Moonlight

2

A few nights pass, and all I get from his phone is, "I'm sorry, but the number you are trying to reach is not available, please leave your name and number and try again later." Each time, I hang up and groan.

Where could he be that he isn't answering? How could he blow me off for no reason? None of this makes sense.

I look at my clock, it reads 3:00 pm. I get up from my bed, and set my laptop at my side. I probably should not have binge watched Friends all night, but oh well.

I change from my sweatpants and tank into a more presentable outfit; a white lace, low cut crop top that will show my moon and star belly button ring and a sheer maroon waterfall skirt.

Mom places a pile of laundry on my bed and notices my dressier appearance. She places her hand on the pile of laundry and pauses, furrowing her brow at my outfit.

"Where are you going all dressed up like that?"

She still stands by my bed, watching me put my last earring in. I know that if I tell her I'm going to find Garrison, she will flip. Lying is my only option here. Especially because of how overprotective she is.

Her eyes stare right through me, as if she could tell I was about to lie. As I fasten the backing on my earring, I come up with the perfect lie.

Although I don't have many girl friends, this lie could work. I step in front of my vanity to check my hair, curly as ever.

I look past myself and notice Mom's stature changes. Her firm, strict frame loosens a bit. Her eyes examine me as if to notice me as just her daughter who can handle herself, rather than her eyes staring right through me as if I am helpless and need her with me twenty-four-seven.

"I'm going out with some friends, we might go see a movie." I reply, in a smooth tone. She nods and smiles. Perfect cover up to go see Garrison.

"Well, you look beautiful." She praises, eyeing my outfit.

She walks over to me, her socks scuff the floor as she walks and her messy curls bounce with every move. She pulls my strap on my shirt over to cover my gray bra straps. I didn't think to change into a white bra. Oh well, too late now.

"Thank you, I got my style from the best." Flattery is the only way to please her when I know I'm going to get in huge trouble for this.

She hands me my stiletto dagger to tuck into my bra. She has good intentions, but I seriously doubt I will need my dagger.

"I don't want you to be late, have fun and be careful." She replies.

With that, I walk out the door and get into my new, shiny car. I stick the key in the ignition and twist it.

The car roars to life with a passion. I buckle my seat belt and pull out of the street. Best place to look first, Jack's uncle's place.

I pull into the driveway, and are greeted by most of the guys. All of them shirtless, which isn't unusual. Their chiseled abs and golden bodies aren't unusual to see.

Jake and Cameron's heads are shoved under the hood of Jack's gray pickup. Oil is randomly smeared on their chests and faces. This is another thing that isn't unusual around here.

I walk up to them, searching for Garrison on my way up the driveway. Jake takes one look at me and curses under his breath.

"What are you doing here?" He asks harshly. I pout, sticking my perfectly glossed lip out.

"Aw, lighten up cupcake!" I reply with a smirk. I start walking past him, looking back at him before continuing to the house. "Did Ian piss in your Cheerios this morning?" I tease.