The Girl he Wants

13- You're Gonna Have to Try a Lot Harder Than That.

   "So, children, what is this all about?" Are Elizabeth's father's first words Saturday morning. In his hand, he grips his cell phone, aiming it towards Elizabeth and Hanes, who are seated on one of the couches in the living room. On his phone, a long and bright text shines, sent from none other than the high school Elizabeth attends.

   "No clue." Sam chimes from his spot at the kitchen counter. His lips pressed against a Pepsi can and his hands indulged in a delicious breakfast pizza they ordered earlier in the morning, he glares across the room and shrugs. "We got the same text."

   "Are you three in trouble?" Their father questions them, his dark blue eyes narrowing at his accusation. "What did you do?"

   "Dad." Hanes sighs and motions to the three of them. "Look at our expressions. We are as clueless as you are about the meeting and what it's for."

   "Plus," Sam's light hazel eyes twinkle humorously. "The three of us are innocent."

   "Mhm." Their father rolls his eyes disbelievingly before running a hand through his short, curly hair. At that moment in time, their mother steps down from the second floor, her brown hair straightened and flowing. She wears a silky blue V-neck, skinny khakis, and tan sandals. Her pretty hazel eyes train themselves on Elizabeth.

   Elizabeth's heart plops right into her stomach when she see spots her mother's strict gaze and her skinny finger pointed at her. "Elizabeth Clarissa Arrington."

    Yep. She's screwed. Her mother knows about her sneaking out and partying. Her mother knows everything.

   Sam whips his bar stool around, his eyes widening and his mouth dropping open. Both of the parents' backs are to him, so his expression is out of their line of sight, but not from Elizabeth's. Just seeing how bewildered and confused her brother is makes her stomach churn.

   "Why was your door locked last night?" Their mother queries, her lips curving down in a frown and her finger waving in Elizabeth's face. "I tried to say good night last night, but couldn't."

   "Oh..." Elizabeth's heart races as her mind soars to explanations she could use as lies. "When I changed into my pajamas last night, I locked my door. I must've forgotten to unlock it afterwards. Sorry, mom."

   Her mom hesitates, drawing a lump to Elizabeth's throat. Then, finally, she speaks. "It's okay, honey. I was just worried."

   "Sorry." Elizabeth apologizes as she watches waves of relief roll over her mother's hard expression, softening it.

   "So, what's this meeting about?" Mom questions the rest of the family as she drops her finger from Elizabeth's face. She moves over to the couch where their father sits, and plops down beside him.

   She doesn't even have to wait a second before Sam and Hanes say, "We don't know." At the exact same time.

   Her thin eyebrows peak as their father says, "It's so weird when you guys do that."

   "I think it's cute." Their mom admits.

   "Mom..." Elizabeth sighs, just as their father checks his shiny watch.

   "So, what would you kiddos like to do today?" He asks all of them, glancing back to see Sam shrug. "Want to go out to eat or something?"

   Hanes clears his throat, magnetizing everyone's eyes his way. "Actually, I have plans today."

   Sam is even surprised as Hanes meets his father's gaze. "I'm going to the mall today and out to eat with a girl from school."

   "What?" Sam gasps, his voice breathless. He rises from his spot on the stool. "What the heck?! What happened to always telling each other everything?"