One Dance 3: Illusions

3.

You decided to leave about an hour later. You really weren't too eager to stay; Peter was being so on and off. It was weird.

Happy came to pick you up, and even though Peter was being distant, he walked you out to Happy's car and made sure you were safe.

The ride home was awkward but luckily short.

Happy kept looking in the rear view mirror at your solemn face, trying to figure out what was wrong.

As soon as he pulled into the driveway, you grabbed your backpack and headed inside.

You wanted nothing more than to just crash on your bed and possibly even cry. You didn't know how you were feeling, if you were being honest.

Instead of this, however, you heard a "hey honey!" as soon as you entered.

"Hey, dad," you said as you walked closer and closer to your room.

"Can you come here? Your mom and I want to talk to you."

You felt your face get warm. This could mean so many things. Everything bad you had ever done in your entire life was flashing before you.

Maybe they were finally sending you away. You wouldn't be a threat to anyone and maybe even Peter would finally be happy.

Don't think like that, you tried to tell yourself. It wasn't easy to keep intrusive thoughts at bay anymore.

You sluggishly walked into the kitchen where your mom and dad were sitting and waiting.

Your mom smiled warmly as soon as you could see her. It made a lot of your stress melt away.
However, seeing your dad's tired eyes and cane made it all come back.

You sat down slowly at the table and waited for them to lecture you on something.

You tried to calm yourself down, but you eventually blurted out, "Am I being sent away?"

Your dad's eyebrows creased at first, but without hesitation he smiled and answered, "No."

You should have been relieved, but your back was still tense and your legs still shook.

"We think you could use a break, so—"

"Like a vacation?"

"—yes, like a vacation," your mom continued. "The school is offering a traveling abroad program. You'd be going around Europe..."

"...The Eiffel Tower," you said half-dreamily.

"Yes, the Eiffel Tower," she smiled. "But most of all, you'd be getting away from New York for a bit. I think it could be good for you."

You nodded. A vacation did sound nice, but with who? Random school kids? That made you feel a little uneasy.

"Do you know who all is going? I don't think I'm up to making new friends."

"Well Ned, Peter, and Sam are all thinking about going. Your father was even willing to cover the cost to convince them for you."

You rolled your eyes at Tony, who smiled. Your annoyance made him happy.

"You really didn't have to do that, Dad. We could have just gone on vacation together."

"I didn't think you'd want to vacation with your  old folks."

You shrugged. "I guess not."

Going on this trip could be a really good idea. You'd be getting away from New York and you'd be visiting a really freaking cool continent.