Opposites attract

Dimsley

Lucas and I went home after an hour of me talking to Emma's grandad and Lucas looking through my car while he was waiting. I went straight up to my room to study when we got back to his place. I hadn't been very focused on school in the past few weeks and my grades were dropping more and more by the minute. I was still failing History, and my last English essay I'd handed in got a 65 percent. Early entry into Yale was pretty much completely out and at the rate I was going, so was normal entry.

There was no Ivy League school that would take me, my grades were outrageous and I had a criminal record. At this point, there was really nothing I could do, I would've been ok with any school if I hadn't worked insanely hard since my first day of Primary school.

Yale had always been my dream, I'd worked towards it for almost 12 years now and my stupid mistakes over the past month or two ruined it.

We were Studying Spartan society and I didn't get it. I didn't understand the difference between Sparta and Athens, or why it was so important, I didn't get the weird terms they used and the messed up marriage customs.

I was sitting by the bed with books and papers scattered all over the floor, there were pens across the other side of the room that I'd thrown there out of anger.

"Blakely, come on. Your mom told me to make sure you eat" Ms Dimsley said poking her head into my room. "You talked to my mom?" I asked looking up from my History book for the first time in 3 hours. I did a horrible job at hiding the hurt in my voice. I had tried calling her about 15 times yesterday and 5 today but she never called back or even sent a text.

"I did" Ms Dimsley nodded, "your father asked me to let her know you were here when I called him". "Cause he didn't want to talk to her. Why didn't he just get his lawyers to do it?" I mumbled.

Ms Dimsley stared at me thoughtfully for a moment before stepping into the room. She closed the door behind her and sat on the floor next to me. "Your parents both love you very much Blakely, I hope you know that".

"Really?" I asked looking at her, "why am I here then?" "What do you mean?" She asked.
"Why am I living with you right now? Don't get me wrong, I really wouldn't want to be anywhere else and I'm so grateful to both you and Lucas, but if my parents truly loved me, don't you think they wouldn't run off to another state without saying anything to me, or choose their girlfriend they've known for a few months over their own family time and time again? I mean, my mom hasn't even called me! I don't know what I did wrong, there's no way they care about me, not even a little bit".

I knew how dramatic I sounded but it was true.
"I've told them how I feel, it's not like I'm keeping it a secret and pretending I'm ok with it, but they haven't done anything about it. My parents or my best friend have always been the people I talk to about my problems, both my parents couldn't care less and I can't bring myself to tell Emma, she's going through way too much to deal with my drama. I don't know" I sniffed, "maybe it's just me".

I hadn't planned on completely venting to Lucas' mom, but I had so much on my mind I needed to get some of it out.

Ms Dimsley wrapped her arm around me and I rested my head on her shoulder, "The one thing I know for sure is that this isn't your fault Blakely. To be honest with you, parents are idiots. We get so caught up between what we want and what our kids needs. Being completely responsible for another human isn't easy, so believe me, we will mess up on multiple occasions. But the one thing you always need to remember is that it's not you're fault we're all a little messed up in the head. Unfortunately, you guys get caught up in our big mistakes because you got stuck with us. Don't take this out on yourself".

I forced a smile and nodded. It made sense, but I didn't feel like trying to apply it to my situation. I just needed to be upset a little longer before I pulled myself together, "you're good at these speeches" I commented.
Ms Dimsley laughed laughed, "I've had a lot of practice".

I looked up at her curiously but kept my mouth shut, I knew Lucas' dad wasn't in his life, but that's all I knew. He never talked about his father, or their relationship so I had no clue where he was or what had happened.

"Why don't you come have dinner?" Ms Dimsley suggested standing up, "you need a break". I got up and made sure to grab my History text book and my notebook before following and Dimsley out of the room.

She smiled and shook her head slightly, "you take workaholic to a new level".
"If I stop I won't start again" I explained.
Lucas was sitting at the table already with half a slice of lasagne on his plate. The other half was in his mouth.

I sat down next to him and tried not to look at him. He was so ridiculous, I knew I wouldn't be able to stop laughing if I even glanced at his face. Ms Dimsley placed a large slice of lasagne on my plate and filled my glass up with water.

"Thanks, Ms Dismley" I smiled at her. Lucas choked on the food that was already in his mouth. I tried not to laugh and slid my glass of water over to him. He downed it all in one go before frowning at me. His expression didn't look remotely playful.

"What?" I asked.
"When did you start calling her Ms Dimsley?"
I looked at his mom who didn't look nearly as confused as I felt then back at Lucas, "like...this morning" I answered, "she told me-"
"You told her?!" Lucas yelled at his mother cutting me off.
"No, Lucas, calm down!" She exclaimed, "I just told her I'd prefer for her to use my maiden name".

He took a deep breath and turned to me, "sorry for yelling". I swallowed and nodded once. He sighed and got up, "excuse me" he mumbled.

"I-I don't know what I said, I'm sorry" I apologized. "Don't worry honey, you didn't say anything wrong. I'm gonna go talk to him" she smiled apologetically as she got up from her spot at the table. I watched her walk after Lucas in utter confusion. I didn't want to offend either of them, especially since they were nice enough to let me stay here. And on the other hand, I was becoming more and more curious about Lucas' family.

It was none of my business and not my place to ask, but the more it came up the more I began to wonder why it was such a big deal and such a secret. What was Lucas hiding so intensely from everyone?