“Hey, mom, can I go to a Hockey game with a friend later?” I just got done with my shower and I was getting breakfast. Cheesy eggs. (Yum).
“Today?”
“Well, yeah.” I get out a pan.
“We have to do stuff today, I’m sorry.” She shakes her head as she texts someone back.
“Like what? Cleaning? If it’s cleaning, then I can’t I do it before I go?”
“Yes, we’re cleaning today. Maybe. I’ll have to discuss it with your father when he gets home.” My dad works night shift, so he gets home around nine in the morning.
“When does he get home?” I question, cracking the eggs.
“In an hour or so. But if you wanted to, you could start cleaning by doing the dishes when you get done.”
“I’ll think about it. Do you want me to do laundry, too?”
“Would you? I’ll sweep and mop. And your room needs to be cleaned, too.”
“I think I can do that.” She goes to the bathroom to get the broom and dust pan. I’m surprised she didn’t ask who the friend was.
Four hours later, I’m vacuuming my room. After this, I have to do another load of laundry and then shower again. I can’t be the only one who sweats while cleaning, can I?
My phone vibrates. Theo.
‘Hey! Can you go?’
I finish vacuuming and then go to my parent’s room.
“Can I go to the game?” I ask. I’ve assumed they’ve made a decision by now.
“Did you get the dishes and your room done?” My mom asks.
“And I’m going to switch the laundry.”
“I guess you can. Do you need money? And we expect you to be back by curfew.”
“You do know that the game is in a town an hour away, right?”
“Oh.. okay, then I expect you to be home by one.” My dad says, looking at my mom for approval. Geez, that’s really late. Two hours before curfew? Yes!
“Thank you! And maybe twenty dollars? I’m paying for my ticket, but I’ll starve if I don’t have food.”
“Twenty dollars is fine.”
“Okay. Well, go get ready!” My dad pushes me away. “Oh, wait honey! Your mom and I are going to go see a movie uptown, so we’ll probably be gone when you get out of the shower. Your mom takes forever to get ready. We’ll leave the twenty on this counter.”
“Thank you!” I tell them as I leave to get in the bathroom.
I text Theo back.
‘Yes! I have to be back at my house by one, but I think we’ll be good. And who is driving?'
‘We can take my truck. What time do you want me to pick you up?’
‘What time does the game start, again?’
‘Seven, but we should get there early to get a good seat.’
‘I agree. So maybe pick me up at four thirty? Is that too early?’
‘Nope. Perfect timing.'
I check the clock. Twenty minutes. I finish up this load of laundry and plug my phone in. I change my shirt into something more casual, and get my Vans on. My outfit is aqua and white leggings and an ombre gray t-shirt. I get a crew neck and pull it over my head, as I don’t want my parents seeing my arms. I grab my purse and I go wait in the living room, where I can watch for Theo.
