Chasing Grant

Chapter 30 ~Old Habits

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Chapter 30 ~Old Habits 

Human beings, who are almost unique in having the ability to learn from the experience of others, are also remarkable for their apparent disinclination to do so. ~Douglas Adams

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Felix's POV

I took another drag and sighed as the smoke blew out. My shoulders sagged as I thought about this past weekend. 

I should get to school before I'm late, but he would be there.

I rubbed my eyebrows before taking another drag, "Man this sucks" I muttered to myself. 

"I thought you quit?" a judgmental tone suddenly rung into my ears. 

I glared over at him, "And who are you to judge? You smoke." I pointed out. 

"No, not anymore." My father hummed as he slumped into the porch steps. "Doctors say it's bad for you. Causes lung cancer, and heart attacks....apparently." he huffed out. 

"So I thought, hell why not quit? Maybe I'll live a whole longer. So I can continue annoying the fuck out of some people" He laughed. 

I made a face, but from where he's sitting I doubt he saw it. 

I don't know what he found so funny. I haven't seen him since he told me the information about Cora, and now he's back, acting like nothing happened. 

"Are you done? I'm trying to smoke in peace before going to school" I gestured for him to take his leave before I brought the cigarette back up to my lips. 

It was quiet for a moment, but he was still there.

"Listen Felix, I-" he paused and I could hear the hesitation behind his words. "Well, I'm just suggesting that you quit, son. Whatever you're going through shouldn't be a reason for you to pick up old habits again. Bad habits." he sighed. 

I assumed he was rubbing the nape of his neck as well. It was something he did when he felt uncomfortable, and trust me being a doting parent must take him way out of his comfort zone.

"Since when did you become so doting?" I growled out. 

He stayed quiet. I pushed myself off the porch post and finally looked at him. 

"Do us a favor, old man," I threw down the cigarette and glared down at him "Go back to ignoring my existence. It was better that way." I ignored the look on his face as I walked towards my car. 

What the fuck is he playing at? He can't just decide to become a responsible parent after eighteen years of pushing me aside.

- -

"Are you sure you don't want to come to lunch with us?" J.J asked me softly. 

"Nah, I need a smoke." I told him. 

Harley frowned at me while J.J tried to voice his concern "But you qui-"

"And now I'm back." I snapped. 

Harley stepped forward upon hearing my tone and glared at me, "Oh yeah? And when did you start?" he asked. 

"I don't know. Friday." I pushed past him. "I'm going to smoke. You know where to find me." I said dismissively as I walked away. 

"...maybe he's going through a withdrawal or something? Smoking makes you irritable, doesn't it?" I heard J.J ask as I walked away, and I didn't stay to hear Harley's response.