Weak to the Bones
Chapter 1
Spring break.
Nothing like well-deserved vacations after that brain-melting Pre-Calculus test. These so expected vacations will be only consolation to the class I'll surely flunk; I epically failed the inverse functions test. Fucking math.
Luckily, to redeem my self-esteem and confidence, my father announced he had to fly away with the stepmonster Sheila to California for Spring Break. She had some kind of Conference, like I care. So, he has to leave me home alone for a few days. Nothing out of the ordinary really, apart from being awesome news to myself only, music to my ears. It meant more time doing mixes, and working on my vast amount of unfinished demos, and other stuff. Maybe play some videogames with Jesse and Benji, order five large pizzas and staying up all night eating junk food.
On the not so bright side, dad was kind of freaking out, debating whether to leave or not, because he cannot conceive leaving a high school junior, alone, in a house during Spring Break. And I agree, it's not a very clever idea. But, he has nothing to worry about his couch-potato daughter. I don't plan on throwing any party. I'm too lazy to clean after a bunch of assholes, who don't even know my name.
While I think about all the possible excuses dad might give when he finally regrets his decision, I am sitting by the kitchen's island, finishing the stash of pancakes dad set up for me.
"The money is in the cookie jar, and don't forget to call if you plan to go out." He pleads after letting his coffee mug in the sink. "Please, Beca."
I roll my eyes at him, chewing my last a piece of bacon. "Dad." I look at him serious. "I'll be fine. Plus, I am stoked." I say nonchalantly. "I have a house to myself, including a chores package," I lift and waved the list he left me under the fruit basket. "With detailed dos and don'ts."
Dad sighs, beaten. He glances at his watch and walks to the living room, making sure he has everything in his bags. "Remember, if anything, Mrs. Harthy can help you. I told her about the trip, and she was nice enough to offer her help. And you know that doesn't happen often, Beca." Mrs. Harthy being the top bitch of the neighborhood. "So please. Keep the music in your ears." He points at me. "And your ears only."
"Yes, dad." I say popping the last piece of pancake into my mouth. "I've been told. Countless times." I said with a full mouth. In that very moment, my phone chimes. Text message from Jesse. I have a proposal! I wonder what proposal this weirdo's neurons came up with.
Shoot. I reply. I let my phone on the countertop, while I place the empty dishes on the sink.
"Should I wear the brown or navy blue?" I hear dad say from the kitchen's entrance. I turn around studying his suit, while he holds up the ties by his sides.
"Brown." I say, and my phone chimes again. I tap open the text box. U shall stay at Swanson-Beale's. 2 days. Or… Until your dad is back. :D I tilt my head, pondering the offer. As much as I hate it, I must accept this weirdo came up with a great idea. I glance back at dad who's trying to deal with the tie. This is the right time to act, Beca. Do it now... So, I opt to walk to him and help him get it done. "Hey, dad?"
He observes me suspiciously, tasting my intentions with a mere glance. "Yes, Beca?"
I chuckle softly, the tip of my tongue trapped between my teeth, in an innocently-shameful way. "Since you are freaking out by leaving me home alone and all, well, maybe, just maybe, I've found a solution to it?" I grin widely at him, fixing his tie to perfection.
He just stares back at me, hesitating whether to ask me or not what plans did I just come up with. Well, not me, Jesse, who sometimes, dazzles me with his spontaneous cleverness. "What's on your mind?"
There it is! His I-might-agree-to-this voice. "Well, Swanson just texted me and he offered me to stay in with his family for a few days..?" I grimace at the sound of my non-confident voice. Sometimes, I do hate my awkwardness.
"Hphm…" He walks into the kitchen again, pulling a glass form the cabinet and pour water in it. "I must admit sometimes this kid marvels me. I didn't think of that possibility." This proposal it's a win-win. Dad never says no whether Jesse is included in the package. We've been best buddies since booger-eating phase, so. After what I felt was like an hour, he finally speaks. "If I, in a hypothetical way, I agree to this, will you behave like a normal kid would?" He drinks from his water, his eyes set on me.
I raise both of my eyebrows at him, a smirk taking form on my lips. "I am a normal kid, dad."
"Sure." He places the glass in the sink. "And I am POTUS." He smiles at me, and kisses the top of my head, as he walks into the living to retrieve his luggage.
"Gross." I groan at his action, pulling a chuckle out of him.
He throws his bag over his head. "You're allowed. But," He points a finger at me. "Please, don't make me regret this, Beca." I wink at him with a reassuring nod. "Spent money wisely, and enjoy yourselves. Responsibly." We say our goodbyes, and I watch him walk out the front door. I follow naturally, and stand by the door as he places his luggage into the trunk of his car. I wave at him as he slips into the driver's side. "I'll call you!" He shouts and off he's gone.
I'm in. I text Jesse.