COMPLICATED.

CHAPTER 25

THE PHONE-CALL

Nick smiles and grins satisfied.
<< I knew that the cupcakes would do their part! >>
<< Don't be too happy about it, I only accepted because I want to resolve this situation as soon as possible. >> I say slamming the door.
Angry or quiet nothing is ever solved, this vicious cycle remains a constant.
And since Mr "I- feel- nothing- but- after- a- second- I- care- about- you"
is going around it, is up to me to break it once and for all.
He keeps smiling and staring at me, is he gawking?
<< Fine! Also for the cupcakes, now stop it! You're scaring me with that evil smile, do I need to remind you of the embarrassment you just made me do with my brother? I'm even angrier at you, so look ahead and don't stare at me. >>
I step up to avoid his gaze but in a moment he has already reached me. I still delude myself to be faster than him...
<< I didn't let Paul in and consider it a revenge for last night!>>
Wait...
I get stuck in the middle of the hall to prepare for the worst.
He notices my confusion and starts laughing as only he can. It doesn't look good.
<< Me and you, take you to your bedroom.. >>
What? I still don't understand.
<< You, who said that your parents allowed me to take you to your room and accuse them of not having the doubt of us that we could have se...>>
And here they are, the flashbacks!
<< Nono, can you stop?! I think I owe you an apology, but as you see, I remember nothing. >>
" No more alcohol, no more alcohol, no more alcohol "
I will repeat it like a mantra to infinity if it's necessary.
<< Don't worry, in the end it was fun. >> he says adjusting his copper tuft.
Sure, I guess.
Evidently me too, but I wasn't myself.
We go down the stairs in complete silence.
<< You can wait in the living room, I'll tell my parents I'm not here for lunch. >>
I already know that Mom went out for the usual meetings while Dad is definitely here, focusing on his new manuscript.
I get to their bedroom, but my father's threatening voice stops me. From the crack of the door I notice that he is talking on the phone, and he isn't happy at all. I come even closer to hear the conversation better.
<< This is the last time I tell you this, keep your distance, or you'll have to deal with me. I told you not to call me anymore, mine wasn't a request. So as soon as she arrives, you need to disappear, don't you dare come any closer or I swear...>
<< Dad? >> I exclaim going inside, in the hope that it will calm down a bit.
He turns around, his neck vein is liable to explode and his eyes wide open.
She's not happy at all, on the contrary...
<< Yes sweetheart, I'll be with you in a second. >> he says forcing a smile.
He turns the other way again and keeps talking to the stranger.
<< You don't care who she is! You heard me, don't call anymore. >> hisses at him as he closes the call.
<< Everything ok? >> I say putting a hand on his cheek. To reassure me, he puts it on top of mine.
<< Y-yeah, it's just...I was on the phone with a bastard trying to steal my agent from me, he's been trying and insisting for months, but nothing serious. >>
<< Sounds stressful. >>
<< Believe me, you have no idea! However are you recovered from yesterday? You wanted to tell me something? >>
<< Everything will be fine. I just wanted to let you know that I'm not here for lunch, I'm going to Central Park with Nick for a picnic.
<<Oh I see, okay. >> he says winking at me.
He and Paul are the same! They love to wink, such father such son. But you got it wrong...
<< As always you don't understand anything. By the way, I'm sorry for anything I said last night. >>
<< No problem, you were drunk, I saw it perfectly. >>
I laugh for his shocked expression.
<< Wow, was I that really drunk? >>
<< Maybe, but you know what are the rules in this house, no guy in your room during the night! >
Here we go, it seemed strange!
<< Unless you let him in through the window and I can't come to check everything...>>
<< I'm going, byeee! >> I say running away embarrassed. I go back to the living room where I see a quarrel between Paul and Nick. And what will be the subject of the discussion? Let me guess...
<< Nick you're really dull! How can you say that God of War is better than Monster Hunter?! >>
<< You're dull! In God of War you're basically a god who has to protect his son and save other characters and what do you do in Monster Hunter? Killing stupid monsters?! >>
Exactly, video games! are they serious?!
<< It's not like that! It's yours that sucks. >>
<< In fact it sucks so much that it was elected as the best game of the year. >>
<< Shut up, or do I need to remind you of what I saw this morning? These aren't things that a ten-year-old kid should see, who knows what would happen if I told this to mom and dad...>>
I can't believe it, he's blackmailing him!
<< Ehm, Emma?! >> Nick calls me worried. I run to save him from the clutches of the devil in front of me.
<< Paul, leave him alone, you know both everything of this topic, accept it and no more discussions. >>
I use my impeccable authoritative tone.
<< Good, I like you and I've known you forever, but I'm still watching you.
<< All right little Rocky, we gotta go. >> I say by dragging Nick out of the house.
<< That kid! The more he grows the more he becomes evil! >> he says once outside the gate.
<< Hey, remember you're talking about my brother! >>
<< I'd play video games with him every day, he's my champion! >>
Although sometimes they look like cat and dog , they're very close and this has always made me the happiest person in the world.
<< You would do anything to...>>
<< Oh dear lord, I can't believe it! >> he exclaims annoyed looking behind my back.
I turn to see what he's looking at.
<< Here's the blonde I was looking for! >>
A tall, blonde guy is talking to me. He looks familiar, I already know him.
Oh no, what a pain in the ass...
<< Jack? >>