Setting: L.A.X. Airport in Los Angeles, California
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If Mae could stay in New York while her parents went back to L.A., she would. New York was like a breath of fresh air. She wasn't trapped by the awkwardness caused by her parents or the constant arguments. It was evident that they were mad at each other because Mae hadn't seen them say a single word to one another for the entire trip. They sat on opposite ends of the plane on the way back home and took separate vehicles when they landed.
Most parents would try to hide their problems for the sake of their kids but to Mae's parents, it was as if she didn't exist. She knew they were going to therapy to solve their problems but it was as if things were getting worse instead of better. When she saw why her parents were trending on Twitter, it all made sense. Mae didn't want her parents to get a divorce but she also didn't want them to stay together if they hated each other. Plus, it was summer break. She didn't want to spend it in a courtroom as her parents decided who would have custody over her.
There was still no definite answer though. Social media always created rumors and those rumors couldn't be confirmed or denied unless they came directly from the source.
"I miss Dad," Mae stated. Mae watched out the window as the car Jesse stepped into went in the opposite direction as them. Demi paused from typing out the text on her phone to process what Mae said.
"You just saw him, sweetheart," Demi commented. She didn't understand what there was to miss when they just spent an entire week together while in New York.
"I know but I miss him living with us. I feel like I'm the product of divorced parents." Mae muttered. At this point, she practically was. Demi and Jesse had been living in different houses for almost a month now and she never got to see her father.
"Don't say that, Maeve." Demi looked up from her phone, getting defensive.
"Why? You guys are basically divorced, all you need to do is sign the paperwork." Mae explained. She didn't want to come off as rude or disrespectful because she could already feel the anger radiating off of Demi from a simple comment. But if her parents were going to act as if she didn't exist then she was going to express her feelings about it.
"Your father and I are not divorced and we're not getting a divorce..." Demi trailed off because she wasn't very confident with her last statement. She and Jesse's relationship had been like a game of tug-of-war. If they couldn't get on the same side, they might have to throw in the towel.
"Then why isn't dad coming home with us?"
"It's very complicated. You wouldn't understand, Mae—"
"Oh my God, what is so complicated about you and dad refusing to get along? I don't expect you to tell me all of your problems but stop shutting me out! Most parents would hide their problems for the sake of their child but it's like I don't even exist! Don't you think I deserve some explanation? You guys are being selfish." Mae ranted.
