Behind the Mask

Chapter 12: Ignorance is Bliss

Chapter 12: Ignorance is Bliss

I slowly opened my eyes that were still heavy with sleep. Where was I? I thought moonlight streamed in the windows of an unfamiliar room. Confused I moved my head around on the pillow.

Only that pillow wasn’t a pillow at all, it was James’ chest. Then the night’s events came rushing back. I'm not sure why I did it, why I slept with James but I didn’t regret any of it.

Warmth radiated from his bare chest, a blanket had been tossed over me only covering some of James, part of his lower legs were still exposed. I let out a soft chuckle but all the laughter died from my face when I looked at the clock.

It was nearly two, which was something my mother never let up on, curfew. I nearly flew up out of the bed but instead I carefully detached myself from James’ embrace. The air felt cold without him; well it might be the fact that I was completely naked.

I pulled back on my clothes even the poor dress and looped the heels through my fingers. Peering around the floor I spotted a large hoodie that would do the job of keeping me warm. Hopefully James wouldn’t mind too much.

Pulling on the hoodie I turned back to James’ sleeping form. I couldn’t bring myself to wake him up, he looked to peaceful. Instead I walked forward and planted a light kiss on his lips.

“See you Monday James.” I whispered walking towards the door. I closed it quietly behind me. I tip toed down the stairs past the dresser blocking the stairs.

Extraneous people lied around the rooms, most were down for the count but others slowly started to come to. I snuck past them slipping out the door. It was bitter cold outside and beginning to snow.

I wished more than anything I could just race back upstairs and curl up all nice and warm next to James. But I was too tired to fight with my mother. It wasn’t worth it anymore I had forgiven her a while ago but she had yet to talk to me more than necessary.

I wrapped my arms around myself and picked up my phone. I unlocked it and stared at the screen for a minute; I pull up my contacts and dial my mother’s phone. It picks up after three rings.

“Isabel?” she asked her voice worried.

“Can you come pick me up?” I asked meekly.

“Yes, I will be there soon. Where?” she replied her voice smooth and calm losing any trace of maternal worry. I give her the address and end the call. Snow swirled around in the dark night sky. The wind ruffled up my hair and I pulled the jacket tighter around me.

My mother’s silver Honda pilot pulled up parking in front of the house. I darted towards the car climbing into the toasty warm car.

“Thanks,” I said putting my fingers up to the heater.

“I thought you were getting a ride from Cameron?” she asked stiffly.

“Plans changed.” I replied.

“Oh, where did you get the coat?” she asked suspiciously eyeing the hoodie as she pulled out back into the street.

“From a friend.” I smiled thinking of James. My mother just arched an eyebrow curiously but pushed me no further. When we got home for a moment we just sat in silence in the car. The engine off, just the peace and quiet.

“Mom,” I started.

“Goodnight,” she stated bluntly getting out and heading inside. For another moment I just sat there unsure of what to do, how to react. She wasn’t ready and I wasn’t going to push her. Not again.