Chapter 32 – My Dad Was Actually Going To Kill Axel #2
Uncle Matt nodded. “Good luck, kiddo.”
God, what would I have done if I hadn’t had the most amazing uncles in the world growing up? I walked back into the living room.
Axel was sitting next to Jacob on the couch now. They were talking about something. There didn’t seem to be any awkward tension around them now. Which I was relieved about. But maybe before we told my mom, we should tell Jacob. I didn’t want him to have to hear with everyone else.
“Hey,” I said and leaned on the couch behind them. “Axel, could I borrow you for a sec?”
“Yeah. Sure.”
Jacob put his arm on the back of the couch to see me. He glanced at my hands stuffed in my pocket and then back up to my face. “Congrats,” he whispered. “I’m really happy for you guys.”
“Sorry,” Axel whispered. “I had to tell him.”
“I’m glad you did. Thanks, Jacob.”
Jacob nodded. He had a smile on his face. But it didn’t quite reach his eyes.
I had to believe Uncle Matt. That Jacob had his mom’s heart. And that it was big enough to love someone new. Hopefully soon. My chest ached knowing that I’d hurt him.
“I’m so sorry...” I started.
“Don’t,” Jacob said. “If you’re happy. I’m happy.”
I glanced at Axel and smiled. I was so freaking happy.
“But your dad is going to flip,” Jacob whispered.
I laughed. “I know. Which is why we need a game plan.”
“I’m gonna leave that one to the team captain,” Jacob said.
Axel laughed and walked around the couch. “I think we should just tell him. He’s going to try to kill me either way. And he’s all the way across the room right now. It’ll give me a head start when I have to run.”
I laughed. “He’s not going to kill you.”
“I know, but he’s going to try.”
I shook my head. “Last night my mom said it would be better if we told her first. So she could kind of tell him privately ahead of our actual reveal.”
“What actual reveal?” RJ asked.
“Yes, what’s the reveal?” Parker looked up at me.
“Go away, twerp,” RJ said. “The adults are talking.”
“Then you better step to the side, idiot.”
RJ glared at her.
Sophie walked over. She took one look at my hands shoved in my hoodie and squealed. She grabbed my left hand and pulled it out. “Scar. Axel.” She threw her arms around both of us. “I’m so happy for both of you.”
She pulled back and there were tears streaming down her cheeks.
“Soph.” I knew she was happy for us. But I was worried if maybe she felt a bit broken too. Because of Mr. Halifax.
“Scar,” she said with a laugh and quickly wiped her eyes.
“Oh, fuck,” RJ said when he saw my ring. “You guys are seriously getting married in high school? That’s wild.”
“RJ, lower your voice...”
“Huzzah!” he yelled and turned around. “Axel and Scar are engaged!”
Oh no.
Liam spit out whatever he was drinking and he turned to look at us.
But I didn’t get to see his expression because the glass in my dad’s hand cracked in half and my mom screamed.
“Jesus.” My mom grabbed his hand. “What are you doing?” She placed a napkin in his palm.
Is he bleeding?!
My dad didn’t say a word. He just stared at Axel. Like he very much did want to kill him. His fist closed around the napkin.
“This is great news,” my mom said. “Right, James?”
He just kept glaring at Axel.
Axel cleared his throat. “Uncle James, I did ask for her hand and you said...”
“When she was legal. Is my daughter suddenly 18? And you are wearing the same outfit as you were last night. Aren’t you? Where is Briggs? Penny, call Porter.”
“It’s a different outfit,” Liam said. “Congrats, guys.”
I smiled at him.
“Real different,” Mr. Tanner said. “Like I said before, I’d know if it was an outfit from the 50s. It’s not. Congrats, kids. I love young love. But I’m off my game. I really thought it would be Scarlett and Jacob getting married.”
“No one is getting married,” my dad said firmly.
Uncle Tyler stood up. He lightly hit my dad in the stomach as he rounded the couch.
And then he leaned over and hugged me. “I’d say welcome to the family, but you’re already a part of it, Scarlett.” He kissed my cheek.
“Thanks, Uncle Tyler.”
“You guys should really stop calling each other’s parents uncle and aunt,” RJ said. “Now that you’re getting married. People will think you’re legit cousins getting freaky.”
“No one is getting married,” my dad said. “And definitely no one is getting freaky.” He turned to Aunt Hailey. “Hails. Say something.”
She laughed. “You think I’m taking your side here? Everyone else may have forgiven you, but I’m still mad.”
“Mom,” Axel said.
She sighed and shook her head. But she ignored my dad and rounded the couch to pull her son into a big hug. “I’m so proud of you,” she whispered.
I smiled at the two of them.
And then she grabbed my hand and pulled me into the hug too.
“Should we start planning the wedding now?” Mr. Tanner asked. “Nigel, takes notes.”
“Of course,” Mr. Nigel said and pulled out a notebook. “Live band, yes?”
“No notes!” my dad yelled. “They’re not getting married any time soon. They’ll have a long engagement. Right?” He stared at me. “Right, pumpkin? You’ll at least wait until after you graduate from college?”
“I...” I hadn’t really thought of it.
Uncle Rob gasped. “Unless she’s pregnant.”
Uncle Rob! Why?!
“Shotgun wedding,” he said with his smile that I knew meant he was up to no good.
Aunt Daphne slapped him in the back of the head.
“That’s not possible,” my dad said. “My daughter is a virgin.”
The room was eerily quiet.
“I said my daughter is a virgin.” He stepped toward me like he was about to carry me out of here and lock me in a tower.
My mom put her hand on his chest. “James. Scarlett is practically an adult...”
“Practically is a key word there, Penny!”
“I think we all need to calm down,” Uncle Matt said. “I for one think it’s brilliant.” He nodded at me. “Congratulations to the happy couple. We should pop some champagne.”
“You would think it’s great because you were crazy enough to want to get hitched in high school.” My dad glared at him and then turned back to Axel.
Thanks for trying, Uncle Matt.
“Axel, my daughter is a virgin,” he said again. “Swear it to me.”
Axel opened his mouth and closed it again.
Aunt Brooklyn laughed. “James. Please. As if you were a virgin in high school.”
“This isn’t about me.”