Healing Hearts ✅

6. Rescue

Thursday passes just the same and when Friday arrives I'm equal parts nervous and excited. I'm standing in front of my closet trying to find something to wear today when my mom knocks on my already open door. "Hey princess."

"Hi mom. What's up?" I ask, looking away from my closet for a split second.

"I heard you and Lucas discussing some party tonight. Were you planning on asking permission or just sneaking out?"

"I don't know" I shrug. "I was thinkin' about staging a teenage rebellion. What do you think?"

"I think that you should ask permission."

"And if I do?"

"Where is it?"

"I don't actually know. Maya knows all the details but I already told her I wasn't gonna drink and I can drive if I need to."

"You really wanna go don't you?" she asks. I nod and she sighs.

"Mom I just wanna do something that regular high schoolers do. I wanna go out and have fun. Be a little irresponsible and forget about the hell I've been living in. I promise I won't drink and I'll be home before the sun comes up."

"Before one."

"Before one" I nod in agreement. "Does this mean I can go?'

"Just this once" she gives making me jump up and down as I throw my arms around her. "Thank you much."

"Your welcome princess."

♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡

"Princess" Lucas shouts from the garden as I skip down the front steps.

"Riley we're gonna be late" my dad tells me. I gnaw my bottom lip and look at Lucas.

"Five minutes" I beg.

"Riley-."

"Daddy please" I plead as Lucas comes wandering over to us.

"Morning sir" Lucas greets my dad. "I could use your daughter's help for a bit of you could spare her."

"I'll be late for my staff meeting."

"I understand but if it would be okay with you sir, I could drive her to school." My heart flutters and I bite the inside of my lip awaiting my dad's response. I look up at him pleadingly.

"No funny buisness."

"None at all" Lucas assures him. "Just some gardening and a ride. That's all."

"Please daddy" I beg.

"If you're late you won't be going to that party tonight."

"Deal" I smile. "Thanks dad" I add as I grab Lucas' hand amd lead him back over to the garden. I set my bag down and grab my shovel. "What do you need?" I ask as my dad pulls out of the driveway.

"Nothin'" he shrugs as he grabs the shovel out of my hands. "I just miss you. You didn't come outside yesterday morning and you texted that you were studying all night."

"Sorry. I overslept and I have my first math test today."

"Gotcha" he replies, sticking his hands in his pockets. "Well good luck city girl."

"Thanks" I smile. "You still not comin' tonight?"

"Sorry to disappoint princess. Have fun and call me with all the details when you get home. I promise I'll be up when you call."

"That's very sweet of you cowboy."

"Anytime beautiful. You ready to go?"

"I guess" I reply dramatically. I had to admit, I was kinda thinking it wouldn't be the worst thing to miss this party tonight. I was excited to finally do something normal and fun but I was terrified all the same. At the end of the day I wasn't a normal girl and I never would be again.