The Exception

Chapter 47: Angry Mothers, And Ice Cream Treats

The last few hours were a blur. I had one black eye, and Evan was taken to the hospital along with Tyler to have X-rays taken.  The fight between them was vicious, and the principle would have a literal investigation to ensure the responsible parties were punished appropriately. However, I was cleared, and allowed to go home. I stood outside, in the school parking lot. My mom arrived, and she climbed out of the car. She ran to me.

"Oh, Sweetie... Your eye...that boy is so going to pay..."

"It's ok, mom, he looks far worse than me...trust me," I said. I swallowed hard. I could not cry now. There was a lot of people around. I didn't like getting emotional in front of people. My mom drew me into a hug. "Let's go home, ok?"

"I so wish I could," I spoke softly. "But I need to meet Keith's grandmother for my assignment...remember?"

My mom sighed. "I'm sure we can delay it..."

"Mom, this assignment is crucial for my marks...besides, it's only a black eye..."

"Sweetie, it's never supposed to be "only a black eye", this kind of behaviour? Especially from a boy who was supposedly so nice to you?"

"I guess not everyone is what they seem," I said slowly.  My mom sighed. 

"Are you sure?"

"Yeah, I'm sure, I'm just hoping to borrow a bit of your makeup you stash in that car before we go?"

"Yeah, of course sweetie, and we can go get some ice cream too, before we visit, ok?"

"That sounds good," I said with a half laugh and a half sob. I followed my mom back to the car. I fixed my eye, as well as I could and my mom stopped to get us ice cream. I ate it slowly, trying to keep my head out of the fight. I never felt so scared in my life. I wanted to find a hole, and just hide in it. I checked my phone, and checked up on Ellie. They were still waiting for the X-rays on Evan, and his father was there. 

Me: I'm sorry I can't be there

Ellie: You had a beating yourself. Go home, get rest, feel better. See you tomorrow, and we can talk all about it ok?

I smiled. Ellie was truly understanding, and sympathetic. However, I also knew that despite her feelings of dislike for Evan, she needed to be there for her brother. If he were to remain in the hospital, I'd make an effort to visit him. That was for sure.

Me: Ok. Please keep me updated on Evan and Tyler's condition.

Ellie: Don't give a care for Tyler, but I'll be sure to let you know all about Evan

I shook my head and sighed. Albeit Tyler hit me, and started the fight, Evan was guy who punched harder. Everyone knew he was winning. Therefore it was more logical to conclude that Tyler was more hurt. Anger bubbled inside of me against him. He scared me so much, and I was so unbelievably angry right now. Angry, tired, stressed and really, really hurt. Tyler was such a nice guy, he even actually fooled Evan. But things took such a sudden turn. However, as his conversation replayed in my mind, was it possible that Evan got Tyler fired?

I shook my head, deciding not to ponder on that fact too much now. My mom showered me non-stop with hugs, threats of Tyler's demise and lots of good ice cream.

"Ok, so I'll drop you off at Keith's place, pick up your sister, then come and pick you up when you have gotten what you needed, OK?"

I nodded, "Thank you, mom."

"Anything for you, sweetie...your dad is going to have a fit..."

"Really?" I spoke with my eyebrow raised.

"Trust me, honey, he loves you as much as I do...I wanted to strangle Tyler, your father is going to bury him...and you'll have to bail us out of jail,"

I laughed hard at this. My mom winked at me, and I was really grateful to have her. She parked in the driveway of the address Keith sent me. It was a one story-brick house. It looked simple, but pretty. It wasn't too far away from the Candy Store, and I loved the small pots of flowers surrounding the door of the house. I checked one last time to ensure my makeup was hiding the ever growing black eye. I just wanted to get the facts that I needed for my assignment and leave without too much of a fuss.