Life Happens

Chapter 9

[Abigail]

The house was deathly quiet when I got home that afternoon. I dropped my bag on the couch and walked into the kitchen. I found mom sitting at the table, her face in her hands. I stood in the doorway uncomfortably, not sure if I should say anything. I did need her help, though.

“Hey, I'm back,” I said quietly. She brought her face up and gave me a blank look. She just stared at me, as if I was transparent. I walked stiffly to the table and sat down. I stared right into her eyes. I was going to stare her into talking.

“How was school?” she finally asked after five minutes. I smiled a little, satisfied at my accomplishment.

“Could have been better,” I said shrugging. A dark look took over her face and I silently cursed myself. It’s best if I don’t cause her anymore problems. “So, um, how’s it going?”

She laughed. She actually laughed. It felt like I haven’t seen her laugh in days, when it’s only been two days. She ran her hands through her messy hair and sighed.

“It’s going great, Abby, thanks for asking,” she said smiling at me. I smiled back, glad to see my mom back to herself, if it was only for a moment.

“So, yeah, I need to talk to you about something,” I said messing with the pepper on the table. I saw her hands grab at the cloth and looked up to see her eyes dark again. “No, it’s not anything bad. It’s something good, actually. Well, I think.”

“What is it?” she asked with a strained voice. I bit my lip, regretting having to tell her.

“Well, you remember Alexander from next door?” I asked. She nodded and slowly and waited for me to continue. “Well, you see, he asked me out yesterday. I don’t know if you guys would let me go, with everything’s that’s going on.”

“Abigail,” she said rubbing her face and sighing.

“If you don’t want me to go, I can cancel. If you're worried that I may do that, don’t worry because I promise to hold out until I'm twenty-five,” I said hurriedly. Mom placed her hands over mine and I shut my mouth.

“Abigail, it’s okay,” she said laughing lightly. I frowned, it was okay? “I’ll have to talk about your father first, but I think you should go.”

“Wait, hold on,” I said throwing my hands up. “You're not worried I may get…you know.”

“A little,” she said frowning slightly. “But I don’t think you're that type. Now, I'm not saying anything bad about your sister. I just think you're more mature and levelheaded than she is. I trust you, even though I should be a little more wary.”

“Well, this is unexpected,” I said. “I was sure you'll be angry. Now I don’t know what to do.”

“It’s obvious right? You go out with him. I saw how he looked at you, and that boy has it bad for you,” she said smiling. I groaned; my mom did not just say that to me.

“But I don’t know what to do on a date. What am I supposed to wear? How about my hair and makeup?”

“Sweetie, sweetie,” mom said stopping me from freaking out. “Don’t you worry; I’m here to help you. How about we go to your room and find something for your date?”

“Oh thank god, I was hoping you would say that,” I said standing.

She laughed and followed me upstairs. I stopped and stared at Zoë’s closed door. I haven’t seen her since last night, when she was getting the third-degree. I was a little worried about her. Did she eat today? How was the baby? Now I'm no baby expert, but I'm sure stress and pregnancy should not associate with each together.