Broken

• Chapter 19 •

"Oh, good. You're up!" mom closes my door behind her.

"Listen. Your father's going out of town for work, he'll be back tomorrow. So how about you and I have a nice mother-daughter date tonight? Dinner and a Harry Potter movie marathon?" she suggests.

I rub my eyes open, it's seven in the morning. Today is Friday. I can't believe an entire week of school has gone by already. I nod, "Yeah, that sounds good," I tell her with a yawn.

I haven't spent time alone with my mom since... Well, I don't really remember, so I'm kind of excited.

"Great! Now go on, get ready for school," she says as she makes her way out of my room.

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"Don't tell me you're still attempting to pack my lunch," I snort as I walk into the kitchen and see dad handling a spatula.

"Nope. I did make cookies though," he tells me with a grin.

"Oh, God..."

"What? It's an awesome accomplishment. I only burnt the first two batches!" he exclaims proudly. "This is progress."

"That's true, soon enough you'll be the perfect housewife," I shrug as I pick up an apple and sink my teeth into it, tossing him an apron while doing so.

He narrows his eyes at me and frowns at my comment. I give him a smirk and he surprisingly remains quiet.

He studies me for a moment and hesitantly opens his mouth, "About yesterday..."

Ah, fuck.

"Eric's in a relationship. Is that why you were upset when you come home from school?" he ponders nervously.

I panic. "No! Of course not! Eric and I are friends. That's all," I tell him.

He sighs and rolls his eyes. "Come on, Minty. I'm not stupid, or blind. Anyone with a pair of eyes can see how much you adore him," he informs me. This angers and saddens me. Am I that transparent, or does he just know me too well?

I clench my jaw and shrug it off. "Doesn't matter. It's done, he's with someone. I'll get over it," I keep my response short, I should go.

He rubs the back of his neck with his hand and gives me an awkward look, "If you ever need to talk..."

I snort and scratch the top of my head, "You wanna talk about boys, dad?"

"Fuck no. I was gonna say, talk to your mom," he shrugs. My lips curve into a small smile.

"Got it."

"Now go on, you'll be late for school."

I plant a quick kiss on his cheek and he engulfs me in a gigantic hug. "Dad... You're suffocating me," I choke.

He releases me and smirks. "See ya," I tell him as I walk to the front door.

"DON'T TALK TO ANY BOYS!"

I snort and shake my head as I make my way out of the house and towards Eric's car. My knees begin shaking slightly. Act natural.

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The air is tense, and kind of awkward because of last night. Awkward isn't going to cut it for me. We're best friends for fuck's sake!

"So I'm gonna break the awkward silence now," I tell him.

"Thank God. I didn't know how much longer I could go," Eric gives me an exaggerated sigh.

I chuckle. "Parents are so annoying!" I whine.

"Agreed. How was your first week of school?"

"Eh, it was okay. Ms. Shanice is my spirit animal," I tell him.

He laughs at this, "She's the best."

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"CLEM! I MISSED YOU!"

"Aya, you saw me yesterday," I sigh.

"I know, it's been so long!" Aya whines, "Hi, Eric!"

"Hey Aya, hey Hana," he nods at them. "I should get going. See you in class?" Eric asks.

I nod, "Sure."

"You're coming over after school," Aya tells me and Hana, "I have a date tonight and I need help picking an outfit."

"I don't know how much help I'll be there, but... You can ask Hana for her fashion expertise," I shrug.

Aya laughs and Hana frowns at me, oops. Too mean? Aya glances back at Eric who is standing with some guys from class and then back at me.

"... So, we've forgiven him?"

I snort. "Yes. I was just upset he didn't tell me, that's all," I tell her.

"Yeah oooookay, sure."

I roll my eyes, "Let's just get to class."

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"Hey, listen."

I snap my gaze to Adrien. "There's this party going on tonight. If you wanna come," he shrugs.

I glance at Ms. Shanice who is explaining something I already learned with Mr. Knobhad and shrug. "I already kind of have plans with my mom tonight, what time?" I ask as I finish up the assignment.

"Eight-ish. Give me your number, I'll text you the address in case you change your mind," he tells me.

I shift my gaze to him and sigh, taking his phone in my hand and typing in my number. I know I'm not going to show up, anyway. I've realized parties aren't really my scene since the last one.

"I hope to see you there," he tells me with a small smile.

I scratch the top of my head and nod, "I'll let you know."