Chapter 5

"Hey, what are you still doing at school?" I asked as I sat on the grass beside Liam. He turned to look at me, then back in front of him. He sighed, "Do you ever give up?" "No, can't say I have." I shrugged. "Well you should. There is a first time for everything." He said. "Why do you push people away, Liam?" I asked. He looked out into space and continues to ignore me. We sat there in silence for two minutes before he spoke. "Look, is it Julia?" I nod and he continues. "Why do you keep talking to me? Normally, when I tell someone to get lost, they don't bother me again." "I don't know. I just think that you could use a friend." I replied. Plus, I was way yo nice for my own good. "Well don't bother." He said quietly. I decided to change the subject. "I didn't see you in art class today." "I hate art. I'm no good at it." He said simply. I was surprised he actually answered my question. "Art is optional." I stated confused. "If you hate it, why do it?" He turned to look at me then and once again, I was drowning in his blue eyes that was so much like the ocean. He looks at me for a couple seconds, before he sighs again. "It was my Mom's idea. She wanted me to take up a skill to occupy my time." He said. "Oh." I said. I stood up then and gave him a smile. "Well, I better get home. See you around." I turned around and left him still sitting on the grass. I didn't feel like walking, so I caught the bus and was home in ten minutes. I pulled the front door and entered my living room. I went into the kitchen, where my mother was cooking dinner. "Hey Mom." I said taking a chocolate chip cookie from a plate on the counter. "Hi dear." Mom said turning around to put a plate of casserole on the counter. "Hey, leave those. They are for dessert." She hit me with a spoon as I was going for another cookie. "Sorry." I said rubbing my hand. I looked around at all the food that was around me. "What's all this? What is the big occasion?" "There is no occasion. Your dad is coming home today. I just thought I would make him his favourite meal." Mom answered. "Dad's coming home?" I asked. "Yes." "Great!" I was glad Dad was coming home today. He was gone for a week on a business trip and I really missed him. I left the kitchen and went upstairs to wash up for dinner. I came back downstairs fifteen minutes later, when I heard the front door open. I went into the living room, where I saw Dad hugging Mom. A suitcase was at his feet. "Dad!" I said as I entered the room. He released Mom and looks over her shoulder at me. "Hey, how's my little girl?" Dad asked opening his arms for me. I walk into his embrace and hug him. "I'm okay, Dad. I miss you so much." I said. "I miss you too." He said then releases me. "I wish you didn't have to go on these business trips." I said pouting. "I wish I didn't have to either sweetheart, but it's part of the job." Dad said and I sigh. "The meeting took forever and all I wanted to do was come home." "What was the problem, Julian?" Mom inquired. "It took a while before anyone could agree on anything. Everyday was another deliberation" Dad said annoyed. "Oh my. I'm glad it work out." Mom gave Dad a kiss before she turns around to head back to the kitchen. "Dinner is almost ready." She calls over her shoulders. Dad took up his suitcase and head upstairs. I went in the kitchen to help Mom set the table. After dinner, I help Mom wash up and went to my room. I took a bath, got in my pajamas and got in bed. I took up my phone from my bedside table and called Beth. She answers on the second ring. "Hey chica!" "Hi. How was your date with Brian?" I asked. "It was great. He took me to the aquarium. I have been talking about it for months now." Beth said excitedly, reminiscing on her day. "Awww. I know how you love sea creatures. I'm glad you had then." I said. "Yeah. So when are we going shopping?" She asked. "I don't know. Is it really necessary?" "Yes it is. No backing out now." Beth scowled. "Okay, okay. How about after school Monday?" "Isn't tomorrow Saturday? What about then?" Beth asked. "I can't tomorrow. Dad is home and he got the weekend off so we're spending the day together and he's taking us for dinner in the evening." I explained. "Your dad is home?" She asked. "Yep. He got home today." "That's great. Monday after school it is then." "Yeah." I said as I let out a yawn. "Hey, see you on Monday. I'm feeling really tired and I can feel a headache coming on. I'm going to bed." "Okay. See you girl." I ended the call and put my phone down. I closed my eyes and within seconds, I was fast asleep.