Chapter 33

Amanda Pov.
After Karla and Max left, I set about cleaning up the kitchen a bit after myself even though Ron insisted that everything was fine.
How could I not clean it? It's a dream kitchen.
- I'm going to the car workshop. Tim will make me disappear if I don't go today either. Ron says as he comes out of the bedroom wearing a black t-shirt and loose jeans, and smelling like he's showered.
I love that about him…Most men use all kinds of perfumes to smell fresh and just manage to mask the smell of their skin, but Ron isn't like that. He only uses soap and it smells incredible.
What the hell am I thinking?!
-Ok... I'll stop by the house to talk to my parents and then I'll come to you.
Ron looks at me strangely, with a certain intensity in his eyes, and I suddenly feel awkward.
- Very well... Uhm... Take care of yourself. He says and walks out the door like it's lava instead of the floor.
He's really cute when he stutters. Why is he stuttering? He never had that problem.
Involuntarily, I think back to our morning moment before his friends interrupted us. If we hadn't been interrupted by the knocking on the door, would we have kissed?
The thought of his lips makes my body heat up and I find myself blushing.
What the hell is wrong with you, Amanda?
I shake my head to banish the thoughts that have taken over me and go to his bedroom to get ready for the meeting with my parents.
After I shower, I walk out of the bathroom with a towel wrapped around me and look through Ron's closet for something to wear. As I have never been to his place, I have no coat, but I could put on a shirt of his and it would be a dress instead.
I choose a black shirt, and after putting it on, I put a belt in the middle. All done. I run the brush through my hair a few times, and after taking the keys to the apartment and closing the door behind me, I go out into the street.
At first I think I should take a taxi, but then I shake with fear remembering what happened the last time I got into a taxi.
Oh Amanda...Be strong.
A few taxis pass me but I can't find the courage to wave at one of them.
Well...I'll take the bus.
I should have realized that the walk to the nearest bus stop would be long. I only did it for about half an hour and today was supposed to be the hottest day of the year.
How did I get so lucky?!
I get on the bus as soon as its doors open and sit far away from everyone. I know I got a little paranoid but it's only the fault of my kidnappers.
The drive home seems to take forever because I'm not used to public transportation. I usually took a taxi or Ron offered to drive me. I think until I can regain the confidence I used to have, I will use the bus.
I get off the bus and then walk home again. When I see my house after a few tens of minutes of walking, I breathe a sigh of relief, but I am no longer happy when I hear my parents arguing.
I take a deep breath and enter the house, taking them by surprise.
At least they stopped arguing.
-Sweetheart…
-Amanda...
I look at my parents and I don't know which one to listen to first since they both spoke at the same time.
- Can I have a coffee and then we can talk? I say trying to seem open to whatever lies they want to pour down my throat this time too.
Mom goes into the kitchen and comes back with three cups of coffee, then we each sit on a corner stool.
-I think you have a lot of questions for us. Mom says drinking from her coffee mug.
-I certainly have, but first I want to know why you didn't come to visit me at the hospital. Or at least the day I was discharged.
- I wanted to come, but your father and Ron…
-Stop this drama, Gabriella. Do you think Amanda is so stupid that she doesn't realize you're lying to her? Dad says angrily mom and I take a sip of coffee.
Dad...he's changed a lot since I last saw him. His hair is graying and his wrinkles are more pronounced. In addition, he became more vocal. I never heard dad raise his voice at mom.
So far.
For everything there is a beginning.
-Did you talk to Ron? Dad asks me and I almost choke on my own breath.
It's been a long time since he talked to me.
-Yes I spoke. I answer him immediately.
Knowing dad, he might get annoyed just because I take a long time to answer questions.
-Then you know the reason why I left you both.
I simply nod, not knowing where he's going with this.
- Do you understand the reason? He continues and I frown.
What does he want from me? Should I tell him I forgive him for abandoning me? Should I come to terms with the fact that he is gone from my life? I cant do this. I was not to blame for my mother's actions. I wasn't supposed to be punished along with her.
-I'm trying to understand you, but I don't agree with the way you went about it. I say leaving the coffee mug on the table in front of us. You shouldn't have been so cruel to me.
-I'm sorry, Amanda, but at that moment it seemed the right thing to do. I waited for you to contact me, but you never did. Your friend told me you have no idea about the whole story.
I try to fight back the tears that threaten to come out and sigh.
-And now what? I ask not knowing why mom is suddenly so quiet.
-There are many other things that you don't know.