14

"You know, I'm such a fool for you."

Asher

A tranquil layer of snow blanketed the neighbourhood. The soft glow of the streetlights casted a gentle illumination on the sidewalk. My breath formed misty clouds in the air as I took angered steps, which became muffled by the snow beneath my feet. The cold air stung my cheeks, a deep contrast to the warmth of thoughts spiralling in my head. She kissed him. She kissed my brother, and I hated how much it upset me. I sped up my steps as if trying to escape my inner turmoil.

In the distance, the low hum of a vehicle grew louder until the unmistakable sound of an engine became apparent. The familiar black and blue van, covered from top to bottom in graffiti, pulled up beside me. The sliding doors opened, revealing the smiling faces of my friends and bandmates.

"Give us a smile." Benjamin said with a chuckle.

"I don't smile."

"Hop in, buddy."

I rolled my eyes, but couldn't stop the corner of my lip from twitching. They were relentless. Sum41 was playing in the background as I made myself comfortable in the seat beside Benjamin. Liam turned to look at us, while Sebastian looked at us through the mirror.

"What's up with you?" Liam asked.

He was always timid in front of people, but when it was just the four of us, it all flew out the window.

"I just needed to get out of there."

They raised their brows in sync as if they'd rehearsed it.

"So, it had nothing to do with the fact that your brother kissed the girl you like?" Sebastian asked.

My shoulders slumped. I hated how they knew me.

"Does it surprise you?" I asked. "Josh always gets what he wants."

"Maybe if you let her know how you feel-" Liam said, but I cut him off.

"I'll get over it."

Benjamin snorted but said nothing. Sebastian, however, had a habit of saying what's on his mind.

"We'll pretend to believe you, for now."

??

The atmosphere was tense as an uncomfortable silence settled over the table. The clinking of utensils was the only sound to be heard as we poked at our food. My mother's awkward cough punctuated the strained atmosphere.

"Did Elsie have a wonderful birthday?"

My eyes glanced at Josh before looking at my plate again.

"Josh wouldn't know."

My mom ignored my snide remark.

"How was the performance?" She asked.

My face lit up with sheer joy at her remembering. I'd told her once Elsie asked us to perform, but I thought she'd forgotten about it.

"It was amazing."

My father cleared his throat.

"So, you're still wasting your time on that band stuff."

A shadow of annoyance cast a veil over my smile.

"It's not a waste of time if it makes you happy."

He snorted as if I'd just uttered the most idiotic thing.

"This band thing will not get you into college."

I knew I should have kept quiet, but my mouth never listened to my brain. A self-assured grin played upon my lips as my eyes glinted with a hint of arrogance.

"Good thing I'm not going to college."

The clinking of cutlery ceased as the air became charged with tension. The silence was suffocating.

"That's not funny."

Dad's face contorted with anger, his brows were drawn together in a menacing furrow. His narrowed eyes radiated a burning intensity.

"It wasn't a joke."

The colour of his cheeks deepened. Tension etched lines around his mouth.

"Asher, what's going on?" My mother asked, searching my face for any hints.

She leaned forward to place her hand on top of mine.

"Nothing is going on," I said. "I made a choice and I'm sticking with it."

My dad's entire demeanour radiated hostility.

"You're making a mockery of this family."

That set me off. My eyes narrowed into slits of refined animosity.

"That's rich coming from you, Dad."

His pupils dilated in understanding. The subtle parting of his lips was a sign that I had won the argument.

"What is he talking about?" My mother asked, turning to my father.

She tilted her head as her eyes seemed to be stuck in a maze of bewilderment. Josh and Gracie adorned similar expressions. Mom turned to me in hopes I would clarify.

"Please excuse me," I muttered, pushing the chair back with a screech. "I'm done here."

I stormed towards the door, slamming it shut so hard the porch floor vibrated beneath my feet. I strode across the yard, took a seat on the sidewalk, fumbled for the pack of cigarettes in my pocket and lit one with a frustrated sigh.

The ember at the end glowed a dark red, like my inner frustration. The smoke curled into the night as I exhaled. A silhouette appeared in the shadows. Sawyer. The crunching of the snow beneath her footsteps did little to break the silence.

"Rough day?"

I exhaled a ring of smoke.

"Josh is busy right now."

There was a subtle backward tilt of her head at my bitter reply. Her lips were a thin line of displeasure.

"I wasn't looking for Josh." She said. "I was sitting on my porch and saw you storming out of your house." She explained. "Are you okay?"

"Would I be storming out of my house if I were?" I said with more displeasure than I intended.

"I was just asking."

"Well, don't."

Her shoulders tensed as she took a defensive posture.

"Fine." she said, with an edge to her voice. A hint of wounded pride. "Sorry that I cared. It won't happen again."

She left in a huff, but I couldn't bring myself to care. Rage blinded me, but it would be tomorrow's regret.

??