Finally, I manage to catch Natsuki's eyes.

"Can I talk to you for a second?" What began as a whisper became an urgent hiss.

Natsuki stares blankly back at me. I grab her hand and yank her into the next room. Her father continues humming to himself, completely oblivious.

As soon as I judge we're out of earshot of the man, I turn to Natsuki again.

"What the hell is going on?" I demand.

"Wh-whaddya mean?"

"What do I mean? Your dad is looney tunes! You telling me you actually live with this guy?"

"You take that back!"

"Seriously? Does any of what's happening in the kitchen look like the behavior of a not crazy person?" I gesture back down the hallway, where I catch a glimpse of Natsuki's father fretting over an entire bag of raw potatoes he has managed to dump onto the floor in our absence. I look pointedly back at Natsuki, when I notice tears welling up in the corners of her eyes.

Oh crap. I had better change my tone...

"Hey... That was rude of me. I'm sorry. Look, can we just -"

"GET OUT!" Natsuki thundered.

"Please, Natsuki, I -"

"I DIDN'T WANT YOU TO COME OVER IN THE FIRST PLACE! GO AWAY!"

Before I can react, Natsuki shoves me, hard. As I stumble back, my heel catches on the leg of one of the many accent tables adorning the house, and a rather expensive looking vase and I both crash to the floor. I scramble to my feet and bound for the front door. I take a look back, gearing up to apologize again, but Natsuki won't meet my gaze. I slowly turn and step out onto the porch.