Follow The Rain

Nineteen

"Mom, you're awake," came Matthew's constricted voice as we stood stock still before Gina Wilson.

It was probably nearing ten at night and the sight of a badly parked car, a drunk sixteen year old, a blind eighteen year old and a boy with no driver's license holding the car keys must've been alarming to her.

"What is going on here?" she demanded and I stepped forward cautiously.

Before I could speak, Matthew rushed to explain. "No one drove, I swear."

I wanted to slap him in the face for saying the worst thing he could possibly say. Gina said nothing and I approached the front door. India was mumbling to herself and still smelt of alcohol while Matthew remained silent.

"That's funny. I seem to remember the car being parked on the driveway earlier, not the lawn," Gina sounded stern but I could tell there was humour in her voice. I should've expected that Matthew would've parked badly. There was no way we would get away with this.

"You see, um, India needed a lift home and we didn't want to disturb your sleep so..." I attempted.

"So you risked getting pulled over by a traffic cop with no license and a drunk minor?" came Gina's reply and I cringed. It sounded bad but it could've been worse. I mean, Matthew didn't crash or anything.

It could've been me driving.

"I'm sorry, mom," India finally spoke. "I was having a bad day. My best friend punched me and I shouldn't have told that guy-" she stopped.

"Look, I don't care if you drive my car illegally but at least ask me first. I want to know what my kids are up to. Now, India, go to bed. You've clearly had a long night. Matthew, Kayla, you're coming with me." Gina went inside and we followed nervously while India left for her bedroom. We found ourselves sitting down on a couch opposite Gina in a tense silence.

I fiddled with my fingers and bit my lip, preparing myself to come up with some excuse, any excuse. But I knew we were caught and there was nothing I could do now.

"I'm disappointed in you, Matthew. Trying to keep this a secret from me?" came Gina's voice eventually and Matthew inhaled sharply next to me.

"It's not like I can't drive, Mom. I have my learner's."

"I'm not talking about you taking my car to pick her up. I'm talking about what happened to India. When were you going to tell me that she goes to parties and drinks? How long has she been doing this?"

I frowned at Gina's harsh tone, wondering how she could accuse Matthew of keeping this a secret. I sat up and cleared my throat but Matthew beat me to it.

"Why don't you ask her yourself?"

Gina paused, seeming taken aback. "I expect you to tell me, Matthew."

"It isn't my information to tell. I didn't know she was drinking until tonight, okay? For all we know this is the first time she tried it. It's not like she's been having the time of her life either. I can't believe you haven't noticed what's happened between her and her friends. They hate each other now-"

"What are you talking about?"

"India's just as messed up as everyone else, Mom. Convincing yourself that she'll never be like you is like saying that Kayla isn't blind." I shoved an elbow into his side and he whispered, "Sorry, I couldn't think of another example." Then he continued louder as he spoke to his mom. "So stop thinking that she's still your little angel because that changed as soon as Dad left."