Problems

I woke up with the sun hitting my eyes. I hadn't gotten much sleep since I had gotten home late; it was prom yesterday, and Haley and I danced, laughed, and... well, had a lot of fun.

"Especially after we found somewhere private," I thought, grinning.

But the night ended on a sour note as Haley and I got into an argument as we were driving back.

"Stupid... stupid," I muttered as I got off the bed.

"So now school's over for you, what do you think will happen?" 

"Well, I think we could work it out."

"Could? What do you mean could"

"That's not what I meant."

"Oh, and what did you mean?"

"I….umm…"

"It sounds like you don't believe in our relationship... I mean, you haven't been around this month."

"We just went to the premiere."

'Huh, was that how that conversation went?' I thought. I was pretty sure something else was said. I tried to remember, but I couldn't. 

"Maybe I should call her," I thought. I took out my phone but then put it away, deciding to give her some space.

I walked downstairs, still tired from last night. Mom was sitting on the couch in the living room with Alice, who broke out into a huge smile and began making happy baby noises as she saw me.

"Did you miss your brother?" I heard her ask little Alice when she saw me walking down the stairs.

"You look like you had fun," she said, turning to me.

"Yeah," I replied with a smile.

She then looked me over and remarked, "How lucky I am that my teenage son doesn't drink."

"You do remember what happened last time," I said.

Mom burst out laughing, and Alice joined in, imitating Mom.

"What about your girlfriend? She seems like a party girl," Mom asked.

"Surprisingly, no," I answered.

"Really?" Mom asked, her eyes narrowing slightly.

"Yes, Mom," I said. "I thought you liked Haley."

"I said no such thing," Mom replied. Our conversation was cut short when Alice began holding out her hands towards me, indicating that she wanted to be picked up.

I took Alice from Mom and sat down on the couch, playing with her. "Did you miss me?" I asked Alice, who responded with happy baby babble.

I lifted her gently into the air, making her giggle. "Who's the cutest baby in the world?" I cooed.

Alice squealed with delight, her little hands reaching out to grab my face. I brought her back down and gently bounced her on my knee. "Do you want to fly like an airplane?" I asked, making airplane sounds as I lifted her again. Alice giggled uncontrollably, her laughter filling the room.

I gently lowered her back down and tickled her belly, eliciting more happy baby noises. "You're such a happy baby, aren't you?" I said, kissing her on the cheek.

"Oh, I forgot. Have you selected where we are going on vacation?" she asked.

Ah, the vacation. I was supposed to pick this time since Mom had picked last time.

It was then I remembered what Haley said before our argument. It was something about Hawaii. Yeah, she mentioned they were going to Hawaii to surprise Jay or something. Just then, an idea popped into my head.

"I say Hawaii," I said it was good idea and a surprise for Haley

"Hawaii?" Mom repeated. "I thought you said you wanted to go to Italy."

"I changed my mind," I replied, not meeting her eyes and turning my attention back to Alice.

"No, no, you were very insistent on going to Italy all year," she pressed. "What changed?"

"I mean... think of the beaches. It will be more fun," I tried to explain.

"Italy has beaches too," she countered.

I sighed. "Fine. Haley told me that she and her family are going to Hawaii."

"Aha, I knew it," Mom said triumphantly.

"We are going for two weeks, and she will be there in our second week,a perfect opportunity to spend some time with her," I said.

Mom remained silent, with only Alice's babbling filling the room.

"Look, Mom, Haley and I had an argument, and she feels like I'm not taking our relationship seriously. And also, there is the fact that I won't be in school from now on... I want to show her I'm serious about our relationship..." I trailed off.

"Fine," Mom said after a few moments of silence.

"Thank you, Mom," I said.

She then looked at me again as if remembering something. "You know we have been putting off the college talk for a while," she began.

My eyes widened. I had been trying to avoid college this time around. I wanted to get a degree, but through other means. I had to convince Mom I wouldn't be going to college like everyone else.

"Mom," I interrupted, "I am not going." I said quickly, pulling the bandage off.

She glared at me. "What do you mean you are not going?"

