Mutinous

Chapter 11

The coldness that came when I entered the apartment not only had me very uncomfortable but it also made my hair stand up covering my body in goose bumps. Something was definitely not right. It was too quiet, and as I slowly made my way to the kitchen the only sound heard was the creak of the wood underneath me as my feet made contact with the floor. "Where have you been?" The voice made my body jump, and I immediately turned around to face the person I had least expected to see. I had pictured my father would be here, so when it turned out to be mum, I felt slightly relieved.

Think of something. And think fast. I reminded myself. "The library and then I wanted to catch some fresh air so I walked down to the river."

She eyed me carefully, clearly she did not seem to believe my lie. "You forgot we had plans with your father's parents today!"

"Shit!" The word came out faster than I could stop it, and my eyes went wide. I never cursed and yelling profanities in front of mum was not something I had ever done before. "I forgot." I quickly added being sincere.

"You don't say. He tried calling you and so did I. I lied for you and told him you had a dentist appointment and the two of us would arrive a bit late. Then when you didn't show, I called him telling him you felt slightly dizzy afterwards and that I was going to stay home with you."

"Why?" I was confused to say the least. Why would she cover for me?

"Because I know how mad he can get for no particular reason, but I want to know something." She crossed her arms, and I could tell she wasn't happy with me.

"Yes?" My purse fell to the floor unintentionally, breaking the uncomfortable silence that had fallen over us if only for a moment.

"Where were you?"

"I told you-" I paused trying to remember what I had said earlier. "I went to the library, and then to the river. Wanted some fresh air."

"Elliot, don't do this with me!" I knew it was bad when she used my full name. I knew she had been the one giving it to me, but she only used it whenever she was mad. Unlike dad, who only ever called me by my first name.

"Do what?" I tried pretending that I wasn't sure what she meant, but my pounding heartbeat and sweaty palms wasn't helping the situation. I knew this wasn't good.

"Don't play dumb with me. I'm not sure what you've been doing but I know very well you haven't been at the library. You come home after 10 on Friday, and now you come home just before 7 on a Monday night. This has never happened before, and I don't believe you suddenly have multiple tests that you need to study for."

I gulped. She was smarter than I thought. "How do you know. You're barely ever here!" I regretted the words as soon as they escaped my mouth, but there was nothing I could do to take them back.

"You better watch it, Elliot. Do not talk to me like that." She came closer, and for the first time I was scared she would hit me like dad had.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean it like that." I wasn't sure if it would be a good idea to cry, but in the moment I felt like it. I wanted to get all my emotions out. I wanted to let her know what her absence had done to me, but two things could happen. One: she would either feel sorry for me and apologize or two: everything would be to my disadvantage, and she would get even more furious with me.

"I hope not. Now answer me. Where were you?"

"The library. I've told you this."

"Do you want me to call your father?" She asked clearly not liking my attitude. But I found it sad that she didn't seem to be able to tackle the situation at hand on her own.