Happy Everly After

Chapter 26

Carefully peeking around the door, I scanned the room for any signs of life. The scent of alcohol oozed from my pores, despite my attempt to wash it away in the shower. A note from my mum sat on the counter, explaining that Charlotte had called and said I was staying at her house. Dinner was in the oven.

I smiled, that's my girl Charlotte always had my back.

My thoughts turned to my dad, and I quickly sent him a text to see if he was still free. Thankfully, he was and would be coming to pick me up in an hour. Hurriedly, I rushed upstairs to brush my teeth and try to erase any remnants of my drunken escapades.

Once downstairs, I cautiously opened the oven to see what awaited me. The scent of casserole, my mum's specialty dish, filled the air. However, instead of feeling hunger, I felt queasiness rise up in my throat. With a slam, I shut the oven door. My hangover must have been worse than I thought if the smell of food made me feel sick.

Sinking onto the couch, I absentmindedly scrolled through my phone, hoping for a message from Owen. Nothing yet, but I knew I owed him a thank you for taking me home (even if it was against my will).

Thanks for taking me home last night. I was perfectly fine though.

20 minutes passed before I saw the three dots indicating a response. Annoyed thoughts of him and Cassie together flitted through my mind as he childishly sent me a string of laughing emojis followed by accusations about Elliot being all over me.

How were you fine with that little rat all over you. You could barely stand Everly.

I hated when he called me Everly, because it meant he was either annoyed with me or there was some kind of negative vibe between us.

I couldn't help but get defensive in my reply.

Elliot is not a rat. I'll admit that wasn't my best idea, but I was just having fun, the same as you and that creature.

Petty Betty was back.

I waited for his response. When it finally came, it was just a fleeting flash of the three dots before they disappeared, and he didn't reply. Dejected, I sat in silence, twiddling my thumbs until my dad called me twice, signalling that he was outside. I pocketed my phone and headed out to meet him, happy to see him and feeling comforted by his embrace. My dad gave the best hugs.

I felt better and decided to push everything else to the back of my mind. This was our day. He took us to our favourite restaurant. It was bitter-sweet as we'd always come here as a family.

We sat in our favourite booth and a girl I recognised from school took our orders. Knowing I'd pick the same thing I always did, he ordered for both of us. I sipped my large chocolate milkshake, savouring it. He looked at me lovingly.

"What?" I asked, catching him staring at me.

"Nothing, you just look like you're five again", he replied with a fond smile.

In good spirits, I playfully stuck out my tongue at him before we both enjoyed our meal in comfortable silence. However, just as I thought everything was going well, my dad spoke up.

"Your mum has been really worried about you. We both have", he said solemnly.

I groaned internally. Was he really going to ruin our day with a talk?

"She said you've been more yourself these last few weeks, and I'm glad".

"Mhm", I replied noncommittally, not wanting to delve into any serious conversations.

"I heard the old gang is back together. I'm happy you three are friends again", he added wistfully.

If only he knew.

My parents had always been fond of Charlotte and Owen. We'd mostly hung out at mine when we were younger. Since Owen was the oldest of three, his parent had their hands full, and Charlotte's mum couldn't cope with us making any mess.

I absentmindedly twirled my fork around a piece of pasta on my plate, while he reached over to sneak a few of my chips.

"Hey!" I protested, swatting at his hand playfully.

Observing me closely, he asked with genuine concern, "Are you feeling alright? You hardly touched your food".

"There is something that's been bothering me" he listened intently. "Something happened. I don't want to get into it right now, but that's why I've been so closed off. It changed me. I didn't really like myself anymore. Not that recluse Everly was any better, but I needed time to process it... alone".

His brows furrowed in worry as he listened. Placing a reassuring hand over mine, he asked gently, "Why didn't you tell me? Tell us? We could have helped you through it as a family".

"I'm fine", I assured him, even though I knew he didn't believe me completely. But for now, it was all I could manage.