Twisted Strings [MONSTER EDITING - Read at your own risk]

Cake

10. Cake 

The car ride to home was filled with silence and me occasionally stealing glances at Oliver. I couldn't help but look at him, every time he asked me which turn to take. Our house wasn't far from school, it took Rhodes and I longer through bus though, since we always had to walk to the station first. With Oliver, it was only going to take twenty minutes.

If the situation hadn't involved Dad, I would never have had accepted Oliver Parker's help. He never lost a chance to insult me or make me feel miserable, from the first day we met he had only been rude to me. Sitting in his car, taking his help even when I never wanted to, made me feel cheap.

''I'll return this favor...somehow.'' I told him quietly. With the news od Dad fainting, it was hard to speak, and my voice came out hoarse. Elliot wasn't helping much, he only messaged me saying that Dad was fine now, since Linda was with them when he fell. But he had injured his foot and burned his hand in the process and was still not properly recovered. Just thinking about the scene made me feel sick and I was having a hard time to keep tears from spilling.

''What are you gonna do?'' Oliver murmured as he took another turn, we had crossed the Café and we only have ten more minutes to endure each other.

''I'll pay you.'' I replied and then cleared my throat. ''How about gas money?''

He scoffed, which once again made me feel stupid. He was probably ten times richer than I was and money didn't make a difference to him.

''You can save this as a memory, I'll ask something when I need it.'' He sounded dodgy and I squirmed in my seat, uncomfortable at the option. Despite that, I couldn't bring myself to say no.

''Whatever.''

''I'm not doing this for you, I'm doing it for your dad.'' He said when we entered my street. When he killed the engine, I just glanced at him for a second,

''I know that.'' And then I got out of the car. When his door opened as well, I gave him a horrified look,

''Are you coming in?'' I blurted out, scared at the thought of having him in my house. Oliver Parker had seen enough of me, he had witnessed me in my weakest moment and I hated the idea of letting him peek in my life further. But judging how he got out and came to stand by the door, he was adamant.

''Just to make sure if he's alright.''

I wanted to push him back in the car but Elliot joined us then, he came out wildly and grabbed my arm,

''What took you so long?'' He demanded and gave a once over to Oliver before tugging me inside,

''Where's Dad? What happened?'' Inside, Drew and Clay were sat at the dining table and Linda was feeding them some rice. She waved at me,

''Hey''

''I told you guys not to call her.'' Dad came in from his room, his hair were rumpled and he looked tired. I rushed to his side,

''Dad! Are you okay?''

''I just fell asleep-''

''You were completely knocked out!'' Elliot interrupted him, earning a glare from Dad. ''I called your names but you didn't even get up.''

''You guys scared me!'' I complained, half yelling, half shrieking.

''It was nothing dear, the kids just got scared.'' He was trying to assure me, but I could tell just by looking at him that he was sick and tired.

''He was making your birthday cake since the morning,'' Linda told me, ignoring the look Dad gave her. ''I told him so many times to take a break, but he wouldn't budge. He didn't even eat and his blood pressure became low.''