Girls Astray. [Complete]

Amy: The girl who lied

I attempt to turn the key as slow and stealthily as I can; carefully I push the door open inch by inch and creep into the hallway. Pushing the door to a close, I pause momentarily, listening for any movement. Nothing. A huge sigh pours from my chest as I kick my pumps off.

"Amy Louise Smith!"

A ferocious female voice booms down the stairs.

Like a bull charging at a red flag my Mum hurtles down the stairs.

"What do you call this time?"

I grit my teeth for a moment, trying to think of something to say, anything that doesn't involve parks and boys and kissing...

"I-I-"

"You what?"

Her eyes narrow as she surveys me quickly, taking in my school uniform, school bag, looking for evidence for misbehaviour no doubt...

Another clatter of noise booms into the room before the kitchen door flies open and Dad runs at me.

My whole body tenses as I prepare for the raff of Dad as well as Mum, but instead I'm pulled into a giant bear hug, Dad squeezes me so tight I think a rib might pop out of place.

"We've been worried sick young lady," he pull my head closer into his shoulder, pulling my neck out of place in the process.

Mum exhales loudly.

"You're not off the hook, Amy Louise. Where the hell have you been all this time? The truth." Mum spits at me, her arms crossed, eyes still narrowed.

Dad reluctantly lets me go, his eyes filled with tears of relief. A pang of shame fills my chest at the sight of him and I drop my eyes to the ground. How can I lie to them?

"I was at Lolita's", I mutter awkwardly, swinging my arms from side to side, my eyes darting anywhere but their faces, "Helping her with homework. I'm sorry I should have called, I didn't think."

I hang my head to avoid their worried gazes, hoping they're buying the sorry daughter act whilst I chock down my shame of lying. This is the first time I've lied to my parents.

"Well that's not happening again. Not at this hour. At that side of town." Mum fires at me before stomping out the room.

I hear the kettle gently purring into action, she must be getting the caffeine ready to calm her nerves.

Dad just shakes his head at me, his worried eyes still brimming with tears. It cuts like a knife.

"I'm sorry, Dad," I whisper, this time meeting his gaze.

He nods sadly and we hover awkwardly in the hall for a moment before I turn and walk up the stairs.

Even though the shadow of shame follows me with each step, it takes every inch of self-control to stop me from skipping, I mean Tom kissed me today. Me. Tucking my chin into my neck, I attempt to conceal the cheshire cat grin that is waiting to emerge.

"Night. Love you both," I call down the stairs before slamming my door shut.

I hear the muffled return from them:

"We love you."

The smile covers my entire face. I'm surprised they can't see it from down stairs. My phone is still in my pocket too, they've actually forgotten to take it for once; my smile shamelessly broadens.

***

'Are you up? T X'

The white light fires into my eyes, and I wake up with a sudden jolt. Rubbing my blurry eyes, I double take and look back at the screen.

'Are you up? T X'

My skin tingles in anticipation, nerve endings I never realised existed suddenly alive and vibrating under my skin. I'm awake.

'Now I am ;-)...'

Hitting the send button my stomach drops like I'm on a rollercoaster.

Almost instantly my phone buzzes once more.

'I can't stop thinking about you... T X'

Stifling a giggle I bite the pillow. My stomach is in a thousand knots. I can't believe this is happening to me. Me?

Hastily I reply,

'Me too x'

Lying back on my bed my mind starts to wander. What does this mean? Are we together? Will I have a boyfriend soon? Will everyone at school know we're together? I'm filled with a warm fuzzy glow at the very thought: my first boyfriend. Boyfriend.

'If I could see you it would make me feel better ;-) T xxx'

Without even hesitating I type my response, screw the two minute rule, he's breaking all the rules too.

'I'm afraid you'll have to wait... Xx'

Almost immediately the phone buzzes back, but this message stops me in my tracks, my jaw slowly drops open. He can't be serious?

'Oh :-( a picture would help me remember though... T X'

Heat rushes to my cheeks and my pulse accelerates like a Ferrari raring to go. A picture? Does he mean that kind of picture? My eyes dart down my marshmallow pink care-bear pyjamas and I instinctively shake my head. I can't. I wouldn't anyway; you have to be brain dead to send anything like that. Everyone knows you get found out...

'You'll have to wait for the real deal. Night X'

Squeezing my eyes shut I hit the send button.

Don't be mad, don't be mad, don't be mad.

Bzzzzzt!

I open one eye and read the screen through blurred vision.

My eyes widen as I read,

'You know you want to. ;-) T xxxx'

Do I? He still wants me to? My stomach drops at the thought of that kind of thing ever getting out. My chubby pink dumpy body. It's hardly the stuff dreams are made of, more cookie dough than hot sauce.

My pulse races and I can't suppress a sudden tingle in my stomach. A thrill?

I couldn't, could I?