Wonderwall

Chapter 14

I urge myself up the driveway, taking notice that her car is parked. I push up the stairs and grab ahold of the door knob. I have to keep reminding myself now or never.

I yank the door open and step inside. The familiar scent of warm vanilla comforts me, even though my nerves are getting the best of me. "Audrey?" I hear my mothers voice call from the kitchen.

Before I can slip my shoes off or even set my bag down, she's rushing through the foyer to pull me into her arms. "You're home!" She cries in relief.

I'm stiff in her arms.

"I've missed you so much." Her eyes well up with tears. She dramatically drags a finger under her eyes collecting the tears so she doesn't smudge her makeup.

"Mom." I shrug her off. She steps back her eyes wide. "I didn't come back because I had to." I tell her. "I was perfectly fine without you." I say a little harsher than I intended. "I came back to hear you out." She looks astonished. As if she actually had something to say. She was probably just planning on having me apologize, but I didn't do anything.

"Oh..." She takes another step back. She takes a minute before speaking again. "Well let's get you something to eat... And take your shoes off. Don't want to track dirt into the house."

I place my bag on the floor, stepping out of my heels, following her into the kitchen where she is pouring boiling water into two mugs. "It's mint tea, your favourite." She smiles.

I take the tea from her and inhale the strong scent of mint. "I had a lot of time to think while you were away." She begins. "I feel terrible for what I did to your dress that was unreasonable and unkind of me to do." You can't tell this is hard for her because she's not used to apologizing.

"I'm taking total responsibility for my actions. So I went ahead and ordered you another." She smiles wide. I nearly spit my tea out.

"Oh it's perfect for you, darling!" She clasps her hands together. "I took the liberty of looking through your Pinterest and I found the most beautiful dress!" My jaw drops. "Don't say anything until you see it!" She says raising her index finger in the air. She disappears, leaving me in the kitchen.

Seconds later she enters with a big dress bag in her arms. "Close your eyes." She grins excitedly. I do as I'm told, listening to the sounds of the zipper opening.

"Open!" She squeals. I pop my eyes open, She's standing at my side eagerly waiting for my response. I turn to the dress. It's long and black and the sides are slit covered by see through material. The chest is littered with cut outs and it's truly beautiful.

I find myself smiling. Smiling more than I did with the other dresses. I look back to my mother who gives me a genuine smile. "Well?" She says hopeful.

"I love it Mother." I grin. I hop out of my seat and run my hands down the soft fabric of he dress. "Black?" I quirk my eyebrow.

"I know, I know... Black isn't usually the colour for prom, but I thought it would look good beside that tattooed boy." She sighs.

I gasp. "Harry?" I stare up at her. She nods along to my words, a displeased look on his face.

"I trust you Audrey, to make your own choices and if you like this boy... I suppose I can give him a chance." She rubs her forehead. I can't help myself when I leap into her arms, hugging her tightly.

"Thank you!" I squeal.

"I was thinking we could have him over for dinner one night this week so I can be introduced." She says adjusting her shirt that is ruffled from my hold.