All In My Head

Mine (T.Swift)

My mother jumps in my direction and pulls me into a hug. This wasn't what I expected at all.

'Aw, honey, I'm so glad you're okay!' she exclaims, mum-like.

'Wait' I say, pulling away, 'You're not mad?' I was so baffled.

'Why would I be? You're 18, I am not gonna have a boring daughter that sits at home with me all day. I was EXACTLY like that when I was a teen. Always sneaking out to parties. Don't look at me like that, I know you were at a party sweetheart, I'm your mother, you know. But you are in a little trouble. Next time, just tell me. Or at least pick up your phone.'

'Sorry mum, my battery is dead.' I say, throwing my shoes off.

'It's alright sweetie pie, just go upstairs and get changed. Why are you sweating?' She asks as she starts laughing while walking in to the kitchen. I know since mum and dad split up when I was about seven, mum has always been easy on us, but this was really weird. She was in a good mood.

I walk into the kitchen to see Matt playing on my PSVita. Why is he at home? The doctor said that he was going to be kept under observation for three weeks until they start the chemotherapy.

'Oh yas darling. We always knew our local hospital was old school and, let's face it, downright shit, but we didn't know they'd be THAT bad. Yup, it turns out Matt doesn't have cancer and it was a mix up. But, he HAS got a fractured knee cap. They said recovery would be about a month, so long as he is attending his physiotherapy.'

I stand there with my mouth open, my brain still processing the speech that left my beloved mother's mouth. So that explains the good mood. I feel my eyes prickling with tears as I leaped towards Matt and gave him a bear hug.

'Move Ame. I'm losing my game.'

He was still my annoying, 13 year old brother though.

'Don't you mean MY game?' I stand there with my hands on my hips.

'Um, I don't know what you're talking about.' He stammers as he avoids direct eye contact with me.

'It's cool, you can keep it. With the college year coming to an end, I have a lot of coursework to do, and I barely get time to play these games anymore. But if you want a new game, you are paying for it with your allowance.

'Oh My God you're SO cool Ames, thanks SOOO MUCH.' He says as I ruffle his hair and walk towards the stairs to get to my room, him adjusting his hair as soon as I left. He deserved it, he's been through so much.

I plug my phone into the charger and grab a baggy grey Nike t shirt and white denim shorts and run into the cool shower. Just what you need on a hot summers day.

As soon as I walk out, I charge towards my phone.

1 unread message

Ethan: You free? xxx

I text back as fast as I can. Wow, 3 kisses.

Me: Sure. Why? Xxx

My phone starts vibrating and sure enough, Ethan was calling me. Why was he calling? I went over and made sure my door was locked before throwing myself onto my bed and answering the phone.

Ethan: So how did your mum react?

Me: She was pretty cool with it, actually.

We made small talk that continued for a while till he said...

Ethan: What am I to you? Because you mean everything to me.

Me: Well, do you remember we were sitting there on the sofa, you put your arm around me for the first time. You've made a rebel of a careless woman's careful daughter. You are the best thing that's ever been mine.