Caught In The Scene (LiL PEEP)

Chapter 22

The following days consisted of secret rendez-vous and sneaky cheek kisses. We would lace hands in the dark when nobody could see. I love life more than ever now. We flew out to Grand Rapids and I ran through the crowded lobby towards our ride; my mother. Peep trailed behind like a puppy but I loved it. When I caught the slightest glimpse of my mom's dyed red hair, I called out to her and thrashed my arm in the air as if drowning. The wrinkles etched in her skin rose up to define her expression deeper when she saw me. Gustav and I had left the rest of GBC to eat our dust. We were the first to make it to her. She wrapped herself around me in a hug before I could squeak a syllable.

"I'm so happy to see you." Her voice was jubilant.

"Glad to be home, mom." It took most of our willpower, but we finally pulled ourselves from one another. I smiled and looked into her deep chocolate-y brown puppy dog eyes. There were traces of salt water swirling in them. "Awe mama, don't cry." I smiled for effect; to cheer the mood.

"It's just that I've never been away from you for so long." I rubbed her bicep as she regained her bearings. With a sniffle, she asked, "Who's this fine man?" He grinned at the polished floor.

"I'm Gustav." They shook hands and then he kissed the top of her knuckles.

"Oh," she said surprised, "I like him."

"Gus, stop with the theatrics. It's just my mom."

"Exactly." He beamed. At this point I could tell my mom would kick me out before she ever thought about doing that to him. Great, I'm her only child yet still second in her mind.  "Let's get this freak show on the road, shall see?" I pushed as the rest of our crew regrouped with the three of us. There would be no time to introduce all of them, maybe later tonight or on the road.

"Speaking of the road and driving and stuff, I called some backup." At first I didn't get it, but then I saw seafoam green hair running at me with a churro and I knew.

"Mint!" I ran and crashed into her figure.

"Hey there, kiddo."

"Don't forget us!" A familiar voice sailed from ten feet behind us in the direction Mint had come from: Avery-Grace. Reagan and Coley were tag-teaming a pizza box.

"Clea, it's been too long! How dare you ditch us after two weeks." The accusation from Coley's vocal cords was far from genuine.

"We missed you." Reagan was second for a hug as the remainder fell into line. I glanced at my mom and she emitted a warm smile. I didn't have to speak my feelings for her to know how grateful I am to finally have a friend group. Other than Jaim, I would always float between odd friends. You know, kind of like how people go between different odd jobs that are temporary until they find the right one. I found my right ones.

We started our miniature journey to the vehicles after five minutes of small introductions. I watched as Wiggy banded in a pair with Mint to catch up. Luckily I wouldn't have to face the embarrassment of the "Jahseh Kiss" since I had already told her. I just have one unanswered question for my conscience to dwell on day after day: why Peep instead of Wigs? Perhaps Wiggy looks too basic for me, I chuckled at the assumption. But Gus is unique for sure, with his Simpson's and Pink Panther tattoos; not to mention the abstract font spelling out crybaby and framing his eyebrow.

The whole ride home I pondered on fly-away thoughts. Where will everyone sleep, will mom really let me leave her sight with with a walking canvas of art again, Jaim started this so doesn't that make her like my guardian angel or somethings? It took effort to snap me out of my thoughts but finally someone succeeded.

"We're here...I think. I haven't seen here before so I wouldn't actually know but, I'm pretty sure this is here."

"Yup, this is it." I confirmed, soaking in the image of the yellow two story home on a decorative plot of land. My mother and her creativity, I shook my head. This is why I love her, for her expression and individuality. All the cars lined up in front of the porch and GothBoiClique ran inside out of pure eagerness. "We really haven't thought this through." I nudged at my mother. She grinned and began putting her hair up in a bun.

"Oh well. I'm sure Mint will be happy to take Lil Tracy off of our hands from what I can see." The two looked like old pals, how could she be so comfortable with him already? How is she not still fangirling?

"And Wigs," I added. "please take Wigs."

"Heartbreaker." My mom teased.

"It's not my fault." We had gravitated toward the kitchen now...and I see Goth had as well. He was raiding our fridge and piling food up in his arms. 

"Need any help?" Peep asked his friend. He nodded and handed him half the stack, but when Gus collected it all and balanced it just right; he ran off like a child, leaving Goth to follow him around aimlessly. They ended up in the front yard on the ground (Goth tackled him). 

"That's the man I fell in love with." I sighed, but with a smile.

"Love?!" My mother shrieked. "Don't tell me-" I cut her off.

"No, mama, we haven't said it to each other yet."

"Okay, okay." She regained control of her sanity. No more outbursts. I chuckled, I've missed her humor. "You've only been gone a week or so but you seem so much more grown up." She ran her hand along the side of my face. I dropped our gaze, beaming.

"Guess it happens when a person gets kidnaped against their will."

"I think it's always against one's will." We both stifled a giggle and headed back outside onto the paint chipped porch where the party was. Party.

"Gustav!" I shouted, catching hold of his attention. "Get in the car loser, we're going shopping."