The Space Between Us(42)

“I don't know. I guess we'll just see what happens.”

“Meaning that you'll have Asher sneak into your house after your dad has gone to sleep?”

I grinned at her.

“If that's what it takes,” I said through laughter. She pulled up to my house and parked on the street. Asher slowly pulled up next to her car and rolled down his window. I got my bags out of Reeve's trunk and she waved as she drove towards her house. I walked over to Asher's window and set my bags down next to my feet, leaning into his window. “Hey. How was your drive?”

“Slow. Reeve needs to put the pedal to the metal a little bit.” I rolled my eyes.

“You could have just passed her.”

“No. You know I just want to make sure you get home ok.” I gave him a small peck and then pulled back.

“That might be the most action you get for two whole weeks.”

“Uh, what are you talking about?”

I laughed as I watched panic rush over his face.

“Have you thought about how coming back home for break has basically put us back into high school? I mean, there's no way my dad is going to let you sleep over. And I'm sure your parents won't appreciate me spending the night at your house.” I saw the realization come over him.

“I'm not worried about it,” he said confidently.

Mildly offended, I scoffed at him.

“Not worried about it? Well, fine then. Me either.” I leaned down to grab my bags and felt him put his hand out and grab my arm.

“Babe, I only meant that there is no way I'm letting anything keep me from holding you at night. Our parents will understand. We're adults now.” I narrowed my eyes at him.

“I think you are overestimating our parent’s ability to see us anything other than their children. But if you're willing to give it a try, let me know what your parents say about me sleeping over at your house.” I smiled at him snidely, knowing if anything it would be his mom who would be opposed to our hopeful sleeping arrangement. I was just like a daughter to her and she would definitely have a problem with me sleeping over at a guy's house, even if it was her own son.

“I'll figure it out, Bit. Don't worry.”

“Ok, whatever you say. Tell your parents I say hi. And call me.” I leaned into his window again to give him a kiss and felt his hand wrap around the back of my neck, holding me to him. He took the kiss deeper than I had intended, but I was enjoying it too much to complain. His mouth captured mine, my bottom lip being tugged on by his teeth. I was immediately angry at the metal door between us and needed more contact. I moaned in frustration and he immediately pulled away.

“That should hold you over until later,” he said with a wink. I snarled at him and grabbed my bags. I walked around the front of his car and heard him yell out his window, “Love you, Babe.” I turned towards him and stuck my tongue out at him. That'll teach him.

When I walked in the house I was greeted not only by the smell of cookies baking, but also by the sight of a woman in my dad's kitchen. I dropped my bags on the floor and watched as the woman jumped at the loud noise they made as they clattered against the travertine floor. She spun around, her hand clenched to her chest. She looked absolutely petrified and I'm sure I looked pretty pissed.

“Who are you?” I asked, and not too politely. I watched her remove the surprise from her face and plaster a smile on. She moved around the kitchen island, wiping her hands on the apron around her waist. The same apron I use to watch my mother wipe her hands on.

“Hi, you must be Charlie. My name is Angie.” She held her hand out to me, waiting for me to shake it. I didn't even look down at it.

“What are you doing in my kitchen?” I said harshly, not even pretending to move to shake her outstretched hand. She took the hint and moved her fingers through her shoulder-length brown hair.

“I needed some parmesan cheese for dinner and your father was out. He ran to the store real quick. We thought we had enough time before you got home.” She paused and let out a deep breath. “This must be surprising for you to come home and see a strange woman in your kitchen. I apologize. We didn't want it to happen this way, your father and I.”

“That's my mom's apron.” That's all I said to her before I turned and walked to my bedroom. I slammed the door when I got inside and immediately started pacing the floor. My heart pumped, adrenaline flowing through my veins. It took all of forty-five seconds before my anger turned into an aching hurt. I'd never felt anything like the pressure that was building in my chest. Something inside of me was expanding at such a rapid pace, surely I would explode any moment. And I did.

I collapsed on my bed, not even trying to control the sobs that were breaking free from my mouth. My legs involuntarily curled up to my chest and my arms wrapped around my knees. I was as small as I could be, trying to disintegrate all together. I didn't want to be in a place where my mother's things were being used by another woman. I wasn't ready for any of this. I don't know how long I cried, but eventually I heard my door creak open.

“Charlie Bear,” I heard my dad's voice at roughly the same time I feel his big, warm hand on my back.

“I'm so sorry, Charlie. I'm so sorry.”

“Who is she?” I asked, even though I already know the answer.