Splinters: Part One

Part One | 16

"That depends. Where, when, and what will you two be doing?"

"The park by Constance, around two, and probably just... Um, sit and talk?"

Melissa sighed. "I don't see why not. As long as you follow my rules," she turned and faced me. "You keep your phone on and answer while I call, you don't leave the park, and you don't be inappropriate."

She had nothing to worry about.

"I will," I promised, trying to suppress the smile beginning to play on my face.

Melissa looked at her husband. "Greg?"

"My rules go with yours, Lis."

Melissa's eyes found mine again. "Then yes. How long will you be with her?"

I shrugged and ate another spoonful of cereal. I didn't plan on disobeying Melissa or Greg again. The first time had scared me enough. Besides, if I got my phone taken away another time, I probably wouldn't be able to talk to Collie even longer!

Afterwards, Melissa fixed herself and Greg breakfast and I went to go take a shower. Opening the cabinet that stored the towels, I made sure not to touch the red ones and chose a dark brown one and hurriedly fixed myself up.

...

I could hear the TV on in the family room and by recognizing Rachel and Ross' voices, I already knew who was in there. I braced myself, zipping my jacket and hurriedly passing the open door. I prayed she wasn't sitting on the sofa and was on the single chair closer to the TV so that she couldn't see me.

"Where are you going?" Ursanne asked just as I passed the room.

I closed my eyes and slowly took a few steps back. She sat on the white sofa in her pajamas, her hair pulled up into a ponytail.

I lifted my eyebrows. "You're still in your pj's?"

"Yeah. Bella's coming over and we're just gonna have a lazy day."

"Oh."

Ursanne paused the show and turned to me. "So?"

My eyes widened. "Hm?"

Ursanne stared at me as if I were stupid. I probably was. "Where are you going?"

I pressed my lips together and cracked my knuckles anxiously. "I'm going to see somebody."

Ursanne sighed and rest her head on the pillow behind her. "Is that somebody a certain awful human being that everyone but you despises?"

I narrowed my eyes at my sister. "C'mon, Ursanne."

She lifted her hands in surrender. "Sorry, I couldn't help it."

I looked away and sat for a moment, feeling my sister's eyes staring into the side of my face. After a short minute, I got up.

"I'll see you later."

"Be careful. If you need anything, call me."

"Yep."

It was a crappy goodbye, but lately, she's been unfair. Even though I don't like her and Andrew, I wouldn't constantly bash him in front of her.

Eventually, I got out of the house. I shoved the large front door open and pushed it back closed. It was so heavy. How? I don't know.

I trudged down the porch steps and passed our drive-way gate and down the sidewalk towards Constance. The whole way, Collie was texting me.

Are you there?