All Because Of Him

twenty five.

 It's been almost a week since the events of the Masquerade disaster occured. A total of five days since I've seen or spoken to Natalie. Everyday since then I've been trying to get a hold of her, but I'm always sent straight to voicemail.

Jessica told me that the next day, Natalie and Tristian officially broke up. Making it the end of their one year relationship because of a stupid mistake I made. I've been trying to make sure not to make it seem like Jessica is in the middle of it, I know she doesn't want to be involved, she just wants everything to be normal again just as I do. But I know it's not that simple.

But that's not the only thing Jessica has told me, apparently Natalie has arranged to stay at her mother's for a while. Which means she'll be a couple hours away. At first I didn't like the idea, because that means it'll be easier for her to shut me out. But then I realized that it was the perfect thing to do. Natalie needs time to get away from all of this, even if it means getting away from me. I know that she misses seeing her mom, and I'm sure right now she needs her.

I too know what that feels like.

Today is the day Nat leaves for her mom's, which means I only have an hour to try and talk to her once more in person before she's off. I know the chances of it going well are slim, but it would kill me if she left without me saying goodbye.

I hurry down the stairs and am greeted by the smell of bacon. When I walk into the kitchen I see Amy next to the stove making eggs and pancakes while Sylvia is sitting at the dining room table, eyes focused on the newspaper she's holding.

I'm a little taken back by what's going on, Amy never makes breakfast. And if she does, it sure isn't a whole meal.

 I look over at the counters and spot two bowls of fruit, one filled with strawberries, the other with pineapples. What the hell is going on?

Before I can open my mouth to speak I hear a ding coming from the oven.

"Oh, the muffins are ready." Amy said, as she bent down to retrieve them.

"Is the Queen joining us for breakfast today?" I joked, and Amy flipped her head over to me before placing the pan of muffins on top of the stove to cool off.

"Isabelle, you're awake." Amy said. Isabelle? There is only one reasonable explanation for this. I walk over to Amy and lean in so Sylvia doesn't hear.

"Are you stoned?" I whisper and Amy scoffs before ending it with laughter.

"Isabelle, since you've finally graced us with your presence, I think you should sit. We all need to talk." Sylvia said, placing the newspaper she was reading down onto the table.

"I can't, I have to go talk to Natalie really quick but I-"

"Clearly can't prioritize your family. We need to discuss some things before-" Sylvia started but was quickly interrupted by Amy.

"Go," she said. "We can talk when you get back."

I notice Sylvia shooting Amy a glaring stare but she ignores it, keeping her focus on me.

I'm tempted to ask what this talk we so desperately need to have is about, but I know I'll just find out later. Natalie is my priority right now, I don't know how long she plans on staying at her mom's house for. This could be my last chance to talk to her for the rest of summer.

I reach over and plop a strawberry in my mouth before hurrying out the door.

"I'll be quick!" I yelled out before closing the front door behind me.