"I'm not saying I don't want to get a degree, but I already did high school like you wanted me to. But not this. I will be very busy for the next couple of years."

I knew an argument was coming, so I quickly stood up and handed Alice to Mom, who was about to retort, and made my escape, grabbing my car keys and running towards the front door.

"Come back here, young man!" I heard Mom call.

But I quickly got in my car and called out from there, "We can talk later. I promised Matt I'd visit today... Important comic stuff." I quickly drove off, hoping to avoid the confrontation for now.

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I drove aimlessly through the suburban area where we lived. The streets were lined with well-kept houses, their lawns meticulously maintained. Trees shaded the sidewalks, and the morning sun cast a golden hue over everything, making the neighborhood look almost picturesque.

I drove further into town. The streets here were busier, lined with small shops, boutiques, and bustling cafes. My mind was a whirlwind of thoughts. With Toy Story 2 out and doing better than the first one, the studio's focus would now shift to 12 Angry Men. The casting was complete, and all the actors were signed. Tom Hanks had been a big help with that; his experience and connections were invaluable. He, Henry, and the other executives were set on making this Stardust's breakout movie, especially with the restructuring happening.

The only thing left to decide was who would direct the film, which was a matter of contention between Sam, Dave, and Tom. Even Chris was involved, each of them advocating for their preferred choice. I stayed out of that debate, focusing solely on the scriptwriting with the writing team.

I drove around for a while, thinking of my personal life and professional one. Was there any future in my relationship with Haley? At least in the last two years, I could see her at school, but now that wouldn't be possible. With all the projects I'm involved with...

I shook my head, slowing the car near a cafe I was familiar with. I parked the car and sat in silence for a while. I could hear my stomach growling.

"Well, no use freaking out about the future with a hungry stomach," I thought, getting out of the car.

I entered the cafe. There weren't many people here, which was strange because the pastry here was some of the best in town. I had gotten to know of this place from Cam and Mitchell. As I was about to order, I saw a familiar face—it was Cam, sitting at one of the tables.

I walked over and said hello.

"Daniel! What a surprise!" Cam exclaimed, clearly pleased to see me.

"Cam, here for the famous blueberry muffins?" I asked.

"We're having a party with some of our friends and came here to pick up some baked goodies," Cam said.

"I assume this party is related to your recent bout with fame?" I asked, remembering Cam and Mitchell's run-in with Tom Hanks on the red carpet.

"No, no," Cam began to say, but seeing my look, he quickly conceded. "Yes, it's for that. They are all so jealous, especially Longinus…" Cam began telling me about how his friends had been reacting to his newfound fame. It looked like Cam was enjoying flaunting it around.

"Have you read the tabloids speculating about you after walking the red carpet with Tom Hanks?" I asked.

Cam laughed heartily. "Oh, I'm basically a minor celebrity now. Standing near Tom has caused some of his star power to rub off on me."

We talked for a while, and after our orders arrived, we left the cafe together. I bought coffee and some chocolate chip muffins. I won't deny, talking with Cam had a calming effect on me, especially after the events of yesterday.

As we were walking to Cam's car, I spotted a man with a camera taking pictures of us.

"Cam, there's a guy taking pictures," I said.

Cam quickly looked around. "Where?" Then he added, "Make sure he takes my good side," and began discreetly posing.

"See you later, Cam," I said, walking towards my car.

"Bye," Cam said, still striking very discreet poses for the photographer as he stood near his car.

I got inside the car and was about to drive home when my phone rang.

It was Julie.

"Hey, Julie," I answered.

"Daniel. Just a reminder, you have a meeting with Lucy today," she said.

"Oh, right," I said, rubbing my forehead. "Did you inform everyone about my two-week holiday?"

"Yes, I have," she confirmed.

"Great. Let Lucy know that I'll come by in the evening," I asked.

"I'll let her know," Julie replied.

"Thanks, Julie. See you later," I said, cutting the call and putting my phone down.

I couldn't wait to relax on the beaches of Hawaii, considering how hectic the last few months have been. It was also an opportunity to talk and make up with Haley.

"Great plan, Daniel, great plan," I congratulated myself.

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Not much in this chapter....