SOMEONE I CAN RUN TO! eli hale

CHAPTER TWO!

Soon they got home and Isaac parked the car in the driveway. Imara hesitated before getting out, feeling a sense of dread at facing her mom and having to explain herself. Isaac noticed her hesitation and reached over to squeeze her hand reassuringly.

"It'll be alright, Immy," He said softly, offering her a comforting smile. "Your mom will probably be mad, but she'll get over it. We both are just worried about you. We don't want to see you get into trouble."

"I know, dad," Imara murmurs, chewing on her bottom lip anxiously. "I just hate letting you guys down. I'm sorry."

Isaac shakes his head, not wanting her to blame herself. "I know. But, we all make mistakes. And you're a teenager, so I guess I have to cut you some slack," He replies, earning a small smile from her. "Now, let's go inside and get this over with."

Imara nodded and the two of them got out of the car. As they walked towards the house, Imara felt her nerves grow, wondering what her mom's reaction would be. She knew her dad was right, but it didn't make it any easier. Her mom was strict, and she didn't tolerate any misbehavior from her. But, Imara also knew her mom loved her, and she just wanted the best for her. So, she would have to try and be as honest and sincere as possible. Isaac opened the door, and the two of them stepped inside. Josie was standing in the living room, waiting for them. Her arms were crossed over her chest, and she had a stern look on her face. Isabella gulped, bracing herself for her mom's lecture.

"Imara Allison Lahey," Josie says sternly, her green eyes narrowed. Imara grimaces at hearing her full name, she knew that meant her mom was really upset with her. That was the second time she got called her middle name. Today was not her day. "What do you have to say for yourself?"

Imara shrugs, sheepishly smiling at her. "Um...Sorry?" She replies lamely, earning an eye roll from her mom and a chuckle from her dad. She fidgets with the hem of her shirt, feeling the weight of her mom's disappointment. "I know what we did was wrong, mom, and I'm sorry," She murmurs, her voice barely above a whisper. "It was stupid and irresponsible, but we didn't mean any harm. We were just having fun."

Josie's expression softens a bit at her daughter's apology. "That's not an excuse, Immy," She sighs, shaking her head. "You're better than that. You're smarter than that. Sometimes I think Eli is a bad influence on you."

"No, he's not!" Imara argues, her eyes widening in surprise and not realizing she had raised her voice or how quickly she had replied. "Eli is my best friend, mom. He would never do anything to hurt me. He's always been there for me, and I can't imagine my life without him." She defended him quickly, not wanting her parents to get the wrong idea. Sure, Eli could be a troublemaker, but he was her best friend. She knew he would never intentionally hurt her or get her in trouble. 

Isaac raises an eyebrow at his daughter's response, noticing the way her heart races when she talks about Eli. He gives Josie a knowing look, earning an eyeroll from his wife. She lets out a sigh, running a hand through her hair. "I know, Immy, and I'm sorry for jumping to conclusions," She admits, her tone softer. "I just worry about you, that's all. You're my baby girl, and I just want to make sure you're safe and happy."

Imara's heart swells with affection at her mom's words, and she steps forward to wrap her arms around her in a tight hug. "I know, mom, and I appreciate it," She murmurs, her voice choked with emotion. "But you don't have to worry about me. I'll always be okay as long as I have you and dad by my side."

Josie smiles, hugging her daughter tightly. "I know, baby," She whispers, kissing the top of her head. "But you're still getting punished for what you did." She added, her lips quirking upward in amusement at her daughter's groan.

Isaac chuckles, shaking his head fondly. "I warned you," He points out, earning an eyeroll from her. He glances at Josie. "I told her she was grounded for a week which is pretty lenient considering how many times you guys have stolen the jeep." He added, looking back at his daughter with a teasing glint in his eyes.