PRISM: Green

Chapter 1 - It was like iron locking me in place

I put the finishing touches to my make-up, checked I looked good and picked up my purse before heading out of my room and down the stairs. I slipped my black 3 inch heels on and made my way to the kitchen.

I really hope I don't fall down in these.

As soon as I entered, mum turned her back on the cooking at the sound of my heels.

'So, what do you think?' I asked, doing a little twirl. 'Do I look okay?'

She gave me a quick once over and tried to look all serious but I could see the huge smile that was on her face. She suddenly launched herself at me and gave me a tight hug.

'Oh my baby is all grown up. You look beautiful', she said whilst still squeezing the life out of me.

'Thanks mum', I panted out, 'but can you let me go now? I can't breathe.'

She released me just as suddenly as she grabbed me and I took in some much needed air.

'I'm going to head over to Adam's now and then we're going on our one month date so I won't be back till later tonight', I added whilst heading out of the kitchen.

'Hold on one minute young lady', she suddenly said. 'You can go once you've clarified a couple of things for me. Firstly, isn't Adam coming to the house? Second, where exactly are you going tonight? And finally, be back by 10pm'.

I stared at her with a surprised look on my face, whilst she had a very serious 'mum' face.

'You're not being serious are you?' I replied back with the same expression on my face. 'You've not given me the third degree before when I've gone out'.

She remained standing there waiting for me to respond. I let out a huff of annoyance and realised I had better just answer if I ever wanted leave.

'To answer your questions, Adam was going to come here to pick me up but I thought I might as well leave a bit early and just head to his house. It's only a couple of streets away and he will just be heading backwards to pick me up. We were going to eat somewhere in town and probably go to the cinema. He didn't go over all details. Why do I have to be back by 10pm? College is nearly finished, I've only got one more exam left and it's a Friday. Can't I stay out till 11pm at least?' I finished exasperated.

She mulled over everything I said whilst I was fidgeting and becoming impatient to just leave. After a couple more minutes of making me sweat it out, she finally relented and deigned to reply to me.

'Fine, you can stay out till 11pm but I want you to text me exactly where you are; what restaurant and if you go see a movie, and if for some reason you think you're going to be late, text me and let me know'.

I ran forward and hugged her.

She moved me back so I was stood in front of her and I could see her face. She still had a semi serious look on her face.

'That doesn't mean that you take it for granted and come back later. I'm giving you the third degree because its different when you were going out with him and your other friends as you were only friends, but you are together now, so that is different. Right, enough of that now, go on and have fun tonight'.

She kissed me on the cheek and turned back round to continue with the cooking.

I quickly walked out the kitchen looking at the time on my watch; 5.45pm. Crap, I wanted to leave earlier than this. I double checked my hair and makeup were still fine, grabbed my jacket and headed outside, shutting the door behind me.

I looked up and could see that the sky was clear with the sun shining brightly with a gentle breeze; perfect June weather. I decided against wearing my jacket for now and continued walking, looking at my neighbours houses as I passed.