Flower of the Flame

Chapter 9

I'm dead. I'm dead. I am SO dead.

I slowly retreat from the stairs. I don't turn around until I can hear the tapping of my mother's feet. Her face shows irritation.

"Good morning...mom." My voice creeps out.

She has her arms folded. "Well, good morning indeed."

Simon places his hand on my lower back for comfort. A small gesture, but still appreciated.

"I suppose you're the young man that answered her phone last night." Mom looks at Simon.

He doesn't even look intimidated. He clears his throat before answering and holding out his free hand.

"Simon Comet, yes ma'am. Pleased to meet you."

She looks at him for a minute, trying to figure him out. Her eyes go to his outstretched hand. She hesitantly shakes it.

"Sanders. Mrs. Sanders."

I feel Simon's hand move from my back to around my waist. He gives me a light squeeze. Maybe he's trying to calm me down. Or trying to feel me up.

"Well, that's the pleasantries out of the way. But, Simon must get back." I try to pull Simon towards the front door.

"Uh uh. Not yet." Mom clears her throat.

Damn it!

She continues, "You've got some explaining to do. Starting with, why you couldn't make your way back home last night."

She walks over to sit on our couch with her arms folded and her legs crossed. Her eyebrows raise as if she's waiting on my response.

I start to pick at my fingers. I avoid looking at her. Instead, I look down at my fingers and try to make up a good excuse.

"Um...well," I hesitate.

", It was really late by the time the party ended. So, I thought it'd be better if I stayed."

I try to make it not sound like a last minute decision. She hums, as if she's thinking, then shifts her attention to Simon.

"Were your parents alright with this, Simon?" she questions.

Simon's chuckle is nervous as he answers. "They weren't exactly...present."

Mom's eyebrow raises. "Where were they?"

He starts to rub his neck. He does that a lot when he's nervous. Ew. Am I noticing things about him now? Not good.

"Probably on a beach in Miami."

She scoffs and turns to face me, "You were unsupervised at a strangers house for the entire night. But, didn't think to tell me what was going on?"

"I know, I know. I wasn't thinking. I'm sorry that I didn't let you know." I look at her with my pleading eyes. They seem to work on Dad more than her, but sometimes I can get through.

She gives me a frustrated look. I know she expects me to be more responsible. I haven't done anything like this before. It was fun though. Actually, a lot of fun.

"Don't give me those eyes," she narrows her eyes, "you're off the hook. For now."

Relieved, I sigh. Thank goodness. I didn't want to be grounded before our summer break starts in a few weeks. Jillian will probably make me go on outings with her as soon as we get out of school. Although, it might not be a that bad.

Mom starts to fold her arms again. She directs her attention to Simon before she speaks. "Come sit," she pats the cushion beside her, "Simon."

Simon doesn't look as nervous as before. Regardless, he walks over to sit beside her. I walk behind him and sit on the neighboring chair beside our couch. Of course my mom picks the worst time to be investigative.

"Now. I just have a few questions. If that's alright with you." Mom starts.

Simon nods. His posture is upright. His face is hard to decipher now. Maybe he's putting on a poker face to make it harder for Mom to intimidate him. Before, he seemed confident in himself. Now, I can't tell what he's thinking. I can't read his body language.

"