Running Into You

Chapter 2

Emma

I stroll through the backdoor and Mom is standing in the kitchen only a few feet away. She must have seen me coming through the large window in the door because she is obviously waiting for me to walk through it. Seeing the pissed yet still concerned look on her face I tense up and wait for the lecture that is sure to come.

        "Where the hell have you been?" she demands not quit yelling. My mom never yells.

        "It's okay, Mom, I just went running at the school track," I explain not meeting her eyes. Focusing on the tiny flower print on the tablecloth she is standing beside. I know I've done something wrong and I don't want to see the disappointing look in her eyes.

        "Running? How often do you leave the house without letting me know? You have me worried sick," she rails outraged at my audacity.

        "I have been going out there for about two months now. I usually go earlier than now, but I wanted to finish a paper last night and didn't get to bed until late. It takes forever to do research when the internet keeps going out because Jeremy is playing those stupid games," I explain hoping to use my shortcomings to sway her to be easy on me.

"Two month? So you leave whenever you want now, huh?"

Apparently that didn't work.

"I'm sorry, Mom. I didn't think you would mind. You know that I have that 5K in two weeks and I don't want to be the last one to finish. I don't have any other time to train and besides there is never anyone there." Well, besides that one guy today, but I will never go that late again.

"It's okay. I forget sometimes that you're eighteen now and technically an adult. Before long you will be away at college and I will never know where you're at." She calmly takes me into her arms and hugs me. I can feel her slight trembling as she holds me, not concerned about my sweat messing up her clothes.

"I'm sorry Mom," I apologize pulling back and looking up at her face. "Is it okay if I keep going?"

"Yeah, sure. Be careful and let me know if you see anyone else out there. I know it's only two blocks away, but there are all kinds of crazy people out there."

I roll my eyes. In this town? Yeah right. The only thing the cops in our town have to do is handout speeding tickets. "Okay Mom, I have to take a shower and start breakfast." I remind her as I walk through the living room and up the stairs heading towards my bedroom.

"Just worry about getting ready. I'll take care of breakfast."

Once I reach my bedroom I kick off my shoes and then continue to the only bathroom. I shut and lock the door. I hate when my brothers come in while I'm taking a shower. I peel my sweaty clothes off and throw them in the hamper. As I'm taking a shower I start thinking of the guy I saw at the track. I wonder who he is. I haven't seen him at school before. I know most of the high schoolers at my school, I'm sure I would have remembered him. Didn't he say his name was Henry? I don't think I remember that name. He might go to a private school in the city or maybe he's in college.  I didn't mean to call him a jackass. I wonder if he heard me. I can't believe I yelled at him. I doubt there was much I could do if he wanted to hurt me. I'll pick up some mace at the store when I pick up the groceries this week. I'm sure he was harmless, but Mom's right, it's better to be safe than stupid.

Anyway, I have to get dressed, get the boys feed, and get them to school. I don't have time to curl my hair. I'll just wear it in a ponytail. I take a lock of it and stick it under my nose to smell it. It still smells like the peach shampoo I use. I'll wash it anyway. I did get pretty sweaty this morning. I finish rinsing the soap off my body and start washing my hair.