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Hostile Sleepover

Pepper

"And so? Did he ask you out again?"

"It's a weekly tutoring gig, Hannah. Of course it was a given that I was gonna see him again next week."

Its been hours since Eric had dropped me home.

And as usual my Mom still isn't here.

Hannah was nice enough to listen to my mindless babbling.

I chewed on my takeout as I held onto the phone with my other hand.

"But I was so sure that something was at least gonna happen. Something romantic?"

"Yeah, no."

I said, plopping down on my bed.

"He's too mature for his own good. In fact, he's too good. I don't even think he's even mildly interested in me."

He's an adult who respects his students. There's no way he'll like me back.

"Can't believe I'm saying this, Hannah. But your little experiment failed."

I heard shuffling from the other line.

"Hey! At least you got to hang out with him." Hannah retorted.
"How many girls can say that about their crushes?"

I stopped to think about this for about a second.

"Fine, but still. We should stop this. It would be awkward if he found out."

"What? Are you insane? The man of your dreams is right in front of you!" Hannah screeched

"No matter what happens, even if he ends up marrying someone else in 5 years, just, enjoy this while it lasts, girl."

No matter how I thought about it, Hannah was right. I might never get this chance ever again.

Besides, in a few years, he'd be married with kids, and I'll be a slave to the corporate world.

You never know when it'll end.

"Anyway-"

Our conversation was cut short by a loud crash from downstairs.

"Pepper? Are you okay?" Hannah sounded anxious "What was that?"

"I don't know." I whispered "I think it came from the kitchen. I'm gonna go and check it out. Talk to you later."

"Pepper wait-"

I hit the 'End Call' button and started to softly pad down the stairs.

I could hear my heart pounding in my chest.

My ears, itching, and heating up.

Running my hands across the wall, I felt the kitchen light switch and fumbled to flick it on.

"Mom?"

I was shocked to see my Mother, drunk off her face, and struggling with the coffee machine.
"Oh hey, honey." She managed to smile "Did I wake you?"

I took one look at her and I knew that she wouldn't be capable of doing anything tonight.

"No, Mom. I was just about to. Gosh, you scared me! I thought you were someone else."

I watched her try and fail to operate the machine for a few more times before I finally reached over.

"Here, Mom. Let me." I sat her on the stool of the breakfast bar while I took over and made her coffee.

Man. I love my Mom, but she's been impulsive as of late.

Should I ask her why she's drunk?