I put up a smile and walked up the stairs. Finally I was back into civilization. Finally I was back to a place where I could stop thinking about everything and for a while, I could focus on different things. I walked up the hallway, and there was Natalie, waiting for me with I concluded was the Prescott woman. Wow… did Taylor manage to get this high security with her? He must be worse than dad… unless dad pulled some strings, which I was sure he did…

'Hey Grey!' She greeted, while we walked towards our lockers.

'Hey Nat…' I greeted. '…I have to correct you! You're worse than me!'

'Not funny Grey!' She replied. 'I'm mad at my father for even considering this!'

'Oh shut up Natalie.' I scolded. 'At least you have a father that fears for anything that happens to you.'

'Ok… you're right there…' She replied as she took her books out. 'We better get to class before Mark blasts my phone.

'Phone suspension lifted?' I asked.

'Yeah… my parents said that I cannot stay without a phone in school… it's a necessity these days… not something that one could stay without.'

'God bless common sense!' I smiled.

'Ohh, and I still haven't told you the news! I'm going on a trip with mum to visit grandma.'

'When are you leaving? I replied as I closed my locker.

'On the 23rd and I come back on the 30th' She added.

'You're not going to be here for Christmas? You know we always invite you with our family!'

'I know… but I'll be here for in New Year's Eve.'

'I'll have to give you your Christmas present earlier then…'

'Hey, I didn't tell you this to get the present early!'

'I know… but you're my sis… I have someone to spoil!' I smiled, while Nat's phone rang.

'Geez, Mark! Give me a frikkin' minute with Grey! I'm not going to escape you know!' She said.

'Oh come on baby! You know you love it when I'm needy!'

'Yes I do…' she smiled.

'Listen, don't take long! Wilson is giving us the test back.'

'Thanks… be right there baby.' She finished as she hung up and grabbed her books.

The day passed quickly… I didn't notice how fast the time passed. It was amazing how school took my mind off things. I could see Mark and Natalie happy together… they held their hands together… never letting go… and it made me think… was I ever going to have that? Would anyone want me? My mother always taught me to save my virginity to the guy I truly love… but now… what do I have to give?

At 3pm, we all headed home. Taylor went in to talk to his daughter. I could see the closeness, the love… the feeling of affection between them… I wished to have that with my own father. I checked my phone and realized that he still hadn't texted me back. He was at home… maybe I'll talk to him there… I hope so at least.

Soon Taylor came in, and he had a smile. Usually he's always serious, but I was happy for him that he could find peace with the person he loves and cares about. He started the SUV, and started driving to Escala.

'How was school?' He asked bringing me out of my thoughts.

'It was ok… ' I replied. 'I received my Biology test.'

'How did you do kiddo?'

'87%... I can do better.'

'That's already a good mark.'

'Not enough to raise my GPA to the highest level.'

'You already have a GPA with that.'

'Yeah…' I replied. 'Is dad home?' I asked.

'Yes, even your mother. The meeting was cancelled… her editor is sick and didn't attend.'

'Ok…'

It wasn't long till we arrived home. He pushed the security code and took me up to our house. My parents were both there in the kitchen, discussing and planning the family get together.

'Hello sweet heart.' My mother greeted me as she saw me. 'How was school?' She asked while my father remained there concentrated in what he was doing on his laptop.

'It was ok…' I replied as I took out my paper out. 'I got an 87% in biology.' I continued as I handed her the paper.

'That's good dear!' She said as she took a look into it. 'Isn't it Christian?' She continued as she elbowed him… but it was to no avail… he was still focusing on what he was doing.

'I texted you today dad.'

'I didn't receive it…' He answered coldly.

'I received the Delivery Report…'

'…to put it better… I didn't get it.' He answered back in his stern voice.

'Ok…' I replied. 'Um… I'm going to my room.'

'Why don't you eat something with us dear?' Mum suggested as she handed me back my paper.

'I had a huge lunch at school… am not hungry right now.' I replied while mum looked at dad for some response…

'Ana, she said she's not hungry… if she's not hungry she's not… she'll do what she wants… isn't that right Sera?' He asked in a hurtful manner, but I couldn't answer back.

'Can I go please?'

'Yes… sure…' My mother replied… 'Oh… and please, tell Natalie that the get together is going to be on the 22nd, her boyfriend is also invited.'

'She won't be coming this year.' I replied.

'Why not?' Dad asked.

'Her mother is taking her on a trip to visit her grandma… she'll be back on the 30th.'

'Ohh…' Was his only reply.

He cared enough for Natalie… but not enough for me… but at least he talked to me... that was more than nothing...I made my way to my room, and locked the door behind me… I was finally alone… the place where I belonged… in an empty and lonely place…

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