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

I Don't Know You

13. I Don't Know You

''So, what do you guys want to do next? We can go to the mall. Violet could use some new clothes. Megaplex opened a new store, their new line is gorgeous.'' Mom was saying when we were done with our lunch. The conversation about Oliver's uncle was forgotten and her mood was normal again. I wish I could match those sentiments.

''What's wrong with my clothes?'' I asked her, offended by the words. I had picked my most expensive sundress for the occasion, of course Dad had to push me to wear something nice instead of throwing on my plain white shirt and cut offs.

Mom gave me a long look, assessing me from head to toe. I thought she was going to comment on the dress. That or she noticed the button missing from the front, since the buttons were only for show I hadn't bother to sew it back. Instead she said,

''What happened to your hair?''

I scoffed, pulling away from her hands. ''They look good!''

''You look like those hippies that used to ride around in your Father's beat up van all those years ago.'' Mom replied, giving me a disgusted look.

''Wait...how did you know there were hippies? Were you part of the van crew as well?''

Our parents never talked about each other, or about the past. Even though I still had memories of them living together, being in love, being happy, it was distant. Like something that only happened in a dream. I didn't like to think about it either, because a part of knew that this arrangement worked perfectly.

''That stupid van barely ever moved without dying in the middle of the road. There wasn't enough space for everyone.''

We didn't go to the mall anyways. Mom got a call from her manager and she had to rush to the company, leaving the keys with me and Elliot. I was slightly disappointed, since the whole purpose of this weekend was spending time together, but with Mom time was just another adjustment. She was too busy for us.

''I'm going to go sleep.'' Elliot announced when we went back to the condo. I stayed outside for a second, glancing at Oliver's door. I wouldn't be able to sleep unless I talked to him.

Elliot noticed my hesitation. ''Are you planning on seeing the squid?''

''Stop calling him that. His name is Oliver.''

Eliot shrugged. ''Maybe. But he's a squid anyways.'' Then he handed me the keys and went inside.

''Comeback anytime you want. I won't say a word.'' He didn't give me a chance to say anymore and closed the door behind him, leaving me stranded in the hallway.

I pocketed the key and decided to put on my brave face. Talking to him was the right thing to do. We had have enough muddling between us, it was time to clean things up. 

I knocked on the door impatiently, wishing he would be the one answering it. An awkward encounter with his Uncle was the last thing I needed now.

''What are you doing here?'' Oliver demanded when he opened the door, his eyebrows shot up in surprise.

I glared at him. ''I'm sure you know I live next door.''

He glanced back and then closed the door, stepping outside and towards me. ''Let's talk outside.'' Seemed like his Uncle wasn't fond of Mom either, and didn't want to do anything with us.

Instead of going up, we went to the rooftop. I didn't realize how huge the building was until I stood at the top and looked down. It was quiet up there, we faintly heard cars honking and people talking from the road. It was strange that in years I've being coming to this place, I never saw the roof.