Hidden Within

27 | fallen apart

"Hey, honey," Mom says as I descend the stairs. I enter the kitchen and am greeted by the smell of bacon, finding my family seated at the table. "Want to join us for breakfast?"

I can't remember the last time I shared a meal with my family. I haven't put much effort into spending time with my parents after what happened over the summer; mostly I keep to myself or find excuses to be out of the house.

I think I surprise everyone, including myself, when I pull out a chair and take a seat at the table. I act as if I don't notice my family staring at me, though they aren't being very discreet. I want to snap at my mother when I catch her smiling to herself, as if she knew I would bend to her will eventually. I want to tell Mom that I still haven't forgiven her for what she put me through. However, I don't have the energy to start an argument at the moment.

"So," Mom says in an attempt to start a conversation, "any big plans today?"

"Maddie invited me to go to the movies with her tonight," Reagan chirps. "Is it okay if I go?"

Mom nods. "Sure, sweetie. Just remember you have school in the morning. Make sure you're home on time. Don't forget to thank Mrs. Johnson for taking you."

"Will do," Reagan agrees before rising from her seat and taking her plate to the sink.

"What about you, Hads?" Mom asks as she sets a plate before me. I cringe when she speaks to me. This gesture has become a habit of mine. Maybe things would be different if the summer hadn't played out the way it did.

I shrug. "Just gonna hang out with some friends," I say evasively. To halt further conversation, I reach for a slice of bacon and take a large bite.

"What are you guys going to do?" Reagan directs the question to our parents. In my mind, I praise her for changing the subject and removing me from the center of the conversation.

"Your mother and I are attending a gathering at a friend's place," Dad explains. "You remember my buddy, Mike? He and his wife just bought a new house. They're throwing a housewarming party."

"Sounds fun." Once again, I shock everyone by engaging in the discussion. My parents share a look that is no doubt brought on by my strange behavior. I ignore them and ask, "What time are you guys leaving?"

"I have a few errands to run, so we'll probably leave before one," Mom says.

This news is music to my ears. I was hoping my parents would be out of the house before Devon arrives to pick me up, as I have plans to hang out with her today.

"Thanks for breakfast," I mumble. I shove the rest of my food into my mouth so I can escape the kitchen and run up to my room to get ready before seeing Devon. I leave my plate in the sink and exit the room before my mother can bombard me with questions.

I don't glance at Mom as I walk away. I can hardly look at her anymore without thinking back to the summer; and there is nothing about the summer I care to remember. It's easier for me to ignore my mother, to act as if she doesn't exist.

After all, she's the reason our relationship has fallen apart. She did this to herself.

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a/n: taylor swift = loml