Open Feelings ✔︎

Kissing Is Only For Married People

I was avoiding my mom.

For the past three weeks I've canceled our Monday dinners and our therapy sessions. It is the last Wednesday in January and I'm suppose to go to therapy today. But I texted my mom this morning and told her I wasn't feeling well.

"You're gonna have to talk about it eventually." Maddie said quietly as we walked out of class.

"I already talked about it. In New York. I've moved on from that." I replied.

"You obviously haven't if you can't openly talk about it." She said and I glared at her.

"Shut up."

"I'm right and you know it. You need to talk about this. About how she made you feel by leaving." She said and I let out a sigh because I know she's right.

"And you need to talk about what happened while she was gone." She whispered and my eyes widened.

"I'm scared." I admitted, realization finally found its way into my brain. That's why I don't want to talk about it.

"I'm scared I'll scare her off again." I told Maddie.

"Then make sure she doesn't." Maddie stated as we walked out of the school building. The cold air hit us and I zipped up my coat.

Despite having summer weather in December, the second January hit winter was here.

Jason was waiting on the steps with Tyler by his side.

"Hey, what took so long?" Jason greeted.

"Casey had another question for Mr. Baillis." Maddie rolled her eyes.

"I'm not good at simple chemistry, what made you think I would be good at calculus?" I complained.

"Those do not correlate." Jason frowned.

"No one asked you." I rolled my eyes as we walked to my car. But I stopped short the second I noticed who was leaning on my car.

"Oh no." Maddie said under her breath.

"Mom." I said with wide eyes. "Hey." I smiled awkwardly.

"I'll try to stall." Maddie whispered before going to hug my mom.

"Here's the plan. I'll sneak back in the school and got out the back. Then one of you will pick me up and take me home." I said to the boys.

"You're ridiculous." Jason said and I let out a sigh.

"You're right. She would come to the apartment anyways." I shook my head.

"Not what I meant."

I watched Maddie give my mom one last hug before she made her way towards us. "Good luck." She smiled before walking away with Tyler.

"I'll see you later?" Jason asked.

"If I survive." I nodded and he squeezed my hand before giving me a quick kiss.

"Hi Mrs. Manning." He greeted.

"Don't fraternize with the enemy." I said under my breath.

"Hi Jason." Mom smiled. "How are you?"

"Good. How are you?" He replied.

"I will be great once I have a very important conversation with my daughter." She said before turning her gaze to me.