Screw Love

Chapter Six: The Movies, The Drink and The Talk

       NICOLE'S POV :

   My heart dropped to the bottom of my stomach and I was left in shock for no more than three seconds or so. I honestly couldn't believe the words had come out of her mouth.

"Um, okay, mom, see you later," I said, trying to sound casual.

"Alright, sweetie, see you."

   I hung up and put my phone back into my pocket. "Fuck!" I muttered under my breath. I noticed Blake looking confused at my surprised expression and tone.

"What's wrong?" He asked.

"You gotta take me home, my mom's getting off early and she'll be home in thirty minutes."

"Shit!" He shouted. "Come on, get in the car."

  We got into the car, buckled up and Blake drove out of the clearing and onto the road. He was being safe at first but as soon as we got out of the heavy traffic, we raced in the direction of my house. We didn't say anything to each other during the whole ride because we were in such a rush. My mom doesn't even know him yet, which would make the situation a whole lot worse.

  I didn't do much thinking until we got there twenty minutes later. I would have to lie and say that I was home the whole time. My shirt smelled of seafood and weed from when Blake was smoking a joint on the way to the clearing. I would have to wash my clothes and dry them, then hang them up in my closet. I would have to take another shower to get rid of the mixture of perfume, cologne, seafood and weed. Worst of all, I would have to feign innocence to my mom. I can't believe I was so wrapped up in my date with Blake that I didn't realize what could happen and what to do about it if it did happen. Usually, I always think ahead and think about possible outcomes but for this, I didn't even take extra precaution. My God, I'm stupid.

  Before I could get out of the car, my phone rang and sure enough, it was Mom.

"Hey, mom," I answered.

"Yeah, Nic, someone got off early because she threw up all over the floor and my manager asked me to take her shift, go figure."

"Really?" I said, sounding a tad bit shocked but inside I was hopping up and down.

"Mhm, so I i guess I won't get off until twelve-thirty. I have to go real quick, bye honey."

"Ok, bye mom."

    I hung up and had a sigh of relief. On one side, I felt bad that my mom had to work until after midnight. She went to work at 1:00 so I'm sure she would be tired. On the other hand, I had more time with Blake and wouldn't have to deal with her complaints when she got home because I would be asleep by the time she gets home.

"What?" he asked, with his hands on the wheel with the car still running.

"Someone got sick and she had to take their shift. She won't get back until after midnight."

"Oh wow, I would've been pissed."

"I know."

   We sat there for what seemed like an hour but it was probably two minutes in reality. There was this sudden awkward tension between us as if we were both trying to find the words to say something. I could see it on his face even though he wasn't looking at me.

"Can I come in?" he finally croaked out.

  I thought I had the strength to invite him in myself, but I don't know what held me back that allowed him to ask the question first.

"Um, sure, okay," I accepted.

  He took the keys out of the ignition and got out of the car with me. I unlocked my door with my house key (thank goodness I didn't lose it). We stepped inside, the lights in the living room still on, and I placed my purse on the couch.