Anger Issues

109

Jessica

I hung out with Austin for a little over an hour, just talking to him. It was crazy how much he relaxed me. Even though he caused some of my stress, he relieved most of it. I honestly didn't think I deserved someone as good as him.

I shed a few tears, and Austin even teared up, but before it got too emotional, we made fun of each other to lift the mood. And it worked.

But I was home now and I didn't have any homework, so I was watching Netflix until dinner was ready.

To my surprise, dad was home, again. And he wasn't drunk.

Something was weird though. I didn't have a good feeling.

I got up and walked across the hall to Noah's room, opening the door.

"Noah- oh, sorry," I quickly backed up.

Noah and Jenna, to my surprise, were leaning in to kiss, but pulled away as soon as I ruined it.

I closed the door and mentally facepalmed, before walking back to my room.

"Jess," Noah called, making me turn. "Are you guys back together?" I whispered. "Yes- no- why did you do that?" He asked with annoyance.

"I was gonna ask you something I didn't think Jenna would be here," I said.

From a third person perspective, we'd look like idiots. Whisper yelling at each other in the middle of the hallway. Classic.

"You're so annoying," he rolled his eyes. "How was I supposed to know?" I asked.

"Do mom and dad know?" I asked. "They know she's here, she's leaving soon. Don't mention it to them," he said, walking backwards slowly.

"And I'm gonna get you back for this," he pointed. "What? That's not fai-" but before I could get my sentence out, he shut the door again.

I sighed, but couldn't help but let out a soft laugh.

I ended up keeping my thoughts to myself, going back to my room to continue watching Netflix.

I talked to Nikki a few times, but there was nothing new. They didn't make any progress on the whole.. situation.

"Jess!" I heard mom yell. "Yeah?!" I shouted back.

She didn't answer, making me sigh. I didn't wanna waste my voice knowing she wouldn't hear me, so I got up and dragged myself downstairs.

"Can you help me with dinner?" She asked. "What are we having?" I asked.

"Chicken Alfredo," she said. She didn't look at me once. Something was definitely going on.

"What's wrong?" I asked. "Nothing. Pass me the strainer."

I did so, still suspicious of the way she was acting.

I helped her anyway, and set the table, going back up to my room as the food cooked.

Noah walked in seconds after, sitting on my chair and automatically grabbing something to play with.

"What did you wanna ask?" He turned to me.

"Do you feel weird?" I asked. "No," he slowly shook his head. "I feel like somethings going on," I said.

"You're just paranoid," he shrugged. I rolled my eyes, before looking back at him.

"So Jenna?" I asked. He shook his head and stood up, making me laugh.

"Wait!" I called. "I don't know," he put his hands up. "Don't tell anyone anything," he warned. "I won't," I said.

He's so annoying.

Anyway, dinner finally was ready, so we all went downstairs. Noah and I were really the only people that spoke, recently. Dad, when he was here, only responded. Mom did the same, but only when he was here, too. If he wasn't, she'd talk to us like nothing changed.

"Wow, this is better than usual, Mom," Noah said, making me flip my hair.

"Thank you, I made it," I smiled. "That why it's so salty?" He retorted, making me gasp.

"Is it?" Mom asked him. He laughed softly at my reaction, before shaking his head at Mom.

It was all good. For the first few minutes, at least. We all ate and did our own thing, but I still couldn't shake the feeling. And I soon found out that I was right.

"Um," mom cleared her throat. "Your dad and I wanted to tell you guys something," she continued.

Noah and I made eye contact, both of us slowing down. I put my fork down, looking between Mom and Dad waiting for somebody to speak.

Dad took a sip of his water, hesitantly speaking.

"You guys know that things haven't been.. the best," he started.

They didn't have to say more.

As soon as he said that, I knew where this conversation was going.

I leaned into my seat, crossing my arms and looking down. I didn't even have the urge to cry, surprisingly. I was just pissed off.

"There's been a lot of arguments.. and miscommunication. Your mother and I have come to an agreement, and we think that.. it's best if we get a divorce."

Silence.

I looked up again, meeting eyes with Noah who looked completely emotionless, too.

"Who's moving out?" He asked.

"Your father." "I am." Mom and Dad synced.

"Where are you going?" I asked.

After I asked, I realized it was a dumb question. We all knew where he'd be going, I just forgot about that whole thing.

"Never mind," I shook my head.

"When is this happening?" Noah asked.

"We already filled out the papers. We're going to court tomorrow to settle everything," Mom nodded.

"So what's gonna happen with Noah and me?" I asked.

"You guys are gonna stay here with your mom. Because both of you have your whole lives here. You'll come visit.. on the weekends. Whenever you want," Dad explained.

Noah shook his head, standing up.

"This is bullshit," he said, grabbing the keys off the holder.

"Noah," Dad called, but he didn't turn.

I sighed, standing up. "Thanks guys," I sarcastically said.

"Jess come with me," Noah said from the door. Without even hesitating, I did.

We slipped on our shoes and went out to the car, for Noah to drive down the street.

"Where are we going?" I asked. He shrugged.

"Does it really matter? I don't think either of us wanna be home right now."