Cruel Kiss (On Hold)

Chapter 16- Lies We Tell

"Are you sure you want to do this?" Maddie questions from the back seat.

The trees outside the window blur as we speed by. Cole is trying his best to ignore us from the driver's seat, his face set in a mask of indifference. As we begin to leave Bloodmoon pack lands, his whole body tenses, instantly becoming more alert.

I take a deep breath as I contemplate Maddie's question. Was I sure about this? The lie that Maddie and I concocted earlier wasn't going to be fun to tell my parents, but at least they wouldn't worry about where I was. Right? This had to be the right thing to do. I didn't want to think about it any other way.

"I'm sure." I tell her, my voice coming out steadier than I was feeling.

She reaches forward to place her hand on my shoulder, giving it a soft squeeze. I turn my head, my lips lifting into a soft smile. This was going to be one of the hardest things I've ever done, I'm glad she's with me.

I've always hated lying to my parents. It just feels wrong after everything they've done for me. Guilt and nerves were eating up my insides at just the thought.

I place my head against the window, letting the coolness of the glass calm me. Maddie's hand remained on my shoulder, adding a small amount of comfort. I watched the trees go by, my eyes unfocusing as I withdrew into myself.

My entire world was in chaos. I wasn't sure of anything anymore. I still remember when my only issues were college lectures and weekend parties. Now, it just seems like years ago. Between the sleep walking and discovering werewolves, I feel older. I'm not sure how to feel about it.

Minutes go by, the only difference happening when a light sprinkle picks up. The droplets of water patter on the wind shield. Cole turns on the wipers, and my eyes follow the movement as they slash across the window.

The car slows, and my eyes shoot to our surroundings. My house comes into view, with its white siding and green roof. A lump catches in my throat as we get closer.

Stop it, Kenna. You're not allowed to start crying, now.

Maddie gives my shoulder a light squeeze, probably having felt the muscles tense. I suck in a breath as we pull into the driveway. I'm not ready for this. Not at all.

The car comes to a stop and Cole turns to look at me. A rare, sympathetic look is in his eyes as he waits. This is it. We're here now, and it's time to talk to my parents. My stomach churns as I look at my front door, and I feel as though I'm going to vomit any second.

"Hey. It'll be alright." Cole says, reaching over to give my hand a comforting squeeze.

"We've got your back, babes." Maddie reassured me, giving me a soft smile.

I inhale, letting my eyes drift closed for a moment. I could do this. I needed to do this. They were in there worrying about me, and here I was, too chicken to let them know I was okay.

I reach for the door handle, pausing a moment. I let out a sigh before swinging it open and stepping out. I close it and make my way towards the front door. A bead of sweat appears on my forehead, and I use the back of my hand to swipe it away. My hands are shaking as I reach up to knock on the door.

There's a pause, and nothing happens. I turn and glance wearily at Maddie and Cole, who are standing close to the side.

Maybe they aren't home after all, I think to myself with a small amount of relief.

Just when I'm about to turn and walk back down the steps, the door swings open.

My father stands there, his hair is wild and there are prominent dark circles under his eyes. It may be just my imagination, but there appears to be a few more strands of grey in his brown hair than I remember. Guilt and panic are eating at my insides, and my whole body is tense as we stare at each other with wide eyes.

"Kenna." He breathes, suddenly.

I open my mouth to respond, but his arms shoot forward. He pulls me to him, crushing me into a hug. His familiar scent invades my nostrils, tobacco smoke and spearmint, and the sting of tears fill my eyes. My hands come up to wrap themselves around his waist, and I bury my head into his chest.

"Who the hell are you?" His chest rumbles against my face as he speaks.

"Dad, they're-" I begin, but am cut off by another voice.

"Joseph? What's going on?" My mother's voice calls from behind us.

I lift my head, a few stray tears sliding down my face. I raise my hands to brush them away as I peak around my father's shoulder to look at my mom. A strange choking noise rattles in her throat when she sees me, her eyes flying open wide.

She runs to me, throwing her arms around my shoulders. Tears stream down her face as she hugs me, her hands stroking soothingly in my hair.

"I'm so sorry, mom." I whisper, trying to work around the lump in my throat.

"Sweetie, where have you been?" She breaths, her voice small and weary.

"I will repeat, who are they?" My dad's voice rings out.

My mother and I split apart, both of us turning to look at the people I brought with me. Cole is leaning against the porch railing, trying to look nonchalant, but from the way his body is tense I can tell he's nervous. Maddie is standing close to the stairs, giving everyone a soft and innocent smile.

"They're friends of mine, dad." I say, trying to keep the anxiety out of my voice. 

"I think you have some explaining to do, young lady." He says, his voice stern and sharp.

"I know, dad. Can we go inside first, though?" I ask, my voice shaking a little.

He sighs, but motions us inside. I let out a breath, a small amount of relief surging through me. At least he isn't going to turn us away. That has to be a good sign. Maybe this will turn out better than I thought.

My mother clings to me as we walk to the living room, her hands clamping onto my arm. My hands are shaking as we come to sit on the couch, my father sitting across from us. My mom and Maddie are on either side of me, and Cole is standing against the wall.

"We've all been so worried, Kenna. When Avery called and said that she lost sight of you while you were out, and then when you didn't come home-" my mother says, her voice breaking.

"I'm sorry, guys. You have no idea how sorry I am." I tell them, guilt evident in my voice.

"Where were you?" My father asks, a bite to his words but concern in his eyes.

"I-" I start, my voice shaking and a few tears leak from my eyes.

"Kenna, sweetie, what is it?" My mother asks, giving me arm a comforting squeeze.

"Something bad happened, mom. I'm sorry I couldn't tell you before." I begin, wiping my sweaty hands on my pants.

"What couldn't you tell us?" My dad asks, his eyes softening.

The look cracks something in my chest. I didn't want to lie to them. I didn't want to do this. Yet, I saw no other option.

I shoot up, going to stand next to the window. I take a shaky breath and try not to look them in the eyes. Here it was, the moment I was dreading the most.

"Mom, I've been- I have a problem. With...drinking." I tell her, unable to look at her.

"You, what?" My father exclaims, his voice rising.

"Joseph, don't yell at her." My mom says, shooting him a stern look.

"Loraine, don't tell me what to do. This child let us think she was missing! All the while, she's been-what? Drinking herself stupid?" He yells.

"Guys...I'm sorry." I say, my voice breaking at the lie I've told.

**********

Hi guys!

Just wanted say sorry for taking so long to update. I've been trying to keep the word count between 1,000 and 1,500 these past few chapters. Needless to say, it's harder than I thought having a set goal for word count.

How are you lovelies doing? I'd love to hear from you!

XOXO, L.J.