Sophomore Year || Parenthood Series, Book One || WATTYS 2018

Chapter Eighteen

SOUNDTRACK: "Daydreamer" -Adele

"Mom, what are you doing here?" Jared asked, giving his mother a kiss on the cheek as she walked into the house. "Did I miss a call or text?" He pulled his phone out to look at it.

She shook her head and put her purse on the bench near the side door. "I came by to see how you and Kate were getting along," she answered.

He shrugged and put his hands in his pockets. "It could be better."

The night beforehand had been a breakthrough in Jared's mind, but very little had changed. Kate remained locked in her room, opening the door only long enough to let Vedder in. Jared was grateful to have his bed back, but still slightly annoyed with Kate's silent treatment. He had heard teenage girls could hold grudges, but this seemed a little extreme to him.

"It will get better," his mother assured him.

"I still think I should tell her the truth," he reasoned. "Maybe it'll make her hate me less."

Connie sighed. "If you think it's best," she answered, though it was obvious she wanted to say something else.

"What, Mom?" Jared asked with a sigh.

"I don't want to give my opinion if you aren't asking for it, sweetheart," she replied carefully. "You're the parent now."

"I'm asking for your opinion," he groaned.

"Don't do it," she said.

"I'm just tired of her acting like she hates me, you know?" he said. "She barely speaks to me, but every time she does it's like the Ice Queen is coming."

Connie chuckled. "That's what teen girls do."

The idea hit Jared suddenly. "Maybe if she spent more time with a woman she might feel better?" he suggested.

"Maybe," she replied slowly.

"Do you think - I mean, only if you want to - do you think you could take her out? To go do something?" he asked hopefully. "Maybe getting her out of the house will help her feel better."

Connie withdrew slightly. "I don't know, Jared. Last time Kate was with me, she all but ran off."

"I would take her myself but I don't want too many people to see us together, you know?" he told her. "Plus you haven't stopped talking about her since you heard about her."

Connie was aware of how...inquisitive her sons' fanbases could be. "If you're sure she'd be okay with it."

"Let's find out," he said, walking to Kate's room. He knocked on her door. "Kate it's me. Open up, please."

A second later, Kate opened the door and stood in front of the two adults. She looked at Jared expectantly.

"Get yourself together. My mom wants to take you out," he told her. OK, so maybe forcing Kate to go wasn't the best idea, but his conversation skills with her were minimal at best. "If you're not busy," he added.

"I'm too tired," she answered.

"Come on. It'll be fun," Connie cajoled. "I'd really like to get to know you."

Kate's manners wouldn't let her refuse. After a second, she nodded. "Let me get changed."

Connie followed Jared back into the living room while they waited for Kate. He turned to her with a relieved look. "Thank you," he whispered.