Truth Or Dare

Chapter 10 Making amends

That's when I felt the last piece of our friendship shatter.

"What?" I repeated more to myself than to Mrs Tenner.

I just couldn't believe that he didn't even want to try and fix this friendship. That he just wanted me to move out.

It was his idea in the first place for me to move here, it was his idea for me to leave my own freedom - to sell it - and live with him.

My house - I mean the house - has been officially sold. I have nowhere, absolutely nowh- well that wasn't true. I did have somewhere but would I really be welcome after my poor attitude towards her?

I excused myself and walked into the garden.

I dialled a number on my phone, a number I never thought I would diall voluntarily.

"Ethan?"

"Hi, mum," My mother. A woman who has provided me with so much but I've been so ungrateful.

I ignored calls and never thanked her when she sent me birthday cards with a generous sum of money inside.

"Um, mum... I'm so sorry! I've been a terrible son and a ungrateful one too. I should've spoken to you. Please forgive me!" My voice broke at the end showing my weakness which I hated but not in this moment.

Muffled sobs were audible on the other end of the phone line.

"I'm sorry I blamed you for dad's abrupt departure and you tried everything to raise me in an acceptable way and I never-never had the right mind to say thank you! I'm so very sorry mummy!" Normally I would cringe at people my age calling their mothers 'mummy' but I felt so ashamed and I was literally begging for forgiveness.

The line was now silent and my mother's sobs could not be heard.  For a second I though the line had gone dead and I was pouring my heart out to a piece of technology but I took a glance and the line was still connected.

"Oh darling, of course I forgive you! I understand why your father's sudden exit was my fault! I never had the confidence to tell him that his family comes first. He wouldn't have listen anyway!" She truly felt bad for my father's behaviour and I knew deep down it never was her fault, she wasn't to blame for his despicable actions.

Honestly my father was in jail. He's in jail for assault on a police officer, possession of drugs and drink driving. He never was one to make wise decisions so he had it coming for him. I was close to my dad so when he was taken and locked away I needed someone - anyone - to blame. My mum.

I was ashamed to have him as a father and quite frankly I don't count him as my father. It may say differently on my birth certificate but in my heart, after all the grief, he shall never earn a place.

"It wasn't your fault he was a arsewhole mum! He was a mad man and he is in a place he deserves to be," I assured her.

"I miss you terribly darling," mum sniffled.

"Right back at you, meet me at the coffee shop just down your road in twenty minutes," it was a plead more than a question.

"Of course! I love you Ethan," She hesitated, almost like she was afraid I would never say those three words to her. But as I was making amends with her now, why not.

"I love you too mum!" I could hear the waterworks starting up again and I knew if I didn't hang up now I would be on the phone for a couple more hours.

I hung up but remained standing in the garden until Jack came out to join me.

I sucked in a deep breath before turning to face him. He was avoiding my eye contact so I looked away altogether.

"I will just get my things then I'll be off," I turned on my heel to go and get my belongs but a hand was placed on my shoulder.

"Ethan... Look I'm sor-"

"Save it!" I interrupted. My voice was small and hurt, injured by the sharp edges of a shattered friendship.

I shrugged his hand away and proceeded to collect my possessions. Ten minutes later with a taxi full of my things I stood in the driveway bidding my final goodbyes and thanks to Mrs Tenner for her brilliant hospitality.

...

I payed the taxi driver and watched him take off with great speed down the road. I looked homeless walking to a cafe with two boxes in my arms.

I peered through the glossy window and caught sight of my mother sitting patiently at a table for two.

Her red hair was pulled into a tight bun and she was wearing a floor length skirt and blouse. My mother wasn't a perfectionist but she did try to look presentable even in the worst of times.

"Ethan!" Thankfully face to face no tears were shed from her lively brunette eyes.

"Hey mum!" I pulled her into a truthful - heartfelt hug. I needed her to see I truly am sorry and all I could ask for was forgiveness. Oh and a place to stay.

"Mum I need some advice,"

Fifteen minutes later and the whole situation has been explained in full except for me asking to stay with her.

"It's a shame, I took a liking to that boy. He was humorous and truthworthy, a perfect companion. Then he pulls a unacceptable stunt like this! After everything you've been through together! I personally say, you're better off without him!" My mum's sudden change of mood towards Jack took only a brief second to demolish the good thoughts and replace then with hatred.

"The thing is, I need a place to stay and I was wondering if I could move back in with you?" I held my breath in anticipation, waiting for the moment of truth. Yes or no.

"Of course!" She practically screamed causing several heads to turn.

"Sorry," She chuckled at the disapproving gazes and I couldn't help but join her.

The rest of the evening was spent with my mum and I laughing about ridiculous things from pigeons to video tutorials on how to talk to a giraffe.