7 Chapter 7: Family Time

Sabrina’s POV

The train trip to my parents’ house flies by in a flash. I’m stuck inside my head, trying to process everything that has happened this morning. Too much has happened at one time, and now I’m on a crazy rollercoaster I can’t seem to get off.

My eyes don’t leave the sidewalk as I walk mindlessly. The trees blow softly in the wind, different colored leaves and flower petals float carelessly to the ground, creating a masterpiece on the cement.

I’m not looking forward to having this conversation with my parents because I know how it’ll end – me storming out of the house almost in tears and my Mother angrily watching me leave from the front door.

I love my parents to pieces, but at times they’re too much to handle.

Before long, I’m standing at their front door. I always struggle with the idea of knocking or walking inside without warning. Knocking to announce myself seems like the thing to do to show common decency but walking in shows that you are comfortable with the place.

I knock on the door.

Within seconds my Father answers the door, his blue eyes reflecting my brown ones. I haven’t seen him in a few weeks, but he looks like he’s aged five years. Living with my Mother can be a handful.

“Sabbie,” He chirps, a smile forming on his lips, “Long time no see.”

I stifle a laugh, “Dad, I saw you a few short weeks ago. But it’s good to see you.”

He pulls me in for a hug, the smell of his cologne filling my nostrils. This smell always reminds me of my childhood where my Father would turn me upside down and let me walk on the ceiling. I always felt so invincible, like I could do anything in life.

Dad keeps his arm around my shoulders and guides me towards the lounge room. I can already smell Mom’s cooking wafting in from the kitchen and my mouth instantly begins watering.

“Is that my Sabbie I hear?” Mom calls out from the kitchen.

She appears in the doorway wearing a black and white polka dot apron with flour marks all over it. Knowing her, she’s been making my favorite cookies. Mom rushes over to give me a hug, her long blonde hair falling against my arm.

Mom pulls me in for a hug, and I hug her back. Her touch always comforts me. When she pulls away, she is glowing, a huge smile on her face.

“How have you been?” She asks, walking back to the kitchen.

I drop my purse onto the lounge and follow her.

“Same old, same old,” I comment, plucking a grape out of the fruit bowl, “How about you? Planning any new overseas trips?”

Mom nods her head, “We’re saving up for a trip to Japan in the summer.”

“Woah!” I exclaim, “That sounds amazing. If I didn’t have classes I would save up and come with you.”

Mom smiles, stopping mid stir, “Maybe we can plan to go another time, just us.”

I smile, nodding in agreement.

I talk mindlessly with Mom as she moves around the kitchen preparing lunch. She’s cooked a whole a** roast just for me. I’ll have to see if she can whip me up a care package before I leave.

I help set the table with Dad, and Mom brings out multiple plates and bowls of veggies and meats. Mom makes a mean gravy, which I plan on drowning my whole plate in.

Lunch conversation is steered away from me, thank God. Dad talks about work and what novel he’s currently obsessing over. Mom talks about wanting to get another dog after our last dog, Buddy, passed away a few short months ago. I think she’s been a bit lonely at home and needs to have someone to talk to, even if it’s a furry four-legged animal.

Soon enough, the conversation turns to me. I take a deep breath before speaking, taking in the lovely moment before it’s ruined.

“I got fired the other day,” I announce, “It wasn’t my fault. I spilt coffee on a man by accident, but the woman whose drink it was demanded I be fired even though the kind man didn’t care.”

My parents stare at me for a moment, and then turn to each other.

“That’s terrible, honey,” Dad is the first to speak, “I know you loved that job.”

So, you think, Dad.

I shrug, “It doesn’t matter anymore. I went for a job interview today at EarthX Enterprises to be the CEOs new secretary.”

Mom raises her eyebrows a tad, “Really? Did you get the job?”

I’m taken aback by her response. Not because it’s a bad one, but it’s not normally how she responses to big changes in my life. Normally she’s freaking out and trying to tell me what to do. But she’s weirdly calm.

“I did,” I smile, “The man who I spilt coffee on turned out to be the CEO and it was a coincidence that I saw his ad for the job the same day I got fired.”

“I’m glad everything is working out, sweetie,” Mom leans forward on her elbows, watching me carefully, “I know how stressful big changes can be but you’re handling it very well.”

“Thanks, Mom.”

“So, how's school?” Mom changes the topic, picking at her food.

I almost get whiplash from the change in conversation, but I keep it together and tell them about my major creative writing piece I’m working on. They ask a lot of questions and are excited to read the final draft.

“And how’s Dylan?” Mom questions.

I shrug, “He’s okay. He told me to pass on his greetings.”

Mom smiles, clutching at her heart, “He’s such a lovely boy. I’m so glad you’re hanging out with him and not that Ashton kid. He was such a bad influence on you.”

The fork in my hand hits the table at the mention of my childhood friends name. I haven’t thought about him in years. My Mom has always disliked him, but she never told me why.

I sarcastically chuckle, “Here we go again, you always do this. A bad influence? He was my best friend, Mom. We did everything together.”

Mom places her fork on the table and the look Dad gives me tells I’m in for a mouthful.

“Sabrina, that boy was nothing but trouble. He was constantly taking you to underage parties and would want to see you every weekend. You never wanted to spend time with us,” She mutters, her eyes searching my face.

“Have you ever thought of the reason why I didn’t want to spend too much time with you?” I question, looking between my parents, “Because you wouldn’t let me live my life. Ashton introduced me to a whole world outside of my bedroom that I never knew existed. He took the shy girl and turned her into an adventurer. He shaped who I’ve become.”

Mom shakes her head, “That wasn’t his job to do.”

I can feel the frustration building in my stomach from her words. She didn’t know Ashton like I did, so I won’t allow her to sit here and slander his name when he can’t defend himself.

I push my seat back and stand to my feet, “You don’t have to worry about him because we’re not friends anymore. So, I guess you got what you wished for.”

I grab my handbag off the back of the chair and storm inside. When I reach the kitchen, I hear my Mom whispering to my Father. I roll my eyes.

“Where are you going?” Mom shouts, her voice echoing throughout the house, “Get back here!”

“I don’t need this! I’m going home.”