Lag

2.

Keenan

I dropped my bag on the kitchen table as I enter the house and immediately get a whiff of freshly chopped onions. A calming sensation fills me as I see my mother shuffle around the corner with a bowl full leafy green food. "Keenan! You made it home alright. I'm so sorry I wasn't able to pick you up myself. The tabloid was here with a whole slew of repetitive freaking questions." 

She grabs my chin as she whisks by and kisses my cheek affectionately. Normally kids my age would get embarrassed or irritated by the act of love but I really don't mind it. If anything its all I have to look forward to at the end of the day. "What are you making?" I ask as I glance at her cluttered counter top. 

"Well, your father was in the mood for steaks so hes out in the back yard grilling. Your sister however requested a salad because she's on her 'diet'." She chuckles at the thought. Vivian may have moms platinum blonde hair and beautiful skin and face but that is all she inherited from her. She was so much more like dad, ambitious and unyielding. People get the misconception that mom is a stuck up actress just because shes famous but truthfully I think she is more down to earth and acts more human than them all.

"Are Robert and Brandon here yet?" I take a seat at the bar and watch her pull condiments from the fridge. "No, not yet. They had a student board meeting, otherwise I would have had them come get you."

I nod quietly. Robert and Brandon were at the top of their classes and always had some kind of after school program going on. They were serious about their academics, almost too serious. I cant ever remember a time that they had ever acted young.

"Speaking of which, how did the ride go?" She grabbed a large knife and head of cabbage and set it on the other end of the bar to be able to see me better. This is turning into one of her many 'so how did your day go?' therapy sessions. 

I look down at my hands and keep my face neutral. "It was fine."

She glances up at me before she begins chopping the lettuce. "Just fine? Did she find you okay?"

"Yes mom, she did." I sigh. I think about the ride home for a moment before continuing. "She had a girl with her."

Mom pauses momentarily to think about the new information, "She had a girl with her? Does Linda have...? Oh, yes! She does have a daughter doesn't she. I remember her mentioning it to me before. Well did you guys talk? What happened?"

I was used to the probing questions but I could feel my cheeks turning red about the subject. Mom stairs at me when I don't answer. "Well?"

I let out a loud sigh, "I lagged."

Moms curious expression instantly changed to anger. "Do not call it that. You just had an episode. I will not hear that foul word in this house." She had received countless phone calls from the counselor at school telling her about my profound nickname. Twice shes had to come get me from school because I would have an 'episode' and get my nose or lip busted by other kids because I couldn't stop them. Mother was furious. 

"Okay. I had an episode." I reiterate. "It wasn't a bad one. Only lasted a few seconds."

Mom weary eyes study my face, "and did they... did she say anything?". I can tell she's trying to see if she was one of my bullies.

I shake my head, "No. She didn't say anything." My thoughts take me back to car ride. I had been so nervous getting in the car that it triggered the one thing i was hoping to avoid.

Her pretty and delicate face swims back to me clearly. She smiled at me. Genuinely. It hadn't been that fake plastered on smiled my teachers and counselor used every time my condition made them uncomfortable. 

"She was kind." I say more to myself lost in thought.

Mom stopped chopping and put the knife down gazing at me intently. Her eyes squinted at me for few moments before deciding I wasn't feeding her bullcrap.

All of a sudden she claps her hands together happily, "well then! We should invite her to your birthday party!"

I feel my heart plummet into my stomach and my cheeks redden, "what?Mom, no! That will freak her out. I dont even know her name."

She shushes me and reaches for the phone. "Nonesense. You're over reacting."

"Please dont! This is embarrasing!" I try to get around the bar as fast as I can be she already dialing a number, "stop, Keenan. You're being ridiculous. There's no harm in at least asking if she- Oh hi, Mrs. Smith! It's me victoria."

I dropped my out stretched arm after there was an answer on the other end of the line. There was no point now, mom always has a way of getting what she wants.

Camille

I could hear mom on the phone with someone in the living room sounding quite giddy. "Oh yes, she would love to. That's great! Thank you so much for the call. I'll make sure she will be there on time."

My eyes perk up on the multiple use of she. I know mom wasn't talking in third person so this could only mean that I am said she.

I come around the corner with my eyebrows raised curious  about what I have been voluntold to do this time. Mom spots me as I enter the room. "Great news, hunny. Victoria invited you over for her son's birthday party this sunday."

"What? Why?" The news shocks me.

She waves her hand dismissively, "because you're a great girl. Why not?" She begins bouncing around the living room excitedly  straightening up the already tidy mantel.

I watch her for a few moments deciding whether or not I should be upset about the arrangement.  "I dont know him. I dont even know what grade he's in."

"Well, that's okay. You can get to know him. This would be great for my business if you befriended him." Her eyes sparkled at the thought of the benefit.

After a moment she pulls herself out of the train of thought and considers my facial expression with a noticeable  frown. "You know what. Its okay, you don't have to go. I shouldn't force you to do something you dont want to do."

"No, stop. I'll go. You dont have to call her back." I say quickly as she reaches for the phone.

She raises her eyebrows at me and lowers the phone, "are you sure? You dont have to, Cami. And you dont have to do it for my sake."

"Yeah, I'm sure. It was just a surprise is all." I didn't want to be rude. After all its not everyday I get invited to a timberland shin dig. I'll suck it up for mom.

She studies my face careful for a moment before giving me a small smile. "I'm glad you're giving it an chance."