Addicted To You; N.S.

tell me

1997 - three years ago
amara haven

"I don't want to," I counter.

"Amara," Mum warns.

"But-"

"No, you always do this. You're coming tonight and that is final," she snaps.

"But you don't get it, it's awkward because I rejected Ethan," I defend.

"Well, that's not my fault is it?" She says. "Go and get ready."

I huff and roll my eyes.

Ethan told me he liked me about five months ago and I rejected him.

Twice.

So, ever since that happened, I've been avoiding any situation with them.

As I enter my room, I decide to text Nic, asking if he could come with us.

I drop my phone onto my bed and change into a pair of leggings and one of Nic's hoodies over a small tank top.

I put on some jewelry and my Cons, then check Nic's reply.

He says he would but his dad has him "grounded" until he finishes a drawing for one of our art classes.

"Amara, let's go," Mum yells up the stairs.

I sigh and head downstairs, wanting to curl up into a ball and hide.

Valeria is at a sleepover for her friend's birthday and Kinsley is at a sleepover with our cousin.

I stay silent the whole car ride, extremely uncomfortable and nervous.

Mum greets Michelle with a hug and they take a seat around the firepit.

Ethan offers me an awkward smile and John looks me up and down.

I follow Dad up onto the deck where George is grilling the food.

"Can I please leave?" I ask him quietly.

"Where would you go?" He questions.

"Nic's," I reply, "Or Leah's."

He considers it, "I'll try and work on your mother."

"Thank you," I hug him.

"Amara!" Ben runs out of the house and jumps on me.

"Hey, Benny," I pat his head.

I sit down by the fire and pull out my phone to text Leah, purely so I look busy and don't have to talk to anyone.

"So, Amara, how's school going?" Michelle asks.

I look up, "Oh, uh, fine."

"Hey, wanna walk to the park?" Ethan asks, an eager Benny next to him.

"Sure, I guess," I reply.

I follow Ethan towards the back gate, Benny next to me.

"John, go with them," I hear Michelle.

He protests but eventually gives in and follows us to the playground.

I sit awkwardly for a few minutes before Leah texts me. Thank god.

We talk back and forth about nonsense, just to keep me looking busy.

~

Dinner was uncomfortable to say the least, and now we're all gathered around the fire as the sun is starting to set.

"Right, Amara?" Mum says.

"Hm?" I ask, being pulled from my thoughts.

She sighs, "Kinsley's hair looks adorable short."