WILD (✓)

~ twenty-seven ~

The sun shines warmly on my skin, tanning the olive tone. I inhale deeply, smelling freshly cut grass and barbecue coming from down the street. The weather has been perfect over Spring break - warm but not too hot, aided by the slight breeze we've had all week. Perfection.

I tuck my feet under my legs in the old rocking chair on our front porch, grateful that the weather has been so nice. Mom's cold demeanor would only be that much more unbearable if I was stuck inside all day. I've spent my time during the day doing chores around the house so that everything is done once she gets home from work, but her frosty mood sends me into our yard to work on my final papers as soon as she enters our home.

I close my laptop and place it under my chair, too consumed by thoughts to write. I'd tried talking to Mom and apologizing, but she wasn't ready to hear it. She mostly just reiterated that I'll be grounded as soon as the semester ends and that I'm forbidden from seeing CJ ever again. My fists clench against my thighs. I'm an adult, how long will I continue letting my parents dictate what I do with my life?

Before the thought is complete, my snarky subconscious reminds me that it was Mom who recently bailed me out of jail and wiped my record clean. My guilty conscious also reminds me that I'd have to be a real jerk to not honor my fathers wishes for me.

I glare at the wicker bench swinging on the other side of our porch - it's where Mom and Dad used to sit in the evenings, rocking themselves gently in each other's arms until night fell. Angry tears prick my eyes, rage that Dad is still gone mixing with the guilt I feel for undoubtedly disappointing him.

It's just not fair. My best friend in the world, taken away from me way too soon, leaving me to try and reassemble the pieces.

Well, great job so far, Kat, my mind scolds me, taunting me with things I'm already well aware of.

"No fun spring break plans, huh?" I jump in the rocking chair, startled by Lucas's voice. He crosses the yard casually, hands in his pockets, before engulfing me in his shadow. "Mind if I sit?"

I nod and he eases himself into the wicker swing, pushing himself back and forth with his feet. "Let's just say I'm lucky to even be let outside," I huff, making sure our front windows are closed and that Mom can't hear me.

Lucas's brown eyes twinkle as he tilts his head to the side in confusion.

"I'm grounded, or will be, once the semester ends." I explain quietly, squinting into the bright sun.

He chuckles in disbelief. "What'd you do, skip your morning chores or something?"

"I got arrested." I respond flatly, watching as Lucas's eyes go from amused, to concerned, to confused. "I know," I groan. "Not very in character for me,"

Lucas lets out a low whistle but thankfully doesn't ask what I was arrested for. "Things are all good now, though? I mean, legally?" His eyes search my face intently, full of worry.

I smile appreciatively. "Yeah, legally we're fine." I bite my lip, thoughts returning to CJ for the millionth time this week. Somehow I've resisted the urge to call him but...

Knowing me too well, Lucas pushes me further. "What else is there?"

"I shouldn't," I shake my head, fingers knotting and unknotting in my lap. As nice as he's being, I'm not sure it's the best idea to talk about my love life with an ex. Especially considering how I ended things.

"Hey, I'm offering," He smiles brightly and the familiar sight is comforting, despite everything we've been through this year. Sensing my hesitation, Lucas urges me on, "Come on, it's just me."