Tough Love

Chapter 18

Sorry for such a late upload. I started writing last week, but I couldn’t finish because of so much school work and being so busy. Here is the chapter and please tell me what you think! Hopefully the next chapters will be up much earlier! Sorry for all the inconvenience and enjoy!

-Maysoon

Chapter 18-

Few Days Later

Thump, thump, and thump on the rooftop. The sound I’ve been listening to for the past weeks. As I looked out my bedroom window, a fresh sheet of rain washed down the glass. A number of tests and quizzes laid in front of me, the percentages 40-60/100. My chest felt heavy and there was an annoying tugging feeling in my heart that made me feel uneasy from being away from Holden for so long. Being lifeless and snappy was the new me for the past week… My bedroom door was pushed open and Dad said, “Come on, time for dinner.” I quickly gathered the papers and stuffed them under my pillow so Dad couldn’t see.

Either it was Mom or Dad that came to my room to tell me to come downstairs for dinner. I haven’t had the appetite to eat anything for a while now. “I’ll be down in a minute.” I said. Dad leaned on the doorframe and waited. His form was tense today, and worry lines were etched onto his forehead.

I sighed loudly and got to my feet. I followed him down the stairs and sat at the dinner table. Mom placed my plate in front of me. We all got seated and started eating. I shoved spoonfuls of food into my mouth and swallowed quickly.

Mom started talking first. “Emily, did you find out what your mate’s name is? It’s been weeks since you’ve talked about him.”

I swallowed harshly. “Um, I’ve been so busy getting to my classes and finishing school work that I haven’t had a chance to properly talk to him… I’ll tell you when I talk to him and find out his name, though.”

Dad looked at me. “Really Emily? It’s because you’ve been busy doing schoolwork?”

I was taken aback from the question, knowing it would go to a topic I didn’t want to discuss. “Yes…”

“And your grades? Are they good too?”

I was quiet for a few seconds before nodding my head slowly.

“Really? Because if they were good would we be getting calls from your school? Hm? You’re in danger of failing. You won’t be able to graduate.”

I gritted my teeth together. “Why did they call you about that?”

“Because I have the right to know. Why have you been keeping this from us?”

“I wasn’t keeping it from you,” I said. “I was going to tell you eventually.”

“When is eventually?” Dad asked, his eyes blazing.

I didn’t answer.

“You’re grounded. You are to come straight home after school and finish your homework. You are to show me all of it when you’re done. Understood?”

“No. I’m not a kindergartener. I can finish my homework, ungrounded and not coming home straight after school.” I said.

“It’s obvious you can’t do that since your failing all your classes.”

“Who are you to say that? Who are to say I can’t bring my grades up?” I was on my feet, my voice raised.

“Emily…” My mom said in a warning tone. My dad stood up. My mom said his name, too. We both ignored her.

“I am your father and you have to listen to everything I say! You are grounded and that’s final!” He was yelling now. I glared at him before turning and running up the stairs.