Dear Arkansas Daughter

🌿MOM'S IDEA.

About 20 minutes later, my mom came in again, opening the door.

"Hey, Evelyn." She sat down onto my bed and sighed.

"Yes?"

I was just frustrated and upset! :(

"I know we had a argument, and I'm sorry for that. But you can't do this again. You obviously didn't hear me when I said that you cannot call people, especially without my permission."

"Alright.."

Her eyes glimmered with sympathy. I could tell she pitied me.

"I understand.. that you made a mistake. And I believe that you aren't dating Alex. But be honest with me when I ask.. do you like him??"

Blush spread to my cheeks as my mind went blank.

"No, mom!! Not at all!!" I stammered.

"Alright then. First.. we need to talk about a couple things.."

"What??" I asked nervously.

"Him. Alex. About yesterday. You weren't telling the truth about him. You were panicky and out of breath and your eyes were full of adrenaline. You looked like you just ran from a fire or something. What in the WORLD happened then??"

Oh great. Not this subject again?! :(

Mom, I'm sorry, but I gotta lie right now!!

It'll help me and you in the long run.

"Mom, I promise I was fine. I just ran really fast before. It was what Ms. Jordan said to do for everyone! It was a activity. In fact, they said they'd give you a piece of candy if you did. You know I had to do it, and I won!" I smiled brightly.

Her eyebrows furrowed in confusion and disbelief.

"Evelyn, they didn't do that. There's no way. Where's your candy??"

I shuffled out a candy wrapper Alex gave me.

"Here, see??"

"Oh, okay then.." She takes it, staring into my eyes to the point I'm convinced she can read my mind.

"Uhh.. what are you doing.." I mumble anxiously, squirming.

"Well, if he's SO wonderful, invite him over. I'll keep my eyes on him and if he behaves well, I won't push you anymore about it."