“Jack, Emma! Time to eat.” Jack’s mom calls from the kitchen.

We both jump out of our trances and look at each other. I get off of the couch and he follows close behind. I approach the table and see spaghetti and meatball waiting for us on the table.

“What would you like to drink?” She asks both of us.

“Water.” We say together at the same time. I laugh and Jack smiles.

“Easy enough.” Ms. Barakat smiles back at us.

I take my seat at the table and Jack sits next to me.

“You ok?” He whispers to me.

“Yeah. I’m totally fine.” I smile back at him. I’m whatever I guess. I just feel a little out of my element. I’m not used to this family dinner-time thing.

Jack’s mom returns with our drinks and sits down with us.

“So. How did you two end up meeting?” She asks as she brings the spaghetti to her lips.

“We have homeroom together.” Jack answers with a mouthful of food. “We actually sit next to each other too.”

She nods in understanding and continues to eat. “How long have you lived here Emma?”

“I’ve been living here my whole life. I never transfer schools either. My parents like to keep in one place.” I answer in between bites. “I want to move though when I turn 18. I haven’t figured out where, I’m thinking maybe California.”

“California is really quite beautiful.” She agrees with me. “That’s actually where I met Jack’s father.

I see Jack stiffen out of the corner of my eye.

“So, what made you decide to move out here?” I ask, trying to change the subject.

“It was getting too expensive living where we were. It was hard to find work as well. I had a friend who lived up here and she managed to guarantee me a job here, so I figured, why not?” Jack’s mom shrugs.

We continue to eat in silence for some while. I can tell Jack is a little uncomfortable with the statement his mom had made.

“Hey Jack, do you want to carpool tomorrow? I can pick you up.” I offer up to him. I feel bad for him, he’s clearly upset.

“Sure.” He responds quietly.

I leave him be for the rest of the dinner. He excuses himself at the end and I help his mom clear the table.

“I’m sorry about Jack. He gets tense when I mention his father. My fault there.” Ms. Barakat apologizes while washing the dishes.

“No worries, it’s totally fine. Why is that though? Do they not have a good relationship?” I ask as I dry the dishes she washes.

She looks over her shoulder and leans in close to me. “They don’t have any relationship. His father left him early on. I don’t think Jack remembers him one bit to be honest. I know he’s happy with me, but I’m sure a boy his age really would want a dad around once in a while.” She sighs. “Jack doesn’t realize it but he’s much better off without him. His dad was such a deadbeat. He never helped out with the bills or anything. He was an alcoholic who sat on the couch all day. Jack would be screaming from the crib, needing to be fed or changed, and of course his father would sit there on his lazy ass, acting like he didn’t hear anything. Tragic, really.”


“Wow.” I say taking it all in. “I agree with you though. Dealing with an alcoholic parent is a pain in the butt. I would know.”

“Your dad is an alcoholic?” She asks me, looking concerned.

“And mom.” I explain. “They both have been alcoholics my whole life. That’s actually one of the reasons I came here tonight. Jack had invited me over earlier but I turned him down. I don’t usually have friends or try to entertain the idea. I always get left by them. I came home to my mom drunk, and decided I should probably get out of there. Usually, I go to a park or something. I decided to take Jack up on his offer this time. I’m really glad I did.”

“Sweetie, I am so sorry you have to deal with that. No one should, especially a kid your age. It’s a hard life. You are welcome in my home anytime you want. Day, night, whatever the situation. I know how hard it can be. My father was alcoholic. Sometimes I felt like I was the one raising him. And as for Jack, he won’t leave you. He’s like a little puppy. When he finds someone he likes to be around, he won’t leave your side. I promise you.” Jack’s mom assures me as she finished up washing the last dish.

“Thank you. For everything. You really have made me feel so much better about all of this. I’m going to give Jack a chance. I could really use the companionship. You really are an amazing mom to him.” I smile at her as I dry the last of the dishes. “I guess I should get back to him and see if he’s okay. Wish me luck.”

“Good luck and thank you for the help! Definitely welcome in my home anytime.” She winks and laughs at me.

I laugh and walk off to Jack’s room. I open the door and see Jack laying on his bed face down.

