When Our Worlds Collide (Our Worlds #1)(74)
“I never understood where you got your maturity from.”
“Mom.”---“Mom.” We both say in unison making us both laugh.
“Did that boy make you cry?” he asks with a determination as if I were to say yes then he would spend his night out avenging my broken heart.
“Mom told you?” I ask knowing very well that she did.
“We don’t keep secrets in this family. You know that.” That sentiment makes me want to laugh. “I know I’m just your old dad, but I might have some advice for you.”
“Okay…” I proceed with caution not really understanding where this is coming from. We usually avoided any conversation that ran deeper to the heart.
“There’s something about young love that makes us adults secretly jealous. Love at your age is easy. You know in your heart that this person consumes you, owns you. Knowing their name isn’t necessary before it all happens. As you get older you’ll learn that love becomes more about the circumstance rather than the excitement of your heart. Promise me you won’t let your heart age before you do. If you do you could end up letting something go wishing every day that you still had it in your grasp.” He pats me on the leg in encouragement and comfort before standing.
“Are you pushing me into Graham’s arms, Dad?” I ask with a small laugh at how hilarious that idea is. “Most dads try to deter their daughter from dating, but what you just said makes it seem that you have the opposite of intentions.”
“I want whatever makes you happy. That’s the job of a parent and if that boy is what makes your heart happy then how can I fault him or you?” He doesn’t get a response from me. He isn’t expecting one.
I go to bed that night feeling drained and confused. I’m scared that after pushing Graham out of my house and maybe my life that he won’t be there in the morning. To be honest, I wouldn’t be surprised. He’s not the poster boy for successful relationships. He’s never actually been in one. His definition of a successful relationship is hooking up with a faceless girl while they keep their shirt on in the back of his car in the high school parking lot or in Craig’s boat house. Hardly the resume you want to see in your next boyfriend.
I’m scared to face Craig tomorrow without Graham by my side though. It would be easier if I didn’t think about Craig, but it’s inevitable. We go to school together. I’m going to have to see him tomorrow and I’m not ready for that. I know looking Craig in the eyes will only bring back the memory of his bedroom, him hovering over me with his hand over my mouth.
My life was perfectly content before Graham came along screwing it all up. Now everything is complicated and misplaced. Girls like me aren’t meant to be near guys like Graham. Our worlds weren’t meant to collide, but here I am wishing I wasn’t right.
I don’t know how long I stayed up thinking and rethinking the situation I was in. When my alarm goes off I feel like I had just fallen asleep. I drag myself---literally drag my butt out of bed and into a shower. The warm water is soothing against my skin. The warmth of it only makes me think of Graham. The way he held me in his arms as the water washed away my anger and fear only makes me miss him more now that the sun has come up and I’ve allowed it all to play over in my head.
Like a zombie I get dressed, blow dry my hair throwing it up into a high messy bun, and walk out of my bedroom where I’m greeted by my cheerful father who’s whistling some sort of sunny gleeful song and a mother who keeps looking at me as if she knows a life altering secret. I’m confused. This isn’t how our mornings go. Most of the time they argue over who will get the first cup of coffee from the pot. My dad believes that the first cup tastes the best and I think my mom likes getting a rise out of him from stealing it right out from under his nose. They’re cute like that.
“What’s gotten into you two?” I grab the box of Corn Pops off the top of the refrigerator. They both ignore my question going about their business. Dad passes me the gallon of milk and a bowl with a spoon.
“Violet coming to pick you up this morning?” My mom avoids making eye contact with me when she asks, but keeps her eyes on my dad who’s holding back a laugh.
I furrowed my brow and shake my head in confusion. What’s gotten into these two? I’m tempting to raid their room looking for a pot stash.
“Yeah she’ll be here in like five minutes which means I need to hurry.” I eat faster than necessary knowing Violet will get grumpy if I keep her waiting too long. I still can’t drive with this dumpy cast which means I’m dependable on anyone willing to be my chauffer. Hopefully that will all change today after my doctor’s appointment.
I grab my back pack off the table and head towards the front door. My mom stops me in the hallway blocking my exit.
“Wait sweetie. Before you leave I need to ask you something,” she says seriously.
“What’s up mom?” I answer flinging my back pack over my shoulder in agitation.
“Did you ever figure out the answer to your question last night? About how if it’s possible for two people who are completely different to find a way to be together.” She looks at me hopeful. She doesn’t want to have a cynic for a daughter. To her, I’m too young to already not believe in happily ever after.
“Sort of and I’m starting to believe that there’s a reason why life sometimes doesn’t want people to be together, so we’re thrown these curveballs and obstacles to prove to us that we were never supposed to be together in the first place,” I force a smile. It’s upsetting to say it out loud reaffirming her fear for me. “I guess that’s that, huh?”