The Summer Everything Changed

Chapter 6

Chris was able to track down Nick and we headed home. We were all silent the whole drive. Chris didn't even try to put music on. I refused to look at any of the boys and just stared out the window. I see Matt from the corner of my eye glancing at me through the rearview mirror.

We pulled into the driveway after what felt like an eternity. I ran into the house first and unfortunately was met by my mother, standing in the hallway with her arms crossed.

"All of you, living room. Now." We shuffled in and sat down on the couch awkwardly. Marylou was sitting in one of the arm chairs.

"Julianne Theresa Conners. When the hell did you leave this house?"

I just shrugged, not making eye contact with her.

"You can't just leave without telling anyone where you are, young lady. How did you even get ther?" She paused for a moment. "And why do you smell like alcohol?"

"I walked. And I wasn't drinking I swear." I pleaded. She turned to look at Nick.

"Don't look at me. I told her not to, mom."

"I didn't drink anything, mom. Seriously."

"She didn't," Chris said, "Some idiot spilled his drink on her after he yelled at Matt." 

All eyes shifted to Matt who was sitting on the far end of the couch, shielding the right side of his face.

Marylou tried to get his attention. "Matt, honey?" He sighed and looked over at her.

"Oh my goodness." She got up and went over to him. "What happened?"

"It's not big deal," he mumbled. She waited for him to continue. " The same loser who spilled his drink threw a lucky punch after I shoved him," he explained.

"This guy was ridiculous, mom. He was purposely irritating Matt." Chris said.

Marylou lifted his chin to look at his eye. "We need to get some ice on that." She went into the kitchen and came back with an ice pack from the freezer. "Hold this on there."

My mother turned back to the rest of us. "How did you guys let things get so out of control?"

"Mom, it wasn't even that crazy. None of us were drinking and Matt got us all home" Nick argued.

"And what if Matt was knocked out? The rest of you can't drive!"

"Matt, you've got to stay calm when things get heated." Marylou said, rubbing his shoulder.

"Sorry," he said quietly. He cleared his throat and continued, "It was my idea to go tonight, so this is my fault." That was just like him; to take all the blame and force everyone to move on.

My mother sighed. "I think it's best that you all go upstairs and get to bed. It's late."

I looked to the boys to see if any of them would protest. None of them did. Nick got up first. Then Chris, and then me. They said sorry before going up the stairs. I was still angry and didn't say anything. I climbed a few steps and stopped to hear if Matt was following. 

I could tell Marylou was concerned. She asked him, "What is going on with you, Matt? Getting into fights?"

He took a breath before answering. "It's nothing."

"Well, if you want to talk about -" my mother started, but Matt cut her off and stood up.

"Nope, I'm fine. Everything's fine."

I ran up the stairs quickly and into my room before he could know I was listening.