Braxten High

Chapter 22

Azriel's POV:

Scarlett opened the door when I went to pick Zara up. "Where's your prettier, nicer friend?" I asked innocently. She rolled her eyes. "Aren't you a fucking ball of sunshine this morning," she said, and went to make a snide comment but Zara walked to the door, pushing Scar out of the way.

She was wearing a summery floral wrap dress of sorts, and she smiled brightly upon seeing me. "You're the prettiest girl in the world," I stated, hugging her. I pulled away and kissed her lightly, and she blushed. She's so cute when she blushes. "Ready to have the best day ever?" I asked with a smile.

We drove away from the penthouse and to my dad's place. "I'm so excited to have you meet my dad. He doesn't usually ask me to bring home the girls I date," I said. "Not that any of my flings have ever really mattered," I quickly added.

"I can't wait to meet him. Although, I'm a little nervous" she said nervously "And excuse me what do you mean by your flings?"

"Don't be nervous. Seriously, he's going to love you. Just be yourself, okay? And uh, nothing important," I said hastily and stepped out of the car, opening the car door on her side and helping her out.

"His cooking isn't as nice, but he's improving. I miss him being home sometimes, y'know?" I said, laughing away the sourness.

"It's okay, you can always come visit him right? Anyway, you're gonna turn eighteen in a few months and then you can move in with him," she smiled and ruffled my hair.

I playfully slapped her hand away. "Hey! Not the hair. After my charms, it's the only thing that gets me by smoothly," I said, running a hand through my hair and flashing her a charming grin.

"Yeah yeah," she giggled and we headed in the house. I had a key, and dad wasn't going to be home for another hour or so. "Welcome to my humble abode," I said, gesturing grandly.

She smiled and looked around, "Your kitchen makes me want to bake, it's really bright and cute."

"We could bake if you want," I said, leaning against the counter and watching her look around. "It's not like you like my company anyway," I added petulantly.

She walked towards me and wrapped her arms around my neck, "You know you're cute," she smiled, running her hands through my hair. I grinned and shook my head. "You have an unhealthy obsession with my hair," I said, wrapping my arms around her waist.

She rolled her eyes and laughed, "Anyway, what does your dad like for dessert?"

"Apple pie, I think," I said. "Carrot cake too but we don't have carrots, mainly because I don't like them."

"Okay then, apple pie it is!" she said, clapping her hands. Once we both had our aprons on and she put up her hair (which was entertaining to watch because she is pretty as fuck), she started asking me to fetch her things like flour and butter.

Just as Zara beat me at Scrabble, the timer went off and our pie was ready. Well, her pie, since I just watched her and cut the apples. She jumped up. "Haha! I told you I'm better at this than you."

Just as I took out the pie tin and placed it on a cooling rack, we heard the front door open.

I looked up and grinned. "Hey Dad," I said as he hugged me. "So good to see you in the kitchen," he said, laughing and patting my head, messing up my hair in the process.

"Dad, this is Zara. She's my girlfriend," I smiled, turning my gaze to her. "Zara, this is the single best dad in the whole wide world." She smiled warmly. "Pleasure to meet you, sir."

"Hello there! You're every bit as beautiful as Azriel described," he said, turning to Zara. he leaned in dramatically. "Between you and me, he tends to talk about you like a lovesick puppy," he whispered and immediately burst out laughing, as did Zara. I tried to pout, but I couldn't help but break into a huge smile.

I watched them interact, and I noticed how much more prominent my dad's wrinkles had become in a span of just a few days. His hair was starting to grey too. The stress is starting to take a toll on him, and I couldn't wait to move in and help him out.

The sun went down as stories were shared and everyone was having a good time. After everything was put away, Zara brought out the pie. "Azriel and I baked this for you. I hope you like it," she said while placing it on the table.

"Well, technically, she did most of the actual making," I said, cutting the pie into slices for each of us, cutting a slightly bigger one for dad since I knew he hadn't had it in forever. He dug in straight away. "This might as well be the best damn pie I've had in quite a while," he said after swallowing.

Once the pie had been devoured, dad turned to me, looking a little hesitant. "Uh, do you mind if we talk for a bit? I need to tell you something important."

Zara stood up and excused herself to the kitchen to put the pie away, and we both stayed seated in the living room.

I was a little unnerved, and I didn't know what to expect. The last time we had one of these talks, I had been told that my custody was being given to mom. I hoped it wasn't as bad, or worse.

"I don't know how to tell you this," he started, looking incredibly nervous.

"What's up dad?" I asked, trying to sound as calm as I could when I was starting to panic. Something felt wrong.

He took a deep breath, then exhaled slowly and began, "I was diagnosed with cardiomegaly two years ago. At first, it wasn't really that bad and honestly, I never expected that I'd have to tell you. I thought I'll get better but it's getting worse as the days go by. I never know when I might..."

I felt as though the breath had been knocked right out of my lungs. All these damn brain cells, and I couldn't come up with a damn reaction. After a few beats, I decided to speak. It didn't feel like I was speaking, though. It sounded like someone else was doing the speaking for me. "...why did we never notice the symptoms?" I whispered.

"The symptoms weren't that obvious in my case, but recently they've started to show. All that stress and- hey, where are you off to?"

I had stood up abruptly as he was speaking. I needed some air. "Azriel?" I heard dad call my name.

The only person who has told me they were proud of me and stood by my side no matter the circumstances was dying. Of a heart disease that had existed for 2 years before coming to my notice. Why was I unable to react?

I grabbed my coat and keys and stormed out the door, not even stopping when I heard Zara rush out, leaving the door open in a haste to get to me. "Hey, why won't you turn back when I'm calling your name? What's wrong?" she asked, placing a hand on my arm. I shrugged it off and headed towards the car.

She frowned and got to the car before me, standing in front of the door to the driver's seat as rigidly as possible to appear taller and more intimidating. "Don't shut me out, let me be there for you. Please tell me what's wrong. Or we could sit in silence for as long as you want; just please don't drive away."

I sighed impatiently. I needed to fucking escape, why wouldn't she get it. "I need to leave, move out of the way Zara. I'll see you tomorrow," I said, trying hard to keep my voice normal, and my anger in check.

She crossed her arms. "No."

"MOVE OUT OF THE FUCKING WAY. I NEED TO GET THE HELL OUT OF HERE SO MOVE!" I bellowed, all my walls except the one that kept my tears at bay crashing down. She looked at me with her eyes wide, and quietly gave me access to the car.

I climbed into the car, slammed the door shut, and drove away. I needed to process this, but how?

-zoie and dawn