Winter Fling

Chapter One Cont.

The rest of the day went fairly quickly. I don't have many classes with Jess and Casey so I didn't have to deal with them talking my ear off about the trip after lunch. I was taking quite a slow walk home. I find it relaxing. Sometimes I take the long way home, put my earphones in, and just take in the sights. The surroundings. It gives me a peace of mind. But sadly my walk came to an end.

Pushing the front door open, I step inside my house quietly, trying to listen to see if anyone was home.

"Millie? Is that you home?"

I never understood why parents ask that. I mean, only three of us lives here. Are you expecting someone else? Anyway, question answered.

"Yeah mum, I'm home."

I walk into the dining area where my dad was sat at the table with a fresh coffee and a newspaper, and my mum was stood in front of the cooker stirring a pot of what smelled like Chilli. I sit down at the table also, and my dad reaches over and squeezes my hand, not taking his eyes off the paper.

"Honey, how was school?" 

"It was good dad. I actually have something to ask you guys."

My dad gazes up at me from behind his paper, looking at me over the top of the lens in his glasses, but doesn't move his head for a few moments.

"Oh dear. You can deal with this, Michelle." 

My mum puts the lid on the pot to leave it to simmer. She gets two glasses out of the cupboard and places one in front of me, and keeps one for herself while she sits at the table. She proceeded to pour us both a glass of apple juice out the carton which was already on the table. She then leans back in her seat. 

"Go on, love."

"Thanks..."

I use my finger to trace round the top of the glass, drawing circles, before sitting up promptly.

"I signed up for the skiing trip for December because Casey and Jess peer pressured me into it but I will only be able to go if you can pay a £110 deposit this Friday. Feel free to say no. I won't lose sleep over it."

Both my parents look at me as if i'm speaking French. Tilting their heads like a couple of confused dogs. 

"You... want to go on a school trip? Are you sure? I mean, you rarely leave your room unless you're going to school..."

My dad chimed in, reminding me of what I already know. You know things are bad when your parents are questioning you wanting to do anything other than lie in bed. Maybe I do need a life, after all.

"I mean, if you want to go we're over the moon for you, honey. Of course we will pay the deposit for you, opportunities like this don't come round all the time. You can pay us back when you graduate and get an amazing job." 

My dad winked at me as he said that. He has such high hopes for me.

"Thank you. I mean, we can't deny it's not my thing but, I will be applying to colleges soon which means I probably wont have an opportunity like this. Also Jess and Casey would never let it go if I didn't go."

"Well I'll put the deposit in an envelope and leave it on the fire place for you to take into school. We're excited about this, right honey?"

My mum nudged my dad, who peered over his glasses once more, and smiled lovingly straight at me. My mum then stood up and opened the pot, giving it a quick stir.

"Alright kids, dinner is ready."

-- 

"You guys will never guess what happened after school. YOU'LL NEVER guess."