here with me

“ [..] I’ll think about it, yeah. Thanks, Z. You’re right, like most times. ”

“Well. Perf. Now turn that frown upside down. We’re going for a burger, not a funeral.”

“ Hah. Yeah. I think I’m old enough to know what I saw without needing an explanation, but again, you might be right. I don’t even know if it’s up to me to forgive her, though. ”

“That’s not what I meant and you know it. Sex and love are two very different things. Probably not, you’re right. Hey, I’m not saying you do it tonight. Just warm up to the idea, yeah? You can’t ignore her forever. Trust me, I’ve tried that before.”

“ Well, I’m sure you’re able to figure it out. Or have already, more like. [..] But Ma and Gabe.. I walked in on them. Like, properly. You know, when I was still interning. So, yeah.. that’s that. ”

“I wasn’t too off. That’s rough. Possibly too mild of a word for that. While I know you hate hearing it, I stand by what I said earlier. Talk with her. It’s hard, I get it, but your Ma should be able to explain to you what exactly you saw there. People make some dumb mistakes sometimes. Once you’ve talked it out, you can still decide not to forgive her. You know. Get the closure.”

zara–hale·:

“ Well, you’d be surprised. I was. And that’s a bit rich coming from you, but you’re probably right. It’s just, uh, I don’t know. I just don’t want to right now. It’s weird thinking about it and it’s weirder thinking about talking to her. Don’t even know what to say to her at this point and, uh.. got some visuals that I’d rather just not have. Can’t talk to mom, either. Or Uncle Gabe. Feels a bit stuck. ”

“Oh, wow. So she did something messed up messed up. I’m sorry to hear, dude. Are you going to tell me what happened or are you leaving me to fabricate the story myself?”

“ I haven’t really talked to Ma in a while. Uh, they haven’t really been talking, either. Something happened that I don’t want to get into too much, but.. pretty.. pretty messed up, yeah. And I haven’t told mom about it. Haven’t figured out how to feel about it except for angry and upset. But doesn’t seem like something that’ll just solve itself, so. ”

“Your Ma did something pretty messed up? Well, and here I thought this woman can do no wrong. Okay, in all seriousness. Whatever it is, talk it out. I can tell it’s dragging you down, and it’s not a good look on you. If you keep it bottled in, you’ll keep feeling angry and upset. If you talk about it, you’ll still feel that way but after awhile, it’ll dissolve.”

“ Okay, okay, I definitely don’t want you to kick my ass, so I’ll shut up. [..] Yeah, they’re.. I don’t really know, to be honest? Not gonna lie, it’s a bit of a mess at the moment. ”

“I know you don’t, because we both know how that’d end. [..] Is it? Why?”

“ You might have a point. And with your logic, being the son of a lawyer, it’s in my blood to find the holes in your story. So there you go, all makes sense. Yeah, really good. Charlie’s great I think, he’s moved down here now too, switched to Clarendon High. Noah says he’s doing quite well for himself, made the football team immediately. He’s a bit of a beast like that, though, isn’t he. Right. I’ll get an honest American burger and you can have your raw fish. [..] Seriously, though, you’re doing alright, yeah? ”

“Did he now? Hm. If things continue going this way, sooner or later whole Chicago’s going to move to Clarendon Hills. Yeah, doesn’t surprise me. He’s always been able to click with everyone straight away. He’s also still hanging with Caleb from time to time, as far as I know. Fish is good for your body, Liam. Lots of nutrients, like proteins. So don’t say it a pejorative tone like that unless you want me to kick your ass. [..] I am. Alright? Are you? How are your mothers? Haven’t seen them in a while.”

“ I do listen to you! I do. You just have a way of turning things into a narrative that’ll fit you, so I learned to read between the lines. At a gym, believe it or not. Reconnected with Charlie, you know, Charlie from Chicago. Did a couple workouts together, but I’m not enyjoing the weights as much. Also––.. yeah, I’m not gonna say what I was just thinking. Then I’ll get a Burger. Food court? What are you feeling? ”

“Must come along with being the daughter of a politician. It’s in the blood. Charlie, huh? How’d that go? Haven’t heard his name since, well, Chicago. What’s he up to these days? Thank you, it’s appreciated. Food court’s good. God knows I need sushi and a soda lemon.”

“ Well, then you’re getting dangerously close to burning yourself out. You literally told me an hour ago that you had a two day migraine last week and you can’t tell me that’s not connected. Rest is just as important as pushing yourself. And, alright, at least you’re admitting I have a point by going after me now. I’ve been doing stuff, okay? Even working out again. Ah, yes. Finally. I didn’t forget my wallet, so I’ve got you, don’t worry. Burgers? ”

“And then I added that I wasn’t drinking enough which must’ve been the reason for it. You need to listen to what I say. You’ve been working out? Where? Making out with your boyfriend doesn’t count as a workout, just you know. I’m definitely not getting a burger, but you’re free to do so. Let's go.”

“ I mean, sure, I get you. And I admire the work ethic, as always. But burning yourself out at 19 won’t help you get into Juilliard either. I’m just saying, have a break, let’s go eat something, take a walk. You’re already doing amazing. Please. I’m starving. ”

“I’m not burning myself out. I’m pushing my limits. You should try it sometime, you’ve gotten a little too comfortable in your year off. [..] Fine. You win. I forgot my wallet though.”

“I appreciate the concern dude, but if I want to make it into Juilliard next year, I need to work even harder for this.”

“ Yeah, I can’t stand another evening of dad winning at Monopoly and not shutting up about it, either. Yeah sure, I’m just.. I’m watching To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before again, but it’s just started like ten minutes ago. ”

“Never actually seen the film, so now might be a good time to catch up on that. I heard it’s not really worth the hype, but I’m open-minded. How’ve you been, Aly?”

tuesday, 7:40 pm, the hale’s residence

“ What? I told you, I don’t feel like game night tonight. I’m watching a movie. ”

“I know. I don’t really feel like playing games tonight either. Got some more space?”

“ Shit, ” Naoki mumbled as she pushed herself off the ground, the wheel of her bike spinning next to her and the palms of her hands stinging. She sat up, assessing the damage of her scraped up hands before noticing the warmth of blood running down her shin. With just her luck, she hadn’t only gotten a little lost and ate dirt but someone had also seen the whole ordeal. Her head snapped up to the source of the voice and she shook her head. “ I’m fine, ” she said a little more harshly than intended and returned her attention to her knee, trying to stop the blood from running into her shoes by scooping it up with her finger. Realising that it was no use, she pressed her lips together and glanced up at the girl again. “ Actually.. maybe.. do you have a tissue? ” She asked then, a little sheepishly. 

“Alright, sorry,” Zara expressed, holding her hands up in surrender when the stranger spoke up about their welfare. Taking in the girl’s knee, Zara couldn’t help but screw up her nose a little. She was not a stranger to bruises and blood, she herself had to deal with it more often than not. As a ballet dancer, her excessive practise often resulted in her toe nails ripping and eventually bleeding. Hence why she carried band-aids around, like some people carry around lipsticks. "Uhm, wait, let me see,” she said as she bent down and put her backpack onto the ground to have better access at rummaging. “Here,” she said once she did find one, handing the girl the pack of tissues. She stayed in that position, letting her eyes wander until they landed on the bike. “I think your bike chain is a little fucked,”