I Don't Like Badboys...Seriously | ✓

Chapter Fifteen - I Didn't See This Coming

Chapter Fifteen - I Didn't See This Coming

"Thanks for giving me a lift home," I said as I got out of the car. He waved and I waved back before sprinting to the door with one arm shielding my head from the rain. I knocked frantically, and my mum opened the door almost instantaneously.

"You're back a little late," she said.

"Something came up. Archer's mum and dad just sot of broke up," I replied, taking off my shoes.

"Lainie and Peter are getting divorced?" My mum exclaimed. I nodded slowly. "I'm going to call her after dinner. Quickly, dry off and set the table."

I could hear the water running as I passed by the bathroom. "Dad, are you done yet? I need my towel," I called.

"Just get a new one," he answered.

After drying off, I headed back into the kitchen and set the table. We were having mashed potatoes with some steamed vegetables and some sort of beef. Despite it being one of my favourite meals, I struggled to finish it.

"Stop picking at the food and eat it," my mum chided.

"What happened today?" My dad asked.

"Lainie and Peter are getting divorced, and I think Archer's taken quite a hit," my mum said, slowly.

"Lainie and Peter? They're the friends you had from high school right?" My mum nodded. "Hey Cathy, you're that worried about Archer, huh?" My dad teased.

"Jeez Dad," I groaned.

"I think he's a great kid," he grinned.

"Michael!" My mum scolded.

"Alright, alright, it's been a long day. You finish off dinner and go do your homework. I'll do the dishes tonight."

I did as I was told and pondered for the remainder of the night in my room. I overheard Mum talking to Lainie. There was some sniffling on the other side of the line, and some comforting from this side.

There was a pang to my heart when I remembered the defeat in Archer's eyes. But the anger in his eyes when he looked at his dad was unforgettable, and I was afraid; afraid that he would do something that later he would regret.

"Hey Cathy, what're you doing daydreaming - nightdreaming? In the hallway?" Dad asked.

"Nothing. I was just getting a drink," I replied.

"Still worried about Archer?" He asked. I nodded glumly.

"I get that you're worried, but don't get too worked up. He's a good kid, and everything will get better with time. The best thing you can do now is just listen."

I took his advice. For the next few days, I behaved normally - so I didn't constantly ask him whether or not he was okay, or pester him about how everything was going to be okay. He sort of smiled every once in a while.

"Still zoning out in chemistry?" Hunter asked, waving his hand in front of my face. I blinked and looked at him. "I know it must be hard to concentrate with such a good looking guy sitting next to you,but please focus on your studies."

"You wish," I mumbled. "Why don't you focus on your studies so that you can get a seventy five?"

"Ace got a seventy five, which basically means all of us got a seventy five," Hunter claimed.

"Really? How so?"

"We're a close knit bunch...we've known each other for a while, and, so yeah," he rationalised poorly. It was good that he wasn't thinking of becoming a lawyer.