How to Kill a Man in Thirty Seconds

Chapter 57: Movie Night

My mother glanced up from where she was seated on the couch, as I entered. On the outside, she appeared calm, contained, but her lips were pursed in a fashion that was very telling. I was in for an earful.

"Where were you?" she asked coolly.

"Mum-"

"Where were you, Charley?"

Disappointment shone in my mother's eyes. I cleared my throat helplessly.

"Adrian's place," I replied in a small voice.

Silence.

It was one of those moments when the cracks on the floor suddenly felt like a comfortable place to retreat to, to live out the rest of your days. My mother was glaring, her eyebrow raised.

"Are you two sleeping together?" the sudden question blew me off guard.

My jaw hit the floor.

"No!" I spluttered in mortification, "God no!"

Now I had actual images of it up in my head. Of Adrian. Of us... actually...

I cut off my train of thoughts just as I felt the blood rush into my cheeks, "No, mum. We're only friends!"

This was technically the truth considering that we hadn't actually been on a date. Technically.

"Then why did you risk getting expelled to go to his house?!" she rose to her feet and her hands were on her hips now.

"Mum, wait, please." I swallowed, "Adrian and I needed to talk. It was really important. I can't tell you more because it's really personal to him. I'm sorry. But please, you have to trust me on this."

"Just like you trusted me when I told you that boy was trouble?"

Crap.

"You listen to me, Charley Green," my mother said curtly, "I am your mother and I know things I wish I knew when I was your age. Boys like Adrian spell trouble. From this point on, you are grounded. You two will not be friends. Do you understand?"

"Mum," I groaned, "Please."

"You will not date him. And you most certainly will not sleep with him. A pregnancy is the worst thing that could happen to you while you're studying. You will regret it with every fiber of your being. Trust me, I-"

I flinched.

Mum froze, her words stopping short and horror filling her eyes as she realized her blunder. The anger drained out of her eyes in an instant, "Sweetheart, I didn't mean it like that. You know I love you-"

She'd had me while she was studying.

My head shook and I swallowed down my disappointment as I retreated up the stairs. I couldn't mask the hurt that filled me even as Lily leapt at me from the doorway, begging to be carried, nor return her embrace when she hugged me with all the strength she could muster.

Days passed, which turned into weeks. I couldn't attend school; the principal had postponed the hearing until when he saw fit and suspended us till then. My mother was still disappointed in me. Oliver and I were still not on speaking terms; I could not get myself to forgive him even though it had been weeks since our fight. Nevertheless, it was difficult to remain low spirited for long.

Adrian seemed far better than ever before. A hefty log seemed to have lifted off his shoulders. He almost walked with an extra spring in his and he smiled easier, more often.