CAPTURE>>Why don't we

CHAPTER THIRTY SIX: SUPRISE

B:dad?!
My eyes are practically popping out of their sockets
D:surprise!
M: well if we knew there was a party, we would have stayed
B:mom?! It's only Saturday morning...you guys aren't supposed to back until Monday!
D: well you see daughter of ours,our trip took a little...detour when we found out-what was it again dear?
M:mhm...I can't seem to remember?
D: oh I think I've got it!when we found out that our supposedly grounded daughter who gave us her word was having a party and we thought how rude of her not to invite us, don't you think Billie?

I stand there speechless.As much as I like to act like some badass in front of my friends the truth is I'm not and the truth is I'm terrified of getting in trouble but I'm even more terrified of disappointing my parents-they've had enough disappointment in their lives.No this isn't right! It wasn't supposed to pan out like this! Everything was going so well...who could've snitched on me? I know it's none of my friends. I look over at their worried bodies squished together on the couch then turn back to look at my parents

Jonah silently flashes his phone screen and I see that an Uber is on its way to pick them up. I nod to indicate that I've seen it

M:are we intruding you're party? Oh please feel free to carry on, we'll wait over here don't mind us
B: guys, now isn't a good time
I say turning around and crouching forming a little huddle so I can tell them to leave
Jo: Billie I'm not letting you take all the blame
He says placing his hand on mine
D: yeah you didn't even want to do this in the first place just let me take the blame
B: that's really sewer of you guys and I love you but I need you guys to leave
Ja: no way. I'm not gonna leave you in this situation
B: guys I really do appreciate you wanting to take the blame but I did this and now must face the consequences
Z: I'm not letting you face them alone
Ze: yeah let us help
B: their my parents so I'll know how to handle them better. Please figure out a way to get yourselves home before you get in trouble too and whatever you do don't say anything to my parents-Trust me I know what their like
I really want them to stay or at least take me with them but I don't want to get them in any trouble. I stand up breaking the huddle and I turn back to my parents
B: guys please can we talk about this, it's not what it looks like

It's exactly what it looks like.

As I say this I shoot my friends a look and they realize it's their cue to leave. I hate that I put them in such an awkward position.Jonah silently flashes his phone screen and I see that an Uber is on its way to pick them up. I nod to indicate that I've seen it. They all share a look of apology before exiting.Zee is the last to exit and before she does, she comes back inside and slams the door shut behind her. What is she doing?!

Ze: with all due respect Pat and Mags-I mean Mr and Mrs O'Connell,please know that it was all my idea. I convinced Billie to do this so it wasn't her fault and I also...kinda...sorta think you guys may have grounded her for unfair reasons. I mean yeah what she did wasn't commendable but you know she's a good kid-
D: excuse me Zendaya I know you're trying to help out your friend but you have no right to come into my house and tell my wife and I how to raise our child. Now I know you've known Billie for a long time but we brought her into this world so...I think we know a thing or two about what we're doing

Dad says this in a calm but stern voice not raising his voice at her. I've told him many times that even if we're in trouble he must never to raise his voice at Zendaya and I'm grateful he kept his promise. I see her flinch in an apologetic manner

Ze: Pat-Mr O'Connell I apologize I really wasn't trying to-
She not used to calling my parents in a formal manner or any adult at that matter do I know she's really trying
B: Zee its okay
I say walking up to her and giving her a hug
B: thanks for trying but it's just making matters worse
I whisper in her ear
Ze: call me straight after okay
She whispers back
B: yeah course
Ze: love you
B: love you more