Be My Mascot

Chapter 49

Short chapter, I'm sorry!

Chapter 49

Bailey's POV

After dinner, which consisted of takeout pizza Kyle ordered instead of burning the kitchen down like Aubrey and I "almost did" in his words, I got into my pajamas and crawled on top of the bed. It was quiet in the bedroom. I had excused myself from the movie playing downstairs that everyone was watching and went into my room. I wanted to call my mother and ask her about Ireland. Also, I still wasn't sure where she currently stood with me about what happened with my father.

My finger hovered over the call button, contemplating over whether or not this was a good idea. What would she say? I needed to know. Plus, I miss her voice. My mother's soothing tone always calmed me.

I nervously click the button and hold the phone to my ear. As the ringing hums in my ear, I slide on a pair of fuzzy socks. The temperature dropped at least ten degrees once the sun set and the whole house became chillier.

"Hello?" Her voice broke my thoughts. My heart swelled and my lips curved into a warm smile.

"Mum, hi." I grin into the phone. "It's Bailey."

"Dear, I know it's you. A mother always knows their child's voice." I can tell she's smiling as well.

"I miss you, Mum," I blurt, wrapping my arms around my legs.

"Bailey, you have no idea how much I miss you. I think about you every day, sweetie. How is your trip going?"

Dodging the frightening encounter with a gunman at a party, I reply, "It's going alright. The past few days have been really relaxing and the weather is nice during the day. It gets bloody cold at night, though. How is everything at home?" I ask, mindlessly looking around the room.

She sighs, "Busy. Your father has been coming home late every night this week. They're laying off some people at his office and he's afraid of losing his job. But that's great to hear about your trip."

"Yeah and I'm sorry to hear that," I frown. We're silent for a moment before I continue. "What um.. what's his mind set at with me?" I timidly question.

"Bailey you know your father loves you very much, no matter what," Mum slides past my question.

"I know," I whisper.

"At first he was very angry. Just think about it in his perspective, darling. You're his little girl and you always will be, but when your father sees you like that.. and with a boy, he's going to get frustrated and protective. However, he does not hate you or think of you any differently," she says clearly.

It's an honest relief to hear this. I know it's only nature for him to feel that way. It's just the specific things he uttered to me before storming out of the room that make me doubt the comforting words she assures me.

"How dare you act like this."

"You aren't a virgin, are you."

"You are a child, Bailey. You two may think you're in love, but this is just another college romance. They don't last."

"Your mother will be so disappointed in you."

My father had judged me. And his words had hurt me.

"I don't want him to think I'm this sex-crazed, party girl person." Tears begin to fall from my eyes. I harshly wipe them away and sniffle. "I'm not even remotely close to someone like that. It was just this moment that Niall and I were kissing, but all couples do that. I'm not any different."