“Jack?” I ask walking over to him.

“What?” He mumbles through the pillow.

“Just wanted to see if you are okay.” I tell him softly sitting on the bed next to him. He flips over and looks at me.

“No not really. Just hate thinking about my dad. I hate that he left me. Yeah, I have an awesome life with my mom, but I am just so tired of wondering what could have been with him.” Jack explains.

“I’m going to tell you this right now. You are lucky he isn’t in your life.” I assure him. “Both of my parents are alcoholics and it’s a total bitch to live with. You would have always been taking care of him, or trying to live up to his never ending expectations. You don’t need him and you never will. I promise you Jack, it sucks.”

“Your parents are alcoholics? I didn’t know that.” He responds quietly. “I guess your right. I never thought of it that way. It’s just hard for me, but I’ll learn eventually not to care.”

“That’s the spirit.” I smile, poking his stomach. He laughs and puts his arms behind his head. His shirt lifts up a little and I see his perfect waist. Damn you Jack for being so cute. “Well, I should probably get back to my dysfunctional household. You going to be okay without me?”

“Yeah, I think so. But text me when I get home so I know you are safe.” Jack smiles at me. “Write my number down somewhere.”

I grab my phone out and enter his number as he reads it aloud to me. “See you tomorrow Jacky.” I wink to him on my way out.

He groans, but laughs. “Later Emma.”

I give his mom a hug goodbye and drive home. I glance at my car’s time and it reads 7:50. 10 minutes until curfew. Yeah, that’s right, my curfew is 8. Why? I have no damn idea. Just one of my parents many crazy rules. I pull up to the house and walk inside. My mom is passed out on the couch, and my dad is making himself a drink. It looks as if he just got home from work.

“Hey Emma.” He greets me as I try to walk past him. “Where have you been?”

“I went to a friends house to work on a project.” I lie.

“A friend? Who is she?” He asks confused. I don’t think I’ve ever mentioned having a friend.

“Um, Jackie.” I reply quickly. My dad has never approved of me having many guy friends. He is just over protective.

“Well okay then. I hope you got a lot done.” He smiles at me and I smile back.

I make my way into my bedroom and plop down on my bed. I grab my phone and send Jack a text.

Just got home safe. Moms passed out on the couch and dads making himself a drink. I swear to you Jack, you wouldn’t like it if your dad had actually stuck around.

I hit send and sigh. Today was actually pretty decent. I lift up my shirt and rub my fingers over the cuts, wincing. Those were pretty deep; I need to be a little more careful next time. My phone buzzes and I check a text from Jack.

Good. Well, not the part about your parents but the part about you being home safe. I’m sorry about your parents. I wish you didn’t have to deal with that. I’m glad I don’t though. I swear, I never thought about it that way. I always figured that it would be the classic father son, playing ball in the backyard scenario.

Nope, I promise you it wouldn’t have. Even if it was, at the end of the day, your dad would be sitting in a chair drinking his life away. It causes so much stress and anxiety. I envy what you have. You are so incredibly lucky to have your mom.

Yeah, my mom is pretty great. She really likes you. She came into my room after you left and told me to take care of you and not hurt you. Don’t worry, I won’t hurt you. I’m really glad to have a friend like you. You said something about carpooling earlier? (:

Aww, well I like your mom too. It was great talking to her. And if you say so! Don’t make any promises though, they always end up being broken. And sure, you are on the way to school for me. Just be ready! I hate being late.

Will do. I’m going to go to sleep now. It’s been a long day for me and I’m pretty tired. I know, going to sleep at 8:15, I’m a loser. Stfu and let me be meee! Night Em. Sleep well

Goodnight Jackypoo. See you bright and early. I’ll text you when I’m on the way.

I smile and lock my phone. I may as well go to sleep now too, there’s no point in being awake. I turn on my TV and search through Netflix. I come across exactly what I was looking for, Treasure Planet. I cue it up and snuggle under my comforter. The last thing I think of as I drift off into a deep sleep is how I’m actually sort of excited for tomorrow…

Notes

Here's the chapter I promised you! Enjoy!

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