The Way it Goes

Chapter 7- Party!

Chapter 7- Party!

When I wake up this morning I'm more giddy than usual thinking about last night. I go to the bathroom and take a long shower, get dressed and head down stairs. As I round the corner I'm surprised to see my mom sipping coffee at the dining table.

"Mom? What are you doing here?" I question, as I pour myself a cup of coffee and load it with sugar.

"Good morning sweetheart!" She says brightly, "I took off and thought we could have a girls day. Ya know, we could go to the spa and then shopping, doesn't that sound great?"

"I would love to do that mom! It will be nice to spend some time together again." I reply sadly, missing how things used to be.

It's hard to remember the last time my mom and I have had fun together. After dads accident I haven't seen her because works almost constantly.

"How about instead of eating here we go somewhere?" My mom asks me.

"That sounds like a great idea! Are you ready to go?" I ask as I head to the door.

She nods her head and we make our way to her car. We are silent during the car ride and are acting like strangers. In a way it feels like we are. My mom shakes me from my thoughts letting me know we have arrived. We walk and and sit at a small booth in the corner. I order a croissant with a strawberry smoothie and my mom orders the same.

"So honey, what's new with you? How's school going so far, your friends, boyfriend?" She asks raising an eyebrow at me.

"School's going okay, pretty boring, Leah is doing great, and as for boyfriends I don't know."

She looks at me quizzically and I can tell she wants me to continue.

"His name is Will and he moved here a little while ago. I don't know mom. I've never really had anything close to a boyfriend but I think I really like him. We went on two dates and on the second one he got me this bracelet! He's taking me out again tomorrow." I stick out my wrist to show the bracelet to her.

When I tell her all of this a look crosses her face that I can't read and she covers it up quickly with a smile.

"I'm happy for you sweetie! You deserve a nice guy in your life and that bracelet is beautiful! He must be a good boyfriend." She says way too loudly.

"Mom," I scold, "he is not my boyfriend, keep your voice down." I look over my shoulder to make sure nobody I know heard.

"What? It's not likely anyone knows who we're talking about. So has he kissed you yet or done anything else for that matter?" She questions me and I feel my face turn beet red.

"MOM! No he has not kissed me and we have not done anything else." I answer her rolling my eyes and not making eye contact. This couldn't get any worse, until...

"Good because if you end up pregnant from this young man I will personally go up to him and cut off his-"

"That's enough, Mom!" I yell, drawing attention to our table. Why, just why?

"Okay, okay, I'm sorry." She says and we go back to finishing our breakfast.

When we get to the mall my mom suggests that I buy something for my date tomorrow and I agree. Will hasn't told me where we are going yet but I decide to play it safe and get a casual dress. It's a plain, black v-neck that is fitted all the way to my knees. I decide on no necklace so that I don't look too dressy. I show my mom and she starts to tear up.

"Sweetheart, you look wonderful! My baby is really growing up."

"Mom, you don't have to cry, it's okay. I know you're sad we haven't spent tons of time together lately but at least we got to today! I had so much fun with you." I tell her trying to brighten her mood.