In Your Eyes

IX

"You have got to be shitting me, Chloe!" my mother exclaimed loudly, visibly angry with me, and I was just confused. "What the hell were you doing out in the middle of the night? No text, no call, nothing? Who in God's name was that guy driving you home? Have you lost your damn mind?"

"I thought I texted you..." I trailed off. "I think it didn't go through. I'm really sorry, mom..."

She wasn't having it. "Do you have any idea how many nerves you cost me? My daughter is out, late at night with all these lunatics around! You think serial killers only exist in movies? Well, you've got another thing coming! You're grounded!"

"Mom, I,-"

"I mean, what the hell did I get you a phone for? I'm not strict; you can do whatever you want! All I want is a damn text so I know you're safe!"

Before I even realized what was happening, the tears had started falling. Not only did I hate confrontation, I was also especially sensitive because it was going to be that time of the month soon. On top of that, I really hated it when mom was mad at me. It made me sad, but also very angry. The worst part was that I could've sworn I texted her to let her know about my whereabouts. Her glare instantly softened as she groaned. "God damn it, I yelled at you. I pulled an all nighter correcting homework, and now I'm mistreating my own daughter..."

I wiped at my eyes. "I understand."

"I'm sorry. I was worried and paranoid and I just... lost it."

"Mom, don't worry about it. I was so anxious to get to the twin's house that I must've forgotten to text you. That was my b-,"

"The twins, huh? So how many friends have you made exactly?" She narrowed her eyes, but not in a mean way. She just seemed curious.

"Well, there's Christian and Camden, the twins. They're very sweet and caring. Then there are Ashton and Allison who seem to be dating and hiding it or something. Jessica and Sofia are cousins and they stick together like superglue. And that's it."

"And what about that handsome boy that drove you home?" She smirked as if she knew something I didn't.

I frowned until I realized who she was talking about. "Wow. Handsome? Took me a second to figure out who you meant. Lucas is anything but handsome. He's a know-it-all with a condescending ass attitude and shit-eating grin. Fuck that guy."

"Hey!" Mom yelled. "The hell did I say about cursing in my hearing range?"

"Sorry," My cheeks were burning with embarrassment. "He just drives me crazy."

"Oh, I'm sure he does." My mother winked at me.

The stuttering that ensued just made me seem guilty of what she had accused me of. "Wha- wait, are you insinuating that I-? Oh, hell no!"

"Keep telling yourself that, sweetie. That's how I felt about your dad-"

"All the more reason to stay away from him, mom," My father was my mother's biggest mistake in life. In fact, I'd be content living alone with a shit ton of dogs thanks to my childhood experiences with my father. "Him and I don't exactly get along. Luke hates my guts, and the feeling's mutual, trust me."