Like Gods

[18] time control

The sun was in his eyes during the entire drive home, but he couldn't bring himself to care. The giddiness that he was feeling washed away any other emotion that threatened to burst his bubble. Still, when he parked the car, finally having gotten home, he couldn't help to notice the underlying worry that hid under his excitement.

"You're home late," his mother said the moment he'd closed the door.

"I know, I was tutoring," he sighed even though he still wore a subtle smile. Having said exactly that every Thursday since school had started was getting a bit tedious. As he went into the kitchen, his mom was drying her hands on a towel.

"That's right," she exclaimed, "I'm sorry, I forgot... but while I'm on the subject, I would rather you come home directly after school while your brother is here." Dylan frowned.

"I'm grounded because he is here?" 

"You're not grounded, honey, I just think that it would be nice to all be together as a family. Of course, Thursdays will be the exception." 

"And what about the weekends?" Dylan asked further, becoming more and more panicked as the conversation continued. For the first time, he realized that he was willing to sneak out the window if it was needed.

His mom hesitated. "Well, you can go out on Saturdays, I guess, but I want you home on Sundays. And Fridays." 

"Fridays?" Dylan's jaw dropped, noticing that he sounded absolutely exasperated. 

"Yes, Dylan," she sighed.

That was going to be a problem. At least later in the semester. He didn't say anything else, though, just turned around and went up the stairs to leave his back and jacket. 

Out of all the reasons William's return would make his life a living hell, this was not the one he'd thought would happen. He groaned in annoyance as he threw himself on his bed, ultimately messing up the bedding.

After a moment, he attempted to collect himself. He sat up in the bed, sighing as he let his arms drop onto the mattress. He should read. Or study. But he couldn't get his body to follow instructions and move.

He had one free day a week. One. A wave something like claustrophobia washed over him, making him move toward the window to get air. 

Of course, in his moment of panic, the worry about the inevitable meeting with Chris hit him like a freight train. Had he even done the right thing, saying yes. He'd let Chris kiss him. It had been great. Wonderful. The best thing ever. 

But now, he wasn't as sure anymore.

"Are you okay?" He twisted around to find Riley standing in the doorway, her arms crossed over her chest.

Dylan took a deep breath as the cold early-November air blew in through the open window. 

"Yeah, I'm good," he gave a soft smile, but Riley only raised an eyebrow.

"You don't look so good." 

Dylan looked at his sister quietly as the cold slowly got worse and bit at his skin, making it red.

"I'm just stressed," he answered finally, "being a senior is nothing to look forward to." 

"Maybe, not, but what comes after is kinda exciting, right?" Riley smiled as she took a few steps into the room. "You're going to catch a cold if you don't close the window."

Dylan chuckled. "When did you get so grown up?" He turned away and closed the window, his heart rate steadily decreasing. Riley didn't answer, she simply walked closer and wrapped her arms around Dylan.