Shattered

Hazel (e)

Hazel
14.
There's no sign of a burglar during the next few weeks. And gradually, I begin to clean the mess in my room.

The last few nights I've stayed out on the couch for the ever subsiding fear that still presented itself when I least expected. Couldn't walk into my room without the sudden butterflies of dread.

I've grown accustomed to double checking that I've locked my apartment door every time I leave, but I was still paranoid. Couldn't help but glance around the hallway, and each time my mind wandered, I found my eyes on Chase's door.

To only make me feel worse, there's no sign of Mr. Wright being nice anytime soon. His cold, hard exterior is there every morning. Glaring, scolding, and always angered at something I couldn't put a finger to. I was beginning to think that maybe he just didn't like people, but that was absurd because there was no one who particularly enjoys making a scene of themselves.

My phone lit up with a call next to me, Jules's name flashing across the screen when I glanced over. Even though I knew it wasn't a good idea to answer my phone, I couldn't help the concern that filled me and pressed the phone to my ear.

I told myself it would be fine.

"Hazel!"

Jules's voice filled the phone, could make out the sound of shuffling and voices on the other end, telling me that she was at work.

"I just wanted to tell you that I talked to my parents." She said. There's a hopeful undertone to her voice that brought a small smile to my face.

"How'd it go?" I asked. I glanced over at my computer, at my boss's schedule that I was currently updating.

"It went...fine." She said, though Jules's voice sounded hesitant.

"That doesn't sound convincing," I said. "What happened?"

She sighed. "It went better than expected, I'll just say that. And I'm not getting kicked out."

"Oh," I replied. "That's good, right?"

Jules paused for a rather long moment before she said quietly,

"Dad yelled at me pretty badly, and now isn't speaking to me. And mom is just completely shocked—th-they didn't know I was seeing anyone."

Now it was my turn to remain quiet as I mused over Jules's words.

"It's better now." She added.

As if Jules could see me, I nodded my head. I said,

"Can I do anything? Do you need a place to stay?"

"No," Jules answered. "I think my parents are just upset more than anything; they'll get over themselves eventually."

"Are you at the coffee shop?" I asked. I could hear the familiar sounds of the coffee grinder running faintly in the background.

"Yeah, but it's a slow day. When are you coming back?"

"Not any time soon." I said.

"Well, Chase is gone, so it's fair game. Maybe you could try to get fired?"

"Wait, what—? Where's Chase?" Curiosity filled me, but also a sense of relief at the thought of Chase not being at the coffee shop.