"What was that about? " i ask the grinning brunette sitting beside me in his red Porsche as he drives us both home, referring to the incident that happened earlier at the cafeteria.

He's always grinning. Or he'll be smiling like a clown or smirking every now and then, never fuming rage especially for something that doesn't even make sense and that has me worried.

The only time i ever saw Kyle angry was back in eleventh grade when Finn tried to force himself on me. At first he played it cool by saying something really random to make me laugh and it worked but i know he was still trying to hold in his temper. And when he found out the moron was already cheating on me, he blew up.

He stormed out of the boys locker room that day shirtless and covered in sweat and beat the living daylights out of pretty boy Finn Morton.

Finn ended up with multiple broken bones and Kyle got suspended for two weeks.

Although  he wasn't half as angry as he was when it happened earlier today, it still had me really worried. Anger isn't a good look on him.

"it was nothing " he doesn't look at me. He just keeps driving with no expression on his face.

"Kyle... "

"really lex. He just knows how to press my buttons that's all "he gives me a quick glance, flashing his signature smile at me and diverts his attention back to the road.

I sigh and let it go, knowing it's no use. If Kyle wants to tell me something, he would without me even having to ask. But if he doesn't want to, he won't, that is until he's ready to tell me, because honestly he always tells me everything.

"So, peanuts? " he asks "i know you trashed your whole stash this morning. " A wide grin spreads on my lips. "And then maybe we could get ice-cream too. I'm seriously craving chocolate "

"I'm in "

******

On getting to my house, i met Andrew and Brittany having a low conversation in the living room. Her feet on top his thighs as he gives her a slow massage and she downs the content of her wine glass while he speaks.

Well that's unusual.

Andrew is always never home, and when he is, it's usually late around six or seven. Not to mention massaging someone's feet. I must be seeing wrong, because the Andrew i know wouldn't dream of it.

I pretend not to see them and just walk straight ahead to my room but he stops me before i can go any farther.

"Alexa "

Oh, please not now, not now.

I inhale deeply before turning around to face him.

He smiles at me. A very convincing fake smile that almost looks real. 
"i want to talk to you for a minute "

But i don't want to talk to you, i want to say, but i don't. Instead i walk back into the living room and take a sit on the small couch opposite them.

"I'm listening. "

"have you decided? " I'm a little lost at first but then he expands a little further so i grab onto what he's saying. "I'm not forcing you on anything, but I'll really love to know that my daughter would be there on my wedding. It's probably too much to ask, but i still need to hear from you "

I chuckle dryly "I'm not coming to the wedding if that is what you are asking" i sit up straight "you want to know what i think? I think you're making the wrong decision. Tell me, what makes you think this woman here, "i make a hand gesture to Brittany that's silently watching me "-actually loves you? What makes you think she's not just after the money and fame like every other young woman out there marring men that are twenty years older than they are? "

"Age is just a number Alexa. It has nothing to do with what we feel for each other "he looks somewhat hurt. I don't know if it's real or he's just faking it.

"oh is that so? "

"yes "this time it's said woman that speaks up gives me a firm look and then turns to Andrew and her expression changes into something intimate.

I cringe, not feeling comfortable in my current condition.

"i completely understand why you would think that but you're wrong" Andrew nods, that same hurtful look on his face as he diverts his attention to me. "but then there are other pressing matters i want to address"

He puts his elbows on his knees for support, linking his fingers together and sitting up straighter. "the public has started asking questions about who the famous Andrew McCarthy's daughter is."

My frown. This can't be happening.

"i haven't said anything yet. But the world wants to know you, they are getting hungry and i know you said you don't want anything to do with the public, but this would be good for you if you come out. Especially for your college applications "

"oh, please! Stop acting like you care, just stop! "

"i do care Alexa, why wouldn't you get that ?"

"because you don't. You never have and never will. I told you I want nothing to do with you. I don't want your money, your fame and most definitely not your help in getting into a good college. I can do that perfectly fine on my own! "

"that's the problem. You've always done everything on your own. I want to change that. "

"i think I'm perfectly fine with the way things are. And for the last time, i do not need your help! "with that last sentence, i walk out and head to my room.

Doesn't he give up? I don't know why he's suddenly trying to play good dad when he's nothing but. I don't need his help. I've been fine without him for almost my whole life, i don't need the mysterious change now, that's just bullshit.

I pushed my door open to meet the lights on. I'm sure i always turn off my lights so i don't know why they're on this time.

My feet hurt so i took off my shoes, placing them beside the door. Something catches my eyes so i walk down to my dresser and pick up the two key bunch with a silver key holder and a small note beside it.

You were clearly upset the last time i tried to give you this so i decided to wait till you're feeling better.

Use it, i don't know what for or how, but it's yours now.

Your mother would be proud of you.

I feel my eyes tear up, it's Andrew's hand writing and the keys to mum's bakery.

I will the tears not to fall and play with the keys in my fingers for a moment. Just as I'm about to put it down and climb my bed, i hear him.

"are you that absent minded? "