My Best Friend's Dad

Unavoidable

Elona’s POV

Whispers. Laughter. Snide remarks. They were all around me when I walked down the hallway to class today. I couldn’t even avoid it because, as I sat in class, I could hear them too. I looked at Cris, who looked at me with sympathy as if I needed that from her. I don’t even know what had changed much on her end. But she hurt Spooky and she hurt me. He was busy jotting down something in his book.

I glanced in Mr Monroe’s direction as he began the lesson. He had a stern expression, one I never saw before. How does he even teach while the class is making fun of us? They saw those commercial advertisements on social media. There is no turning back now because we could still get into trouble because of all this. I looked down at my textbook as Mr Monroe’s voice was drowned out.

I need to leave the agency until after I graduate. Hopefully, Mr Luca will be understanding. “So, how was it like to have Mr Monroe’s mouth on you?” a whisper came behind me from another student. I sucked in a breath. That question took me back to the moment Mr Monroe had his lips against my skin, and it sent tingles throughout my entire body. I looked at Mr Monroe who was standing in front of the classroom, his arms folded across his chest, he glared at Josh behind me. “I bet he got into your panties. I always wanted to know how being with you felt,” That snapped me out of my thoughts.

“Josh, if you are going to bother Elona, you are more than welcome to leave. That goes for any of you who want to join the circus,” Mr Monroe raised his voice.

“How can we forget about the pictures on the internet, Sir? Clearly you had a taste of Elona,” I rolled my eyes at what Josh had just said. Maybe I should just go to a different school. I want to disappear right now.

“Get out of my class now!” Mr Monroe snapped. I continued to look down at my book. I heard Josh pack his things, and then he walked past me, down the aisle until he was outside the door. “Anyone else want to join him?” No one said a word, “Now, let’s get back to the lesson,” he continued.

After what felt like an eternity, the class was finally dismissed. I know I will face those voices out in the hallway. But if I remain here until everyone is gone, then that will just make things look even more suspicious between Mr Monroe and me. I don’t want anything else to add fuel to the fire.

As I packed up my things, I saw out the corner of my eye, someone standing next to my desk. “Do you need to stay for a while until the coast is clear?” Spooky asked. I looked up at him.

“I don’t think that is a good idea with Mr Monroe also being here,” I replied.

“You can stay as long as you need to. Things might just be worse moving forward, so take all the time you need. I will be going to the admin department until you leave.” Mr Monroe said as he took his mug from the desk.

“I can be here too,” Cris said as she appeared in my line of sight because Spooky was blocking her.

“There is no need,” I said as Mr Monroe walked out of the classroom and Spooky took a seat at the desk in front of me.

“I want to,” Cris was determined as she took a seat. “I want to apologize for what happened. For all those words that I threw your way of knowing about your condition. No one has to hear those words. I know that I hurt you deeply, and I’m really sorry about it all. I wish I could change things and that I had handled it all better. Maggie was a snake and I didn’t see that. I was so happy with the idea of having a loving family that I caused a rift between us. My father is hurting and he misses you. I can see how much you mean to him. I hate to see him suffer all over again. I don’t want to cause more hurt for either one of you. I know what it’s like...” She stopped herself as she looked at Spooky, who was looking down at his phone. “I just want you both to be happy. Please work things out with my dad,” she gave me a sympathetic smile.

“I-I accept your apology. Those words were hurtful.” I swallowed the lump in my throat that formed. “I coped with it, but this is my reality. I was happy with your father, but then he ruined that with Maggie. I don’t know what will make it right between us. Right now, I’m focused on school and graduating. The less distractions I have, the better. That distraction is your father. I won’t even bother to show up at your house even after this apology. He chased me out that day and I can’t just forget about it. I need time to heal from it all. I’m focusing on myself right now, and I think you should do the same,” I said, as difficult as that was.

Cris’ demeanor changed to sadness, “I wish things were back to how they were before everything. But take all the time that you need, we will always wait for you and be there. Even if that takes years,” she had hope in those eyes.

“I’m moving away after graduation. I will be living closer to VFS. I want to get away from the memories. So, if you can understand that, then I appreciate it.”

“I understand, but can we at least walk home after school and hang out? I mean... I can always visit you,” she was cautious of her words.

“That could work,” I smiled weakly, but deep down I wasn’t great at all. Maybe this is the first step in getting our friendship back, but it might not even be the same.

After the coast was clear, Spooky went to the hotel. He literally ignored Cris, but then we walked back to our shared street.

“My grandparents are here for a week,” she said, “There was some revelation about a long-lost foster brother of my father’s. He is really fuming about it. So, I don’t know how things will even go from here. My grandmother is trying to get my father into playing the piano again, but he refuses,” she rambled on.

I just didn’t know if I could bear the thought of hearing his name right now, especially after what he had said to me. “Can we just stop talking about him? I want to forget, and you are pushing him onto me when I thought you hated the idea of us.” I said.

“I’m sorry.” we came to a stop across the street from her house, his car was in the driveway with two more. “I won’t bring him up again. I promise,” she said, still a hint of hope in her eyes and voice.

“Thank you. I will see you around.” I gave her a small smile, and then I walked back to my house.

I don’t know what situations Tristan is being thrown into, but I didn’t want to be part of anything that had to do with him.