry as it was displayed rather clearly on his face. Just then it hit me. I remembered. I started bawling. I shook with sobs, basically ignoring Erick's pleas to explain.  

"Scarlett! Come on. I only want to help you. Truly." He brushed the hair from my face and wiped the tears from my eyes. He gingerly kissed my forehead. I looked up, and the level of worry on his face startled me. No one has ever cared this much. My mom is never home anymore, she wouldn't know. I started explaining, one word spilling after another, and before I knew it I was crying again. 

"I'm so pathetic! My own dad wont even invite me to his wedding," I sobbed. Erick lifted me up, and took me to his car. I silenced myself long enough to ask him where we were going.  

"My house. You need to get away from home and just...chill out." That caused me to laugh. Him and his adorable Irish accent. I wiped my ears one last time before looking at Erick.  

"I love you." I said. And I meant it. Sure, we have not even gone on an actual date yet, but I love him. I know I shouldn't have fallen, considering his situation. But since the day we met, he has shown nothing but concern, and care for me.