"It's unlocked." Patricia whispered to Eddie as she opened the front door. "Come on."
They quietly tip-toed into the house, careful to not let their feet hit the wooden floor loudly.
Patricia spotted a piece of paper sitting on the Williamsons' marble counter. It had her mom's name on it in her dad's sloppy handwriting.
"He's gone." Patricia said softly. She held up the letter for Eddie to see. "He must've gone to the bank or the diner." She played with a corner of the letter, debating whether to open it or not.
"Are you going to open it?" Eddie asked.
"I don't know. Should I? It seems kind of wrong." Patricia shrugged.
"It could be important."
Patricia took a deep breath, collecting courage. "You're right."
She took another deep breath and opened the paper slowly. She and Eddie both read the letter to themselves.
Elizabeth,
If you're reading this, you must've come home to apologize or for me to apologize. Well, I'm sorry if you want me to apologize.
I have gone to the diner to be sure that there is no excess property that we can sell. I still refuse to sell the diner itself, but maybe we can compromise and sell a portion of it off. You can call me stubborn all you want, but this diner has been in my family since the early 1900s and I intend to keep it in the family. I hope that one day one of the girls will take it. I also hope that sometime soon, you will put yourself in my shoes and see why the diner is so important to me.
I know you're unhappy right now, and believe me, I am, too. But we can't let money tear our family apart. We need to tell the girls at some point.
If you forgive me, then just wait. I will be home soon. If you refuse, then I will know when you don't show up. When you are ready, come home.
Charlie
"Yacker?" Eddie asked when he finished reading the letter.
"We must be in a lot of trouble if they're considering selling the diner." Patricia didn't look at Eddie. Instead, her teary eyes continued staring at the letter.
"Are you okay?" Eddie put an arm around her.
"I'm going to go get my clothes. I'll be back in a minute." Patricia responded shortly.
"Yacker…" Eddie sighed as she watched her go up the stairs to her room.
Once upstairs, Patricia quietly closed her door and sat on her bed. Tear roamed her face, seeming to cover every inch of it. She sniffled a bit, trying to hold back her tears. This wasn't what she needed.
Deep down, she knew it was partly her fault, too. Those counseling lessons were expensive. That had to have something to do with it.
"I should've just done without them." Patricia mumbled. "I should've been stronger."
There was a small knock at her door.
"Patricia? Can I come in?" She heard Eddie's voice ask softly. "Please?"
"Whatever." Patricia sighed, quickly wiping the tears from her eyes. Eddie had seen her cry enough. She didn't want him to think that she was weak or a crybaby. "I was just think which pajamas I should bring."
"Yacker, you know you can tell me anything, right?" Eddie asked.
"Duh, doofus." She faked a smile. "Can you hand me that bag over there?" she asked, pointing at the closet.
"The one with the ladybugs all over it?" Eddie joked.
"Haha, very funny." Patricia rolled her eyes. "Piper must've taken her green polka dot one to Ava's place."
"She's still friends with her?" Eddie asked, handing Patricia her purple bag with the black stars on it. "I feel bad for your sister. How are they even friends?"
"They went to music school together." Patricia said as she threw some clothes in her bag.
"Woah, woah, wait. Music school?" Eddie raised an eyebrow.
"Ava used to play the violin." Patricia shrugged. "Ironic, isn't it? The violin is so peaceful—"
"And she's the exact opposite." Eddie finished.
"Exactly." Patricia quickly zipped up her bag. "Let's go."
As they were walking back down the stairs, they could vaguely hear a car door slamming. Patricia and Eddie looked at each other and shrugged.
The front door swung open and Patricia paused on the stairs, holding her arm out so Eddie would know to do the same. They both watched as Mr. Williamson walked through the door.
He immediately spotted them on the stairs. "Where are you guys going?"
"… A party?" Patricia lied. No way her dad would let her spend the night at Eddie's house, even if nothing happened.
"With a bag?" Mr. Williamson questioned.
"Yes?" Patricia managed. "I mean, yes. I had to bring a change of clothes. It's a water party."
"I see." Mr. Williamson crossed his arms. He scowled at Eddie. "And what are you doing, Mr. Miller."
I'm… helping! Helping your daughter carry stuff." Eddie saw Patricia look at him out of the corner of his eye. "Like this bag!" He took the bag from her.
"Patricia, I assume you're probably staying over at a friend's house."
"Joy's house!" Patricia quickly said. "You know, Joy Mercer?"
"Of course I know Joy, Patricia. She's been over here a billion times. Don't be foolish." Mr. Williamson disappeared into the kitchen.
"Let's go." Eddie whispered to Patricia. She nodded and they silently slipped out the door.
So… you may or may not predict what's going to happen in about 2-3 chapters from now… I didn't make it SUPER obvious, but you might be able to guess!
And it looks like I will be starting a Total Drama and HOA crossover… this could be interesting. Any particular characters from either show you would like to see if you were to read it?
One more thing: I think I just had someone rip off my work. Actually I know. I don't know if I should say the name of the person or the story, but I think you know who you are. If you are reading this, did you really think I wouldn't notice that you just changed the names of their friends and the order of events? You had a fire in yours, which I did NOT have, but you also had a horrible ex, a snotty girl, and the Williamson's family friend fall in love with Piper. And I do believe you had Eddie save her from certain deaths, I am trying to find your story now, and it seems you have taken it off.
THANK YOU TO MY AWESOME REVIEWERS! THIS STORY ALREADY HAS 113 (last time I checked) REVIEWS! YAY!
