The Five Souls - The Beginning

chapter 11 - malt anyone?

when I woke up after work it was 4:30 the next day. I texted the gang to see if anyone wanted to grab a milkshake from the malt shop in town, Mickys malt shop. when I got there the whole gang including Ben was sitting at a booth at the back of the restaurant. Relief poured over me when I saw Ben. I thought I really messed up and even though he did show up last night. I was kind of worried it was a fluke or something. 

when I walked up to the table it got quiet. Hannah patted the space next to her and noticed all their eyes were on me clearly expecting me to spill the tea. so I sat down and started explaining the night. when I mentioned the mop bucket Hanna laughed and almost spit the sip of milkshake out. a little got on here check. 

"I got you," I said reached over, and wiped it off with a napkin. the others rolled their eyes while Mitchell and James both made the gaging motion.

"well looks like you 2 are going to be prom king and queen at prom this year," Arron said sarcastically.

"haha funny," Hannah said rolling her eyes.

"I mean we haven't put in our names as candidates," i say kind of let down by Hannah's reaction.

"oh ya, that's totally why I laughed. you guys know it. we're just so in love" Hannah said as if she was trying to take back what she said. I just looked at her confused and pulled my hand away from her.

"Well.... that was a weird first day," said Ben trying to pull everyone's attention away to something elts.

"ya. the rest of the night was actually weird. not comedic like some people think." I say as I look at Hannah. 

"well look at that. I have to head home. il see you guys later." Hannah said as she nearly pushed me off the booth with a tear starting to form. damn it. I did it again.

"wait Hannah hold on. guys help me out."

"Sorry. you messed up man." Ben said

"il be back," I say starting to chase after Hannah.

when I was outside I ran up to hannahs car and put my hand on the window.

"wait. please roll the window down. Hannah" reluctantly she rolled the window down.

"I'm sorry. I shouldn't have made that jab." I say

"Ya right" Hannah scoffed

that send a flash of anger up my body and the door handle I was holding onto crushed under my hand. Hannah notice this and looked horrified.

realizing I just fucked up I said with tears starting to actually form in my eyes "Please. I'm sorry. just let me explain."

the unlock buzz of the door went off and she patted the passenger seat. As I got in the car she just stared straight ahead. cautiously I put my hand on her soft silky face. she leaned into my hand and said

 "I'm sorry. I don't know what came over me. when Arron mentioned us at prom it startled me. I meant what I said last night and I want to go with you. but sometimes it scares me. is someone actually loving me? my mom and dad would say they loved me but they left each other and I felt like I was a poker chip. you are either with me or the other. i was isolated. if they really loved me they wouldn't fight like this and they wouldn't fight for custody. I am the shiny thing they use to show off to the other."

Hannah's family in Texas was lousy. part of the reason she left was because the cracks were showing before the divorce. it started with fights that got out of hand with yelling. then after a few months of that, either her mom or her dad would sleep on the couch. then finally there were days when they would be away all day and there was a tension that could be cut with a knife. when they were like that it hurt the most she said. they would always make comments like "She gets great grades from me" or "she gets the sweetness from me" and look at the other with loathing. then in private convos, they would tell her things like "The other parent doesn't actually care for you" To say the least it was toxic.