Fine Line

chapter twenty

Acceptance and Refusal

Kat knew most things about my life, but not all. For example, she didn't know the disdain I felt towards my mother for not trying to be around more. Of course she didn't, because whenever the woman came back to town I would act like it was the best thing in the world. But why wouldn't I? My mother had just returned after months away in London. I may hate her, but she's still my mother.

So it doesn't surprise me to find her downstairs. Sipping tea and gossiping at the breakfast table without me at ten in the morning. It did fill me with fear, however.

I hadn't informed my mother about the things that have happened whilst she has been away. Or, at least, the more recent events. And I didn't plan on it. Kat might, though.

"Morning, gorgeous," my mother greeted as she caught sight of me in the doorway. She sent a smile my way and Kat turned her head to face me. She was completely free of make-up, not even mascara. That wasn't a good sign.

"Hey. What you talking about?" I asked in my morning, croaky voice whilst taking my seat next to Kat.

"Kat was just filling us in on what we've yet to hear." From the accusing tone alone I could guess what she had told her. I was just hoping that she hadn't gone into so much detail as to tell her how he had been in my room.

"Oh yeh? What's that?" I asked, acting dumb for confirmation.

I kicked Kat's ankle. She looked over at me with a shocked face. All I did was raise my eyebrows and took the carton of orange juice from the middle of the table.

"You're new friends. Jaden and Connor, right?" She looked at Kat for reassurance, but she gave no sign of response. "Do I get to meet them?"

"I'd hardly call them my friends. More like acquaintances. Spoke to them a couple times. Not enough to be classed as friends. Anyway, Kat, how come you're here so early?" I asked, quickly changing the subject before either of my parents found out anything revealing about who Jaden actually was. "I thought you were at your dad's this weekend?"

"I was, and so was Lucas, but we both left this morning. Dad and Lauren had to go somewhere this morning but wouldn't tell either of us where they were going. So we just kind of left and I came here."

"Oh. Are they all right?"

"I think so, they haven't said any otherwise. And they were fine yesterday. Anyway, I came to tell you that I had a message from Connor," she smiled brightly, completely forgetting the overlooking presence of my usually absent mother.

"When did you get Connor's number?"

"Friday," she said, pointing out the obvious as that was the only time she had ever spoken to him.

"Hey, Kat, why don't we go upstairs and talk?" I suggested. Talking in private might be better than exposing secrets to my mother, and apparently father who had just walked in wearing only a towel around his waist.

"Morning, ladies," he introduced enthusiastically, pouring himself a glass of orange juice. His mood immediately lifts when mum comes home. She doesn't seem to return the energy, but she is usually quite reserved.

"We'll be upstairs," I announced and stood from my seat.

Kat followed me out of the dining room and towards my bedroom, jumping onto the bed as soon as she entered the room. Her mouth spread into an innocent smile as though she knew exactly what I was about to say to her.

I didn't even open my mouth before she started talking, words rushing out of her mouth so that I could hardly understand what she was saying.

"It just slipped out," was the only part I understood from what she had said.