LOVE ME HARDER • jb

05.

"Surprise."

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Stepping out of Natalie's car, I slammed the door shut behind me before waving good-bye as she sped down the road. After seeing that she was completely out of view, I felt like a weight was entirely lifted off of my shoulders. It was awkward for me to be in that car with her ever since I yelled at her at lunch. She was giving me the silent treatment and even though I know she was dying to ask me what Justin and I were talking about, she didn't. She still gave me the treatment and I hated it.

I was the type of person to feel guilty about almost everything and anything. It didn't even matter if what someone close to me did something very wrong - or disgusting - when I yelled at them I felt so bad. I felt like I was being too harsh even if they deserved it. I knew I was a soft person and I hated it. It wouldn't get me very far in life.

Letting out a sigh, I spun on my heel and made my way into my big house. I shut the door gently behind me, knowing that if my mother was home she would get mad at me for banging. I made my way into the living room, plopping myself down on the couch and kicking my shoes off. I stuffed my feet under my butt and grabbed the TV remote. I felt like lounging around sulking because I was filled with guilt. I'd probably be stuffing my face with ice cream later on texting Natalie a whole bunch of apologizies.

"What are you doing?" Someone spoke, causing me to jump and drop the TV remote on the floor.

I turned to the sound of the voice, seeing that it was just my mother. She was staring at me as she tried her best to hook a necklace onto her neck. Getting up from the couch, I smiled to myself and walked over to my mother helping her hook her necklace.

"What do you mean?" I asked, as she moved her hair out of the way so I could hook the necklace.

"We're going for dinner. Your father's back in town and demands that we meet him in an hour." She said, dropping her hair causing it to fall straight down her back.

My mother was a beautiful woman. She was a tall slim girl with beautiful tanned skin. She had jet black hair that fell so elegantly down her back. It reached just above her waist when she wore it down, which was on rare occasions may I add.

I really didn't look much like her apart from eye color and lip shape. Bella looked most like her especially because she too had jet black hair. I took on the genes of my father with my light hair. I wasn't complaining though because I loved my hair.

"He's back so soon?" I asked, my eyes getting wider as I fully took on my mother's appearance.

She was wearing a red dress that hugged her figure so well. Her hair was curled and flowed down her back. The necklace I helped her with, was a little diamond necklace that I remember my father gave to her for Christmas. She was wearing the matching earrings as well.

"You seem shocked," My mother said and I only nodded. "Well, go on. Get ready and check on Bella."

I nodded my head at my mother, and scurried up the stairs. I just couldn't believe that my father was back. He was suppose to be back a couple of weeks ago. I put dinner away for him because my mother was expecting him, but he never showed. I was excited to see him, yes, but I didn't know how this night would end up.

"Bella?" I knocked on her bedroom door hearing a mumbled 'come in'. I stepped into the room to see Bella putting her shoes on. "Mom told me to come check on you."

"I'm fine," Bella said, rolling her eyes. "She's just worried that I'll have a breakdown tonight."

I smiled softly at Bella as a frown was evident on her face. Unlike me, Bella wasn't afraid to tell my mother how she felt about our father. Not only did Bella dislike my father so much, but she held a grudge against him. Especially since that night. That horrible night. That night ruined everything for my family.