Coincidences

Act LXVII

I made it home safely, and, the very first thing I saw, Mom was angrily waiting in the living room, just sitting idly on the sofa.

"Why did you arrive just now, at this hour?" she interrogated me. She wasn't very happy about her daughter coming home past the curfew. "I've been worried."

"Sorry, Mom," I apologized, lowering my face. I had to think of an explanation, somehow. "I was with... Martin, yeah. We were at the pier, hanging out."

She wasn't convinced, and I soon knew why. She hastily marched towards me, and then she said, "I don't remember raising my child to be a liar. You made up a false excuse; this isn't like you. I don't want you lying to me, or even to anyone. Where did you go? I know you weren't with Martin, since he's been calling me twenty times today, asking where you were. Tell me, where were you?"

There was no escaping this. If my mom says to not do this, I can't decline to her orders. I can't lie then. But I can also say at least one of the truths. "I was on the pier, really. Buster Pier. You know, the one farther from here, next to the port."

"What were you doing there? Were you with someone?" she demanded.

"I was strolling around. I was with one of Martin's friends." To avoid her knowing too much, I followed, "He talked to him on the phone already. You can ask him." But I wish she wouldn't.

"Fine," she concluded, scratching her head annoyingly. "You're grounded for a week, though. No going outside without me. Go make yourself some food, since you must be hungry." She pointed at the kitchen. It had no sign of cooking. "Don't worry about me. I already ate leftovers."

Leftovers? There weren't any leftovers at all.

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I tried to call Martin, but it seems he was already sleeping, since there was no light coming from his room at all, let alone the house. It was absolutely dead silent, as if it's been abandoned for ages, but still kept in pristine condition.

I changed my clothes and put on my pajamas. I stared at the mirror, stared at myself. This is what Ty saw in me. I jumped into bed and switched off the light, fluffed my pillow how I liked it and laid down, exhausted. I grabbed one of my pillows and hugged it tightly, the thoughts about earlier still fresh in mind. I remember how it felt like to be kissed so passionately and be touched gently. I don't think I was ready, though, so I'm lucky that I called it off.

I feel warmth flowing around me. This feeling, I can't explain it. There's no easy way to put it into words. Ty was so gentle and charming. I...

Although my emotions are going all over the place, I can't say it. I don't know why. I can't say that I... love...

I can't. Why?

Is it really love that I feel for him? Is it just ambition? Is it me being naïve? What do I feel for him, then? Is this thing we have going on... is it worth it?

I have so many questions.

Am I like this because of Martin? Did I really stop back then because of him, because I was sorry for him? I spent more time with him than with Ty, but Ty took action first. And he seems serious about it. Is he serious about this?

I have too many questions.

My heart aimlessly raced faster, as I shut my eyes to go to a world of my own. One that could have most of my answers. My dreams.