Tainted Perfection [bxb]

Chapter 8 - Exposed

Music - Bad Day by Daniel Powter

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Todd

My eyes were fixated on the mirror as I ran my hand over my cheeks down to my jaw and to my chin. The texture of growing facial hair was rough against my palm. Dad had always been a man who loved to keep his facial hair thick, but I wasn't. We were naturally hairy, but I loved to keep my face clean-shaven. With my facial hair on, I looked twenty-five and I liked to look young, or at least my age.

After shaving, I put my glasses on and made my way to my closet. I pulled out a baggy gray Led Zeppelin band shirt and a pair of black ripped denim jeans that I only wore once. Apparently, my clothes can get out of the closet but I couldn't. As soon as I was done with everything, I made my way downstairs for breakfast.

Mom and dad talking at the dining table as knives grinding on the plates sounded subtle in the background. As I entered the dining area, mom greeted me good morning, like she usually would and added, "You're just in time for breakfast, sweetie."

"Where you up to?" Dad asked as I settled on my seat. "Phil's? Hollie's?"

I shook my head as my mom poured in coffee in my cup. I didn't go out much and if I did, it would be at my friends' places. This time, however, I'd be at Joanne's. "I'll be helping a friend out with her math," I told them and they both shared odd looks.

"Her?" Dad asked but he wasn't really looking at me, and instead, he was looking at mom.

"Her?" My mom asked the same question.

"A friend," Dad stated as a smirk formed in his mouth while he nodded repeatedly.

"A friend." Mom shrugged.

I rolled my eyes, ignoring their wicked grin, and began to smear butter on my toast. Mom and dad started dating around my age so it was expected of them to make assumptions about my love life now that I'd be turning eighteen. They would just have to wait. "Anyway, I haven't told you this yet, but I made the basketball team this Thursday."

Dad finally put his newspaper down as he pulled out a delighted face and said, "Wow, that's fantastic." He leaned forward a little and patted me on the shoulder. He then added, "I know you can do it, but I never thought you're interested."

I shrugged as I chewed on my toast. I took a sip of my coffee and told them, "Not really dad, I've  been wanting to join the team since last year actually, I just never had the courage."

"Well honey, I'm glad you're keeping your schedule tight with this new extracurricular of yours and that girl you're 'helping'." Mom teased me as she wiggled her brows while elbowing my arms. 

I heaved a sigh and shook my head as I stifled a laugh. "Mom, cut it out," I told her and quirked my brow. "Is this how you and dad sneak out back in the day?" 

Mom's face turned red and ignored my question. Meanwhile, dad chuckled as she took a glance at her and put his newspaper down. "She did tell your grandma she'd be at the movies with her friends. All lies, my son," He told me making my mom groan in annoyance.  He continued, "Anyway, how's that Harry Potter book I gave you?"

I wiped my mouth as soon as I finished my toast. "So far, so good. The second book's a tad bit darker than Philosopher's Stone though." I replied. "I haven't been reading much lately."

I knew I wouldn't be much active in reading anymore if I made the basketball team. My Saturdays and Sundays also wouldn't be vacant now that Gray and Joanne had entered my life. I could only manage to read at least one book and even the possibility of finishing one in two days seemed impossible now.