Page 15 of Shattered

My eyes fly back to my dad. “What? What happened? You’ve worked there forever.”

He nods slowly, agreeing. “I have. Unfortunately, they think I’m the reason for some missing equipment, and my services are no longer needed.”

“But you’re the best mechanic there. And what do you mean, missing equipment?” Mom and Dad share a look as if having a silent conversation, and I step closer. “What?”

“Jennifer’s father owns many businesses around here, even if he doesn’t physically run them.” A sinking feeling pulls my stomach to the ground because I think I know where Mom’s going with that statement. “We think them blaming your father for stealing might have something to do with what’s going on with Jacob.”

Guilt. It’s immediate because I know I’m the one responsible for him being fired, or rather, my friendship with Jacob is. I try to never be a problem, yet now, indirectly, I’m one of the biggest problems they have.

“That is completely unfair. Jacob didn’t do anything. And even if he did, you have nothing to do with it.” And neither do I, really.

My father exhales a defeated sigh. “Life isn’t always fair, Neilix, and it isn’t always in our control. We can only control how we respond to these injustices. I will go out there tomorrow and look for a new job. It just means things will be tighter for a while.”

I shake my head, some of the strands falling in front of my eyes, while anxiety crawls up my throat like a prickly vine. Things are already tight.

“You shouldn’t have to look for another job.”

“Well, it won’t to do me any good to scream and shout about it. I need to spend my time being productive.”

I drop myself into one of the chairs at the table, an angry buzz running through my veins, while I simultaneously feel terrible and selfishly happy that I get a moment to sit and talk with them.

I can’t understand how he’s being so calm right now because I’m vibrating with the need to storm the shop first thing in the morning and demand they rehire him. I’m obviously still prone to the typical irrational teenage behavior, but I’d expect him to at least appear angry. I try to be levelheaded like him, but clearly, he far exceeds me in remaining calm under trying circumstances, having had a lifetime of experience under his belt. And dealing with Deanna.

“Is it even legal for them to fire you with no real reason?”

He pulls off his glasses and sets them on the table. “Well, claiming I stole some expensive items is their reason, and since I can’t prove I didn’t . . .”

“That’s bullshit,” I whisper under my breath.

“What’s that?” Dad asks.

I shake my head with a sigh. “Nothing.”

Mom stands, squeezing my father’s shoulders again. “I’m going to head to bed now. I have another long day tomorrow.”

“I’ll be coming right away, hon.” He pats one of her hands and then watches as she walks away before turning back. “Things will be okay. We go through ups and downs constantly. It’s what keeps life interesting.” With his eyes on me, he lingers for a moment, his finger tapping the table, but then pushes to his feet. “I’m going to bed as well.”

For a moment, I thought he was going to ask how I’m doing with everything going on, but as I watch him walk off, I’m resigned to the fact that maybe my parents just don’t care. That, or they assume I’m fine.

CHAPTER FIVE

Neilix

After the completely ridiculous day I had—the comments at school, Jason’s fight and then him being high, and then finding out my dad was fired because of my friendship with Jacob—I’m wiped, mentally, emotionally, and physically. As usual, I was left to fend for myself and absorb some more life-changing news on my own.

I heated some of the leftovers in the fridge, sat at the table by myself, and then came in here to get ready for bed.

Pushing myself to sit with my back against the headboard, I adjust the pillow behind my back and kick at my blanket until my feet are sticking out. Then I reach for my phone and turn to the one person who does seem to care about my well-being.

I just manage to unlock my phone when a text comes through.

Sunflower: How is my favorite person tonight?

Blowing out an exhale, I run a hand over my face and sink deeper into the pillow behind me.

Me: Not great. Just found out my dad was fired today, and I’m pretty sure it has to do with what’s going on with Jacob.

Three little dots appear immediately, followed just as quickly by her reply.

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