Senior Slump Or Comeback Of The Year

Be Nicer

"So tell me what happened."

Patrick and Pete exchanged horrified glances at his mother's request.

They sat just a foot away from each other on the couch. His mother sat in a chair across from them.

Was she really asking for what he thought she was? There was no way in hell he would be able to look his mother in the eyes and describe the night he'd lost his virginity to her. He would rather sink into the floor and never come back up.

Her face was warm and welcoming. Waiting for one of the boys to start talking. But Patrick knew that kind look would slip from her features when she learned how stupid and irresponsible he was that night. He couldn't tell her. He just couldn't.

"What do you want to know?" Pete asked quietly. Patrick's eyes darted to his again. He shook his head slightly. Begging him to shut up. He hoped his mother didn't notice.

"I know when. But where?"

"It was at Andy Hurley's house."

"Your friend?" She looked to Patrick.

"Yeah." That's all he would say. He wasn't going to help Pete incriminate them.

"You two just went to his house to-"

"Mom. No."

"There was a party."

"Patrick, I didn't know you like parties."

"I don't, mom. I didn't know there would be a party."

"There's a party at his place for the football team after every big game we win."

"You're on the football team?"

"Yes, ma'am."

"That's lovely. I mean, it's a bit of a dangerous sport. But it will look good when you're applying to colleges."

"I know." Pete grinned. "I'm very careful."

"I would hope so. Are you good?"

"It's only my first year playing and I'm one of the best on the team."

"Imagine how good you'll be with more practice." She said proudly. "You could get a scholarship. Wouldn't that be nice?"

"It would."

Patrick only became more confused as the conversation progressed in the weird direction. He got slight whiplash from turning his head to his mother and then to Pete as they took turns talking.

"What is going on here? I thought we were talking about the baby."

"Oh you're right, dear. I'm sorry."

"Okay." Damn. Maybe he should have let them continue talking trivially.

"So there was a party and Patrick just happened to be there?" She summed up.

"I was upstairs with Andy playing a game when it started. He forgot to warn me."

"Yeah. He was leaving when I was coming in and I asked him to stay. And have a drink with me."

"You were drinking?" There it was. The disappointment.

"Only a little."

"You're only 17 years old. You shouldn't have been drinking at all."

"I know, mom. I'm sorry."

"Don't apologize to me. Apologize to your liver, young man." He so wasn't about to do that. "Continue." She nodded to Pete.

"There was a little more drinking going on than there should have been. And we made some bad decisions." He trailed off awkwardly.

"You had anal sex?"

"Mom ew."

"Don't you ew me, mister. You're the one who did it."

"Mom, please stop."

"And I assume it was unprotected?"

Pete stared down at his hands in his lap and nodded. "Yes, ma'am."

"Unprotected sex? Patrick, you should know better than that. Do you have no idea how many sexually transmitted diseases are out there? No offense, Pete."

"None taken."

"But same to you, young man!" She chastised. I wouldn't want any high schoolers having sex. But I know it's probably going to happen. And for the love of God, use protection when it does!"

"Yes ma'am." They both muttered.

"And then you two were drunk to top it off. Do I even have to go on about how stupid it is to drink to the point where it clouds your judgement?"

"No ma'am."

"Are you sure?"

"Mom, I know it was stupid. It was one stupid night. We both did things we shouldn't have. We're sorry!"

"Fine." She sighed. "I don't want to lecture you. I'm sure you feel bad enough."

"Thanks."

"Now what's going on with the two of you?"

"What do you mean?" Patrick fiddled with the sleeve of his shirt.

"Are you. . . Together?"

"No."

"I have a girlfriend." Pete explained.

"Oh?" Clearly she didn't understand. "Are you a bisexual?"

"Something of the nature." He lied. There was nothing bi about his sexuality. He just didn't want to explain what a coward he was to Patrick's mom. She seemed to like him and he didn't want that to stop.

"Things must not be going well for the two of you then. Considering the amount of times I've been told to never let you in."

Pete glared at him. "I suppose you could say that."

"You shouldn't be avoiding him, dear. This is his baby too. Now, you don't have to like each other. But this relationship needs to be nicer. You're having a kid after all."

"I don't want to be around him, mom!" Patrick whined. "He stresses me out and that's bad for the baby."

"How? I barely get to see you! How could I possibly stress you out?"

"You're stressing me out now!"

"I'm just asking a question!"

"A stressful question!"

"It's your fault I have to ask."

"It's your fault! If you would just leave me the hell alone like I asked you to-"

"I'm not going to just leave you alone while you're carrying my child!"

"Enough!" His mother snapped. They both shut up immediately. "This arguing is starting to stress me out. Patrick, stop avoiding Pete. Pete, stop stressing Patrick out. Is that so hard?"

"Yes!" They yelled in unison. She gave them a hard look. "No."

She smiled, standing up. "Patrick, are you feeling well enough to go back to school or would you rather sit the day out?"

"I can go back."

"Good. Both of you head back to school. And Patrick, be more careful with my grandchild."