Collision

My hands reach across to touch the cold window, tracing delicate patterns in the frost. I sit back and sip on my tea that my mother made me, watching as the leaves begin to fall from the trees. Sitting at this window distracts me from everything that’s going on in my life.

I unfold my legs and wince when they resist the movement. How long have I been sitting here? I stretch out my legs and begin to walk over to my bed. On the street, a slick black car pulls into the driveway and comes to a screeching halt. I turn to get back in the bed but my eyes catch the familiar hair of the inevitable.

Downstairs, pounding on the front door erupts and I hear my parents scrambling down the hallway. I hurry downstairs just in time to see the front door open.

Harry stands there, dressed in all black as usual, with anger evident on his face. The minute he sees my father he steps forward, hands clenched into fists at his side.

“What are you doing here?” My father asks opening the door wider so he can step in. I scramble up the first few steps and sit down so I can get a clear view of them without being seen.

“Where’s Jess at?” Harry asks. I can see the muscles in my father’s shoulders tense up, him realizing why Harry’s here.

“She isn’t here.” My dad huffs and crosses his arms. I roll my eyes and begin to walk down the stairs but stop myself. That will just cause more trouble for me and Harry. I decide against it and stay planted on the hardwood stairs.

“She’s been avoiding my calls.” Harry says, sadness clear in his voice. I smile at the thought of him missing me, but soon press my lips back into a hard line, remembering what kind of situation we’re in.

“I told her to.” My dad responds.

“Is she alright?” Harry steps forward but my father blocks his path.

“Her well being does not concern you. I suggest you leave before things get out of hand.”

“It doesn’t concern me?” Harry’s voice is laced with anger and hatred.

“I am her father and I know what’s best for her. That does not include you.” I can’t believe the way both of them are acting. It’s like two children fighting. At any moment I’m waiting for Harry to snap.

“How are you supposed to know what’s best for her? It’s her fucking decision,” Harry snarls.

“Do not speak to me like that.” My dad’s eyes widen.

“Who the fuck are you to tell me how I can speak. Last time I checked you weren’t my father.” Harry snaps and steps forward.

Before I know what’s happening, I rush down the stairs and step in between them. Both of their faces are covered in shock before confusion can set in.

“Stop it.” I say and push them apart. I turn to Harry and look into his pleading green eyes.

“Please leave.” I beg. Him begin here only makes it worse, for the both of us.

“Jess, what did I do?” His voice is soft that it hurts to listen to him. I turn my head to avoid looking at his heart breaking face and focus on the ground.

“Just leave. You’re making everything worse.” I pick at a thread on my dress and bite my lip. I feel like such a coward, not being able to look at him in the eye as I tell him to leave my house. But now matter how much it hurts, it’s what’s best for the both of us.

Harry looks between my father and I before storming out into the harsh air. I lean against the door once it’s shut and slide down, closing my eyes.

“Why was he here? Did you call him?” My dad has the audacity to ask. I push myself off of the wood and walk into the kitchen, hoping to end this conversation.

“Did you call him?” My dad repeats as he follows me into the kitchen. I take a deep breath and open the fridge to avoid looking at him.

“No, I didn’t call him.” I finally answer and grab a water bottle. He doesn’t look pleased by my answer and makes a point of blocking my way when I try to leave this awkward conversation.


“Then why did he come here?” He presses, leaning against the door frame.

“I don’t know.” I shrug, completely lying to his face. I know the exact reason he came, but that doesn’t mean I’m going to tell my father.

He opens his mouth to probably interrogate me some more but he’s interrupted when the kitchen door opens and my mother walks in. She looks at the both of us, confused as she sets down the bags of groceries.

“What’s going on?” She asks, pursing her lips.

“Harry came over here, threatening me because I wouldn’t let him see her.” He jabs a finger at me. I set down my water and sit down at the bar, afraid to blow up in either of their faces.

“I thought your father told you to stay away from him,” she looks confused.

“I didn’t ask him to come over here. I have no idea why he did.” I lie once again. Maybe Harry was right, maybe I do lie to my parents more than I think.

“Why is he worried about you?” My mother asks. I pick my head up, anger coursing through me.

“Maybe because he cares about me. Did you ever think of that?” I snap and walk over to the door my mother just came in. I pick up her car keys and rip open the door, ignoring the condescending looks from my parents. The last thing I hear is them yelling at me about not seeing Harry before I step out into the dark.


I sit down in my mother’s car, a few blocks away just so my parents can’t see me sitting out here. I look down at my black phone screen, contemplating on whether to call Harry or not. Somehow my parents would know I called him, regardless if I delete my calls. I push the thought of calling him out of my mind and throw my phone on the seat beside me.

A few seconds after it hits the seat, the screen lights up and a picture of Anna pops onto the screen. I sigh before reaching across the console to answer it.

“Hello?”

“Hey girl!” Anna chirps in a way too cheerful voice.

“What’s up?” I croak, my voice sounding foreign.

“Just with the girls. You want to come over?” She asks. I open my mouth to say no but hesitate. Instead of sitting here, I could be with Anna, trying to forget about Harry.

“Can you come pick me up?”


I drive back to my house and wait for Anna’s car to show up. So far, no sign of my parents. Not even a call.

Soon Anna’s car stops in front of the curb and I rush across the lawn to join her.

“How are you?” She asks, putting the car into drive. I rest my head on the window and feel the coolness seep through the glass.

“I’m...managing.” I fake a smile. Anna knows everything that’s been going on between my parents, Harry, and I. She just has the decency not to comment on it.

I tell her about what’s happened recently ,and while she’s a great listener, she also responds with great advice. By the time we get over to Eleanor’s house, I feel like half of the weight of today has been taken off of my chest.

“I just don’t know what to do.” I say as we walk up the extravagant front steps. Anna looks over at me while she knocks on her door.

“Maybe you should just forget about Harry.” Anna says with all seriousness as she walks inside. I stop dead in my tracks from following her and linger outside, the cold whipping against my skin.

Notes

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