Not Us, Not Ever

5. Wrong Words.

        Riley walked me home and since I was in no condition to be climbing narrow, high places and go undetected back to my room, I had to knock on the front door. I wanted hold Riley's hand on the way, but we're in public. That wouldn't fly in this place. I told Riley to go home. He didn't need to get in trouble with me. "See you in practice tomorrow," he smiled and kissed my cheek. I will never get used to this and I won't have to because by tomorrow, I remember a damned thing. I feel ashamed for imagining Riley acting like .. this. I must have looked ridiculous to a sober person at the stadium.. Kissing the air and whatnot. He walked away and he was far enough to not be seen by my parents. I knocked on the door again. "Mom! Dad!" I yelled. I saw the living room light come on. My dad opened the door. At first he was shocked. I tried to be cute, "Hi," I smiled. My dad pulled me in by my shirt and tossed me into the armchair, "Hey, I already have a headache!" I yelled and pinched my forehead.

        "What the hell? Where were you? You were in your room asleep!"

        "No, see. I was acting." I smirked.

        My mom's angry face slowly turned into a horrified one, ".. Are you drunk?"

        "I might be."

        "Don't try and be cute!" My dad yelled.

        "No, I'm serious. I might be. I was drinking something. One of them said it was 'spiked' after I had like 6 full cups."  I giggled.

        "He's drunk, Howard.." My mom whimpered.

        He turned to her, "Punishment.. Grounding him until we deem him fit."

        She began yelling at me, "You come home right after school! No phone, no laptop, come straight home after school! You understand?! That means no practice. I want you home straight away!"

        My dad spoke softly, "... Actually, honey. I want him to stay in practice."

        She sighed, "Fine. But, you're picking him up." She said coldly and calmly went back upstairs. After a few minutes, we heard a door slam and screaming in frustration.

        "See, you've upset your mother. I hope you're happy. You're gonna go upstairs, take a shower and change into some bed clothes."

I sighed and got up off the couch and did what he asked... well demanded me to. but screw it I had a good time tonight. Every good thing comes with a price, right?

~~~

        Next morning, I woke up with a huge hangover. On my dresser there were two Tylenol caplets and a water bottle. I took it and got ready for school. I took way longer than usual. How did I get home? I went downstairs, and met my parents in the kitchen. Breakfast was already made. I was tired and irritated, but I still managed to kiss my mother and say "good morning."

        She sighed and lightly tapped my hand, "Hi," she said, softly.

        She seemed upset. "Hi dad." I said and sat next to him. He ignored me and continued reading his newspaper. "I got caught, didn't I?" I asked out loud for anyone to answer.

        They both responded simultaneously, "Yup," my mom said.       "Yep," said dad.

        "How long and what is my punishment?"

        "No phone, laptop, come home right after school lets out other than practice, and I'll pick you up from practice.. Do you how dangerous alcohol is!? Your body is still developing. Your liver is still developing and you're already making it work early!"