Page 50 of Chase

I wake up to an empty bed and loud voices in the house. The alarm clock shows it’s seven a.m. Who the hell would be here at seven a.m.? I strain to listen, unable to make out the voices. I pull on one of Chase’s hoodies and creep out to the hallway, staying quiet so I go un-noticed.

The closer I get to the kitchen I quickly realise it’s Dad. I peek around the corner and Chase spots me. He subtly shakes his head. A silent warning not to come in. I retreat so I’m not seen but can still hear.

“I don’t agree with you,” Dad says angrily.

“I don’t really care David. Like I said last night, Yasmin and Millie will be staying here until you sort your crap out and pull your head out of your ass,” Nat responds in a cool tone.

What?

What happened last night?

It must’ve been bad if Nat is insisting on us staying with her. Not that I mind. I feel more at home here than I ever have in my own house. I miss my books, but they are just material. What Chase, Nat and GW provide is more than that. They ask about our days. Nat even messages me to ask when she works night. They pay attention when Millie and I speak, and they make us feel wanted and included.

I guess this is what having a real family feels like. I miss Smalls. He was the closest thing to family we’ve had. I wonder if he would get along with everyone here? We’ll find out at graduation.

“You have no right,” Dad says.

“No David, after the way you have behaved, you have no right. Those girls deserve more than what you have given them. I may work double shifts to keep us afloat, but I can promise you there is no doubt in Chase’s mind that I love him. I made it work. Why didn’t you?”

“I’m not allowing my teenager daughter to stay with her ‘boyfriend.’ Who knows what happens here? The last thing I need is to become a grandfather at 38 because you think you are a better parent than I am,” He spits out. Completely ignoring Nat’s question. Unbelievable. If his plan is to piss off every person he knows, he’s right on track.

“How dare you?” Nat yells finally losing her cool. I peek again to see that Chase is barely containing his anger. I can’t help myself. Just as I’m about to storm in there, someone touches my shoulder startling me.

“Don’t,” GW says before he heads into the kitchen.

“I thought you were better than this David?” GW says coming to stand beside Nat. “You need to leave.”

“Not without Yasmin and Millie,” Dad says.

“They aren’t coming with you David. I don’t appreciate the way you are speaking to Nat. In her own home. Yasmin and Chase have a lot of respect for this house. I can assure what you are thinking is not happening here,” GW says.

My cheeks flush. GW is defending Chase and I. It’s true, we haven’t had sex. Chase wants to wait and he’s right. We have more respect for Nat and GW. We both may be eighteen, but neither of us will do anything to jeopardise Nat’s trust.

“They’re my daughters. They WILL be leaving with me!” He yells again.

“No, they aren’t. Last chance, it’s time to leave. Or would you like me to call the Sargent? We played golf yesterday, I’m sure he wouldn’t mind making a house call,” GW questions.

Dad huffs. “This isn’t over.”

I quickly retreat to Chase’s room so Dad doesn’t run into me on his way out the door.

My head spins as I replay the conversations from last night and what I overheard before. I need to talk to Millie. Find out if she’s okay with staying here for a while. I believe Nat when she said that we were welcome. She’s not given me a reason to doubt her.

My phone vibrates in my pocket.

Millie:Julia has let me borrow a uniform. Can you bring my bag to school? We will meet you there.

Yasmin:Sure. Is Arden driving you girls?

Millie:No. Ralph is. Arden is on his way to pick you guys up.

Yasmin:Ok see you at school. Love you.

Millie:Love you too.

I put my phone on Chase’s dresser and notice my uniform on a chair in the corner. Nat must’ve put it there when she got home last night. I check my sugars. They are a little low, but food can wait. I jump in the shower, not at all ready to face everyone at school today.

Chapter Seventeen

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