Unexpected

• Chapter Twenty-One •

"A parents love is whole no matter how many times divided." ~ Robert Brault

• • •

Abel drops me off at home with a quick kiss on my lips, watching until I enter the front door.

Closing the door quietly behind me, I tiptoe my way through the kitchen to try and not make any noise. Just as I'm almost to the stairs, the light switches on showing my parents sitting at the table watching me. Creepy.

"So you finally decided to show up." My dad states.

"Where were you?" My mum asks.

"I was with a friend mum."

"What friend Keziah? You've never done this before." States my mum.

"Abel."

My mum huffs in annoyance while my dad crosses his arms.

"You were out with a boy and you didn't think to let us know?" Dad asks.

From the corner of my eye, I see my brothers sneaking downstairs to listen to the trouble I'm probably about to get into.

I refrain from rolling my eyes so my parents don't think it's aimed at them.

"All we were doing was talking and I lost track of time dad. I'm safe aren't I? You don't need to overreact, it's only half ten." I respond back.

"Oh she should not have said that." I hear Omari whisper in the background.

Immediately, I hear a low shout of pain meaning Marcel hit Omari for making noise. Nolan giggles quietly thinking no one can hear him. Could they be anymore stupid?

"Overreacting?! You didn't call or text Keziah and you expect me to be happy about it?!" Mum Yells.

"Aiesha relax." My dad soothes calmly. "Like you said, she's never done this before and it was obviously accidental."

"That's not the point Jamal. She clearly doesn't understand the worry a parent has."

"Mum, I'm sorry I didn't mean it like that. I promise it wont happen again." I reply apologetically.

They both look at one another before sighing. "I'm letting you off with a warning Keziah. Don't let it happen again." My mother warns sternly.

"Yes mother. Yes father."

"Boys, you can come out now." My dad says.

Immediately, they all tumble from behind the wall with guilty faces.

"Why are you still awake Omari and Nolan?"

They both simultaneously point to to Marcel who widens his eyes and takes a step back. "I didn't do anything!" He Shouts.

Omari takes his glasses off to wipe them with his shirt while speaking. "Actually, Marcel came to wake both of us up just to watch Keziah get into trouble. I would like to say that I didn't want to watch this but was forced into it." He puts his glasses back on.

Marcel shoves Omari making him fall over. "You're such a snitch O."

"Well next time don't wake me up when I'm peacefully sleeping."

"Peacefully? You snore loud enough to wake up the dead. Whatever you think that is, it's definitely not peaceful." States Marcel.

Omari stares at him blankly before turning around and walking upstairs.

Nolan walks up to my dad and tugs on his legs. "Daddy, can I go to sleep now?"

My dad lifts Nolan up and carries him upstairs.

Only Marcel and I are left.

Mum looks between the both of us.

"Please go to bed. I don't have the energy to deal with you guys anymore."

I begin to walk up the stairs but not before shoving Marcel away.

Reaching my room, I quickly change into my favourite pair of lion king pyjamas. Don't judge me okay? Lion king is truly the best Disney film out there.

After washing my face and brushing my teeth, I jump into my bed grabbing my phone in the process.

I scroll through my contacts until I land on Abel's. I decide to change his contact name to 'My Abel'. Possessive I know but after our conversation, I just feel like something has shifted between us. My thoughts continue to drift to Abel and all the moments we've shared together when my phone starts to ring.

After seeing who it is, I pick up immediately.

"Brown Eyes."

"Abel."

"So did you get the lecture of a lifetime then?"

"It wasn't actually as bad as I thought it would be. My dad did have to calm my mum down so I could say I got off easy." I reply.

"That's good then. It would be truly tragic if you were no longer allowed around me."

"And why is that?"

"Because I'd miss you." He states simply.

I giggle quietly in response feeling happy at his nice words.

Instead of speaking to one another, we both stay silent. I can hear the soft, steady breathes of Abel over the phone slowly lulling me to sleep. Just as I feel myself drifting off, Abel speaks up.

"I love how no words need to be spoken between us sometimes. Even over the phone." He whispers.

"Me too." I say before yawning.

"Oh, you're falling asleep. I think it's best if I go. Also, I'm taking you to school tomorrow again."

"No! Don't go. I like listening to your voice. And is you taking me to school becoming a thing?" I respond tiredly.

"Alright Brown Eyes. I'll be here until you fall asleep. And yeah, I'd like to drive you more often. The more time I spend with you, the better."

"Mmm." I respond.

Just as I'm falling asleep, I hear the low murmur of Abel singing.

Not really sure how to feel about it. Something in the way you move.

Makes me feel like I can't live without you. It takes me all the way.

I want you to stay.

                                • • •

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