The Epitome of Me

Chapter Ten: Crazy Train

My parents were surprisingly okay with Alex and me after I explained everything that happened. What they weren't so happy about?

"You got suspended?!" My dad shouted. Maybe telling the whole story wasn't my shining moment. In my defence, I really thought that they could look past it, considering the fact that it was for such a stupid reason.

"I didn't do anything wrong! I swear the principal is just crazy," I promised, taking the empty plates into the kitchen.

"Neither did I," Alex piped in. I could already tell without seeing it that my parents were giving her pointed looks. "Sorry. I just think this school's authority figures are power-hungry and struggle with favouritism." I tried not to laugh, hoping my parents weren't mad about her big mouth.

"I appreciate your candour, Alex," my dad chuckled, then turned back to me sternly. "But don't think that lying to us won't have consequences, Jamie," He said. "You're grounded."

"What!?" This was totally unfair. Did they have to do this in front of Alex? "For how long?" I hoped that at least with her here, they might not be as harsh, especially with her view on authority.

"A week." My mother chimed in. "But you're not under house arrest. As long as you help out around the house and stay out of any more trouble, your curfew is 7. You come straight home from school every day, do your homework—" she glanced at Alex and smirked. "Alone. Then your tether is this house and Elgin's, but Alex is welcome to come over."

"As long as you keep the doors open." My dad added. So ... Basically not grounded? I didn't really have any other friends except for Anastasia, and we only talked at school. I could still hang out with Elgin and Alex, even if it was only until 7. I didn't see the downside to this punishment.

"May I walk Alex home tonight, at least?" I asked. My parents shared a look that made me think they knew something that I didn't and nodded. "Thank you!" I smiled, grabbing Alex's hand and dragging her towards the front door.

"Do they normally sentence you when you have company?" Alex giggled, bending over to tie her shoes. How was she not uncomfortable in that environment? If the tables were turned, would I have stayed?

"They're not really used to anyone being here but Elgin, and he's practically a part of the family. But I think they went light on me because of you, so thanks." I grinned. She stood up and pressed her lips to mine.

"Any time, babe." It made me feel warm to hear her call me, 'babe'. I might have hated it if anyone else tried to, but Alex wasn't just anyone.

The walk was only about five minutes each way, so it was short-lived. We moved in content silence, holding hands. When we reached the white picket fence, I leaned in to kiss her but she turned and whispered, "She might be watching." I had forgotten that her mom was less than unaccepting, so I hugged her tightly instead.

"Good night, Alex." I smiled sweetly at her, my hands lingering a little too long on her waist. She smiled back and nodded a goodnight back at me. Then she walked up to her door and, just before she went inside, she waved at me.

When I got home, my parents were sitting on the couch waiting for me. "So ... Alex seems nice." My mom said, flicking off the tv. Oh no, it was one of those conversations.

"Yeah, she's pretty great." I tried to hide my smile. I didn't want to jinx anything by being too happy with her, but I couldn't help it.

"You should take her on a proper date." My dad smirked. "You know before you get too serious."

"Although from the looks of it—" My mom would have embarrassed me further if I hadn't faked a yawn, cutting her off. I so did not want to be having this conversation.