"Yeah, I finished," Sawyer answered shortly.
Silence.
"The date for the ball hasn't changed, has it?" I inquired quietly, poking my dinner, refusing to look up.
"That night is set in stone. The invitations have gone out, and I'm sure that the coordinator has ordered decorations and food. The President and the first lady are going this year. Why do you ask?"
"The Choir concert-"
"Not this crap again!" Dr. Vodola slammed down his glass on the table, shards of glass and his water scattered across the table.
I jumped at the sound, and then the room became full of pure silence as he glared at me, leaving me shaking.
"Why do you keep bringing this singing nonsense up? I knew I shouldn't have allowed you to join the choir in the first place. Yet, those stupid scientists continue to tell me you need exposure to everything, including the arts. You will not be going to the concert. You have too much going on for you academically that you don't need that fluff."
"Why? Why can't she?" Sawyer yelled, standing up to face his father.
Seeing them standing together, Sawyer was close to his father's size now. They were almost eye to eye with each other.
"You're back to defending her?" Dr. Vodola scuffed.
"Yeah, someone has to protect her from you."
"Sit down and shut up already. You don't get the bigger picture."
"No!"
My throat tightened as the breath seemed to have become stuck inside my lungs.
Was I supposed to stop their yelling? I just wanted to curl over and cover my ears with my hands.
"You will listen to me!"
"Why should I? You're no father!"
"You're just an idiotic idealist just like your mother!"
"Well, it beats being a bastard." Sawyer's eyes narrowed, and his fists were tight at his sides.
The next second before I knew it, Sawyer stumbled against the wall as the thud of Dr. Vodola's fist collided with Sawyer's face. A squeak escaped my lips as the room paused. Both males were fuming, but I was worried that Sawyer would get hurt. Would I be next?
With my eyes wide, as I just watched the scene in front of me unravel, before I could blink, Sawyer punched Dr. Vodola. Sawyer took hold of my wrist, yanking me out of the room. We ran towards the garage as Dr. Vodola's voice was behind us.
Sawyer jumped into the driver's side of his car, leaving me confused. Shaking my head, I got into the other side. Sawyer pulled down his visor, and his keys fell into his lap. Before I could put my seatbelt on, we were out of the garage and speeding down the street. Quickly I put on my seatbelt.
"Sawyer-"
"Just give me a minute, please," Sawyer answered, cutting me off with his eyes glued to the road.
Sawyer's eyes were still ahead as he turned up the already heavy music. His knuckles were turning white around the wheel, except for the couple that had blood on them. After a couple of minutes of speeding and sharp turns, we pulled into a driveway of a ranch-style house.
"Where are we?" I asked quietly, worried he would turn on me next.
"We're at Ricky's house. He's at college, and his parents are away for their anniversary, or it was an anniversary gift, one of the two I don't remember. I've agreed to watch their house. So, we can hide out here for a while."
Still not looking at me, Sawyer turned off the car and started heading to the front door. Taking a deep breath, I let it out slowly and then followed Sawyer to the house. Unlocking the door, we went in. There were plants in matching pots in corners, windowsills, and one on the table. Between the cat sleeping on the couch and the plants, I saw why they had asked someone to check on the house.
Turning to face me, he reached over my shoulder to turn on the lights.
"Sawyer-"
"Give me a couple more minutes."
Sighing, I went over to the couch, folding my legs under me watching him walk out of the room. The house was quiet as my eyes took in my surroundings. The room was full of soft colors, family pictures on all the walls, and dark green leaves everywhere. I was beginning to feel like I was in a jungle.
Feeling slight movement next to me, I looked over to see the orange cat stretch and walk next to me. The animal collapsed down next to me and fell asleep like he hadn't slept before. Gently I gave him soft strokes against the short orange fur.
After a few minutes, Sawyer didn't show up, so I went to look for him. I turned out of the living room, and the bathroom door was open. In front of the sink, Sawyer was leaning over to look in the mirror. Walking over to Sawyer, he didn't move. Watching Sawyer in the mirror, I was watching his features. When my eyes met his, I noticed the black eye forming.
"Oh my God," I whispered, and he finally turned to look at me. "Let's get you some ice or something."
"I'm fine."
"You have a black eye!"
"And my father probably has a broken nose." Sawyer's voice was dry.
"Thank you for standing up for me, and I'm sorry for this whole mess," I whispered, crossing my arms over my chest.
An arm wrapped around my shoulder to
