My mom was very outspoken--since I was thirteen--about what her, Grandma, and Great-Grandma went through. She didn't hover, but she made sure I was safe. Which, I was grateful for, but there were so many things I couldn't do because my mom found them dangerous.
Mason, my twin, never questioned Mom. Maybe it was because Mom was a single mom. She'd dated a guy named Elliot, but it didn't work out. Not because he was a bad guy, but because their interests set them apart.
"Emma!" My friend Carrie waved as she ran to me.
"Hey, girl!" I hugged my best friend.
"You coming to my house tonight?" She asked.
"Duh. Just gotta tell my mom," I shrugged.
"You know she won't let you go. She doesn't like me," Carrie said.
"It's not that she doesn't like you," I said. "She's iffy about your older brother. She's a little paranoid."
"Well, we're gonna eat junk food and see a movie," she said.
"Okay," I said.
"Hey, babe," Liam, my boyfriend, kissed my cheek.
"Hey," I said.
"What are y'all doin?" He asked, wrapping his arms around my waist from behind.
"Planning our girls night," Carrie said.
"That's fun," he said. "Ready for class?"
"I guess," I mock-rolled my eyes and laughed. "Later, Carrie."
Liam took my hand as we walked to class.
"Hey, Emma," Mason said.
"Hey," I said.
Liam and Mason didn't exactly get along. I didn't understand why, but whatever. Liam and I made it to class and we sat in our seats. Neither one of us paid attention. I coul do this in my sleep if I needed.
"Meet me in the hallway," I whispered in Liam's ear. "Ms. Brown, I need to go to the bathroom."
"Okay, Emma," she nodded and I walked out.
I stood outside the classroom door for a minute and Liam came out. He kissed me and I wrapped my arms around his neck. Who needs science anyway? He held my head in his hands and I laughed.
"Why do you laugh every time I hold you?" He asked.
"Cause it feels funny," I said.
"You're a dork," he poked my side.
"Hopefully a cute dork," I said.
"Let's get outta here. We can go get food and I'll drop you off at Carrie's later?" Liam suggested.
"Sounds good to me," I said.
He took my hand and we ran to his truck. I got in the passenger side and he started the truck.
"Where do you wanna go?" He asked.
"McDonalds!" I said.
"Okay," he laughed and we drove to McDonalds.
*
After school, my mom blew up my phone.
"Hello?" I answered her call.
"Where are you?" She asked.
"Carrie's," I said. "Remember?"
"This is the first I'm hearing about this," she said.
"Well, I told you," I shrugged.
"Be home tomorrow," she snapped.
"Kay. Love you. Bye," I hung up.
"Mom driving you crazy again?" Liam petted my hair.
"Yeah, but it's whatever. Can I go to Carrie's now?" I said.
"Kay," he kissed my cheek.
He drove me to Carrie's and I went inside her house.
"Hey, Mrs. Diane," I said to Carrie's mom.
"Hey, sweetie," she said. "Carrie is in her room."
"Thanks," I said as I went upstairs.
"Hey," Carrie said when I opened the door. "Ice cream?"
"Yes!" I laughed, taking it from her.
"So when are you gonna tell your mom about Liam?" She asked.
I shrugged. "When the time is right."
"Okay," she laughed. Her phone buzzed and she checked it. "So stupid," she laughed.
"What is it?" I asked.
"My dad sent me a picture of him being silly," she showed me.
He was attempting a duck face and doing the peace sign.
"So, what movie are we gonna see?" I asked.
"Not sure. We can stop by Redbox," she said.
I nodded. "So what time is your dad coming home?"
"Tomorrow," she said.
"Let's go on a walk," I said.
"No it's late. Let's just chill," she said.
"It's not that late," I said.
"You're a wild child, girl," she said.
"But you love me," I said and we walked out her house, telling her mom we'd be back.
YOU ARE READING
Broken Cycle
Novela JuvenilEmma is the daughter of Alexis Barns. Alexis stressed to Emma (and Mason) the importance of being careful in every day life. While Mason is your average golden boy (but not cocky) Emma is the most rebellious daughter you'd meet. She puts on a show b...