Unforgettable Mistakes - Now Published

Chapter 8

Amy

I step out of the closet behind Bree, with a smile on my face. We stand back to back, posing in front of the mirror, as we check out our reflection. We're both dressed up in fancy dresses, way too big for our twelve-year old bodies; hers is red and mine blue. We both have mismatched beaded costume jewelry draped around our necks and wrists, as well as oversized clip on earrings. "I love the blue on you," Bree compliments.

"Thanks," I reply. "You look fabulous in anything," I insist. She rolls her eyes at me dramatically and we both instantly burst into laughter. I glance out the window and gasp at the darkening sky. "What time is it?" I ask, shakily. My whole body tenses and my heart begins to beat out of control, as I'm suddenly overwhelmed with anxiety.

"It's a few minutes after eight," she answers.

"Oh, no!" I scream. I quickly begin taking off all the jewelry and setting it down on the dresser, before I slip out of the dress. "I was supposed to be home at six for dinner. My dad is leaving on a business trip tonight," I explain, panic clear in my tone of my voice.

"Go," she urges. "I'll clean up," she offers.

"Thank you," I mumble, giving her a quick hug in appreciation. Then I spin on my heel and run downstairs and out the front door of Bree's house. I glance at the street, grateful there are no cars in sight as I sprint across the road and in through the front door of my house.

"Mom, Dad! I'm sorry I'm late. I lost track of time," I blurt out, loudly.

Dad strides into the foyer, letting his small suitcase roll behind him. "Why didn't you call?" dad questions. "We were worried about you," he states, not giving me the opportunity to answer. "We thought you were playing outside with Bree and then you were just gone," he continues.

"I was playing with Bree, but we went inside for a while," I disclose.

Mom steps into the entryway and gasps, causing me to wince. "But I thought her parents' weren't home yet. You're not supposed to be inside her house when it's just her nanny home," she emphasizes.

"I'm sorry," I apologize, tears flooding my eyes. "I didn't think it was a big deal," I claim.

Dad shakes his head and a look of pure disappointment covers his face, causing my heart to sink. "I have to go Amy, but this isn't over. You have to be more responsible. Your mother will take care of your punishment." He opens his arms and I run to him, wrapping my arms tightly around his waist. "I love you, but I'm very disappointed in you right now," he declares.

My tears begin to flow freely. I squeeze him tighter and whimper another apology. "I'm sorry, Dad."

He gives me a kiss on the top of my head and mumbles, "I know, Sweetheart." He tips his head towards mom and gives her a chaste kiss, before he gently removes my arms from around his waist. "I have to go, but I'll be home at the end of the week," he advises. I watch as he walks out the front door.

"Do you have any idea what you did tonight?" mom probes, accusing. "You ruined dinner the same night your father has to leave," she emphasizes.

"I'm sorry, Mom," I repeat. "I didn't mean to be late."

"Of course you didn't mean to be, but you were late, Amy. It's like you don't even try for this family!" she exclaims. She begins pacing back and forth in front of me, her hands shaking in anger.

"I do try, Mom. I did my best," I plead.

She stops and steps closer to me, glaring down at me. "Your best isn't good enough! It's never good enough! If your father doesn't come home, it would be your fault! Try harder!" she screams.