A TASTE OF CANDY POISON

CHAP 7🌸

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The flickering light of the television cast dancing shadows across my room, illuminating the stacks of books and comic books that lined my shelves. My favorite movie was playing, the soundtrack a familiar symphony of action and adventure. I was completely engrossed in the story, my mind transported to a world of heroes and villains, of daring escapes and epic battles.

Suddenly, my phone buzzed, the sound jarring me out of my movie-induced trance. I glanced at the screen, my heart skipping a beat as I saw my parents' names flashing across the display. It was late, almost midnight, and they were in California for a business trip,they just got there a few days ago.

I hesitated for a moment, debating whether to answer or let it go to voicemail. But curiosity, and a pang of guilt for not calling them sooner, won out. I pressed the green button, the familiar sound of their voices filling my room.

"Hey, sweetie," my mom said, her voice warm and reassuring. "How are you?"

"I'm good," I said, my voice a little strained from the sudden interruption. "Just watching a movie."

"That's good," my dad said, his voice a little gruff, but laced with affection. "How's school going?"

"It's going well," I said, trying to sound nonchalant. "We're actually busy decorating for the upcoming prom next week."

"Oh, that's exciting," my mom said, her voice filled with a hint of nostalgia. "Remember our prom? We had such a good time."

I smiled, picturing my parents in their prom attire, their faces young and carefree. It was hard to imagine them as anything other than the mature, responsible adults they were now.

"Yeah, it's going to be fun," I said, my voice filled with a hint of excitement. "I'm actually going with a friend."

"That's great, sweetie," my mom said, her voice filled with warmth. "Who is it?"

I hesitated for a moment, my cheeks flushing. I had never told my parents about my crushes, my fears, my dreams. They were so far away, so busy with their own lives, that I had always felt a little hesitant to burden them with my teenage anxieties.

"Just a friend," I said, my voice barely a whisper. "We've been hanging out a lot lately."

"That's nice," my dad said, his voice gruff, but laced with a hint of curiosity. "Is he a nice guy?"

"Yeah, he's really nice," I said, a smile spreading across my face. "He's funny, and smart, and… and he makes me feel good."

"That's good," my mom said, her voice filled with a hint of approval. "You deserve to be happy, sweetie."

I felt a wave of warmth wash over me. It was so nice to hear my parents say those words, to know that they cared about my happiness, even from across the country.

"And how are your grades?" my dad asked, his voice turning a little more serious. "Still at the top of your school?"

"Yeah," I said, my voice firming with a hint of pride. "I'm still number one."

"That's great, sweetie," my mom said, her voice filled with pride. "We're so proud of you."

"Tristian's doing well too," I added, my voice softening. "He's number two in his private school."

"That's great to hear," my dad said. "He's a smart kid, just like you."

We talked for a while longer, catching up on each other's lives, sharing stories, and expressing our love for each other. The call ended with promises to talk again soon, and a feeling of warmth and connection that filled my heart.