Reckless

The sound of the last bell filled my ears. It was officially summer. I gathered my things, a smile plastered on my face. 

"Effy!" I heard the voice of Zoe as I walked out of the class, "It's officially summer!" A genuine smile was on her face.

"I know," I rolled my eyes, her enthusiasm nauseating me.

Ignoring my reaction, she continued to speak, "There's a party tonight, and I'd love for you to come." She slipped a piece of paper with the address scribbled onto it into my hand. 

"I don't know..." I trailed off.

"Effy come on," the desperation in her voice was evident, "You're always hesitant about everything I ask of you."

"Zoe, you of all people should know how my parents would react if they ever caught me."

"Please," she begged, completely ignoring everything I had just told her.

"Zoe, my parents--"

"Effy stop worrying about your parents for once in your life! Don't you ever just wanna have fun?" 

"Okay, fine," I caved, knowing that I wanted to go.

"Wait what?"

"I said fine."

"Yes!" she yelled in joy, causing us to receive stares from random students walking around, "We're going to have so much fun! I'll pick you up at 8." With that, Zoe flashed a bright smile, flipping her hair over her shoulder and walking off.

I knew it would be an obstacle to sneak out without my parents noticing, but I would have to find a way. Zoe was right, I did want to have fun and tonight was going to be the night I let loose.

I stepped on the bus and sat in one of the cold leather seats towards the back. Everybody was chatting with their friends, ecstatic that it was officially summer vacation. 

I placed my earphones in, drowning out the squeals of excitement about summer. Music was the only way I was ever able to escape reality.

Resting my head on the window, I glared out at the thousands of trees rolling by and before I knew it, the bus had reached my stop. 

I started walking through the aisle, stepping over the many bags scattered and legs stretched out into the aisle. 

Stepping out into the warm air, I wished the bus ride could've been a bit longer. I never liked returning home. 

"Hello Effy," my mom monotonously greeted me. I stared at her dishelved hair, her fragile body wrapped around in a blanket, and her long, slim fingers wrapped around the cup of tea steaming in her hands.

"Hello Mom," I gave her a small smile.

"Would you like some tea?" she offered, making her way into the kitchen.

"No thank you," everytime I'd come home from school, my mom would ask me if I wanted a cup of tea, knowing my answer would be no. But everyday, she asked me anyways.

I rested my backpack up against the seat and sat, "Where's Dad?"

My mom lowered her eyes and snapped, "How should I know?"

"I'm sorr--"

"I think you should go upstairs," she scowled at me as I gathered my belongings and slowly walked out of the kitchen and up to my room.

Shortly after, my Dad arrived. The sound of my parents arguing traveled up to my room.

"Where were you?" I heard my mom coldly speak to him.