Perfection (Scarlett Johansson )

Chapter Four

Scarlett turned the key in the ignition, and the engine purred to life as we pulled away from the curb.

I sat stiffly in the passenger seat, staring out the window, but the tension in my chest was building with every passing block.
The quiet hum of the car did nothing to drown out the swirl of thoughts in my head.

I didn’t even want to think about how my parents would react, if they find out about last night.

The streets blurred by, the familiar turns toward my house coming too quickly.

I glanced at Scarlett, who was driving calmly, her eyes focused on the road, her hands steady on the wheel.
There was something comforting about her presence,
but even that wasn’t enough to stop the growing sense of dread tightening in my stomach.

“You okay?” Scarlett asked softly, her voice cutting through the silence.

I nodded quickly, too quickly, my throat tight.
“Yeah, fine. Just… tired.”

She gave me a sympathetic look, not pushing further.
I could feel her concern, and it made me feel even worse.
I was a mess, a complete disaster, and I was dragging people into it.

As we neared my house, I sat up straighter, my fingers gripping the edge of the seat.
The closer we got, the harder my heart pounded.
It felt like it was about to break through my ribcage.

I wasn’t ready to face them.
How could I explain this?
The disheveled clothes, the alcohol smell, the fact that I’d disappeared overnight without a word?

Scarlett pulled to a stop a few houses down from mine, far enough that my parents wouldn’t see her car.
She turned to me, her eyes soft, understanding.

“Do you want me to come in with you?” she offered gently.

I shook my head, swallowing hard. “No, thank you. I’ll be fine.”

She nodded, hesitating for a second like she wasn’t entirely convinced, but then she reached over and squeezed my hand.
“If you need anything, you can call me. Don’t forget that.”

I nodded again, quickly, forcing a smile. “Thanks, really.”

With a deep breath, I opened the car door and stepped out, pulling my jacket tighter around me as the cool morning air hit my skin. I didn’t look back as I made my way toward the house.

My nerves were buzzing, every muscle in my body tense as I approached the front door.

The house was quiet when I slipped inside, the soft creak of the door making me wince.
I held my breath, pausing to listen for any signs of movement.

Nothing.

My parents were either still asleep, or they hadn’t noticed I was gone.
Yet.

I tiptoed across the living room, carefully placing each step to avoid making any noise.
My heart pounded in my ears, and I kept glancing over my shoulder, half-expecting my mom to appear at any second.
I could already hear her yelling, her sharp words cutting through me like they always did.

I made it to the staircase and hurried up, taking the steps two at a time.
My room was just down the hall.

Just a little further.

But as I reached the top, the floor creaked under my weight.

“Lia?” My mother’s voice came from her bedroom, sharp and groggy.

My stomach dropped.
I froze, my hand gripping the banister so tightly my knuckles turned white. A door opened behind me, and I heard footsteps.

“Where were you?”
Her voice was stern, still thick with sleep but gaining that dangerous edge.