Glorify Bad (ON HOLD)

Chapter Twelve - Homecoming

Caleb walked home from school that evening, able to slip past the almost unbearable Max who had been on his ass all day about homecoming and the game that night. He had made up multiple excuses, trying to get Max to just stop bothering about it. It wasn’t his thing anyway. He never liked people, so why would he want to attend an event where he had to be around them?

Nora had kept a bit of a distance, which was noticeable from the fact that she was nowhere to be seen at his lunch table. She had tried to convince Caleb about the dangers and humiliations of the game that was to come, asking him over and over again if he was sure he wasn’t attending, though the answer was the same each and every time.

Caleb walked along the gates of Woodbury park, seeing it had been just as secure as when he had found it. He observed the trees along the forest, making it look as if it were one large room. He touched the brass of the gate, feeling the chilling temperature throughout his hand. He hadn’t felt confident enough to phase, but knew his time to waste was running out.

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Max entered through the kitchen, slightly still a bit agitated at Caleb’s reluctant excuses that prevented him from attending the game. Max cleaned his thoughts with the cheerleaders that would be arriving, and hoping to swoon the heart of one lucky girl for the night.

At Max’s entry to the kitchen, there was a cabinet above the stove where Corrine stashed the alcohol. It had been quite a few days since Max had a good taste of the Smirnoff that he gripped in his hand, pouring into a wine glass which he hadn’t cared too much if it seemed out of place. Touching the glass to his lip, he caught a glimpse of his scarred hand. He had been reopening the same wound for a fresh taste of blood which satisfied to a certain extent. His own flesh wasn’t as desirable or delicious as he would imagine it would from another one’s flesh, but it did the trick as long as Corrine was oblivious.

“Look at you, getting into Mommy’s grown up drinks.”

Max turned to the voice, licking his lips of the beverage. Corrine graciously and silently entered the kitchen, touching her hands to the island. His emotions quickly changed, not entirely wanting to be around his mother due to her demand to forbid any form of friendship he had.

“What do you want?” Max spoke into the glass.

“I was going to ask you your plans for tonight.”

“Why does it matter? It’s not like I’ll be with friends. No need to worry.” Max rolled his eyes, leaning his back to the counter.

Corrine pursed her lips, raising a brow. “I’ve given it thought.”

Max chuckled lightly. “You’ve given your son socializing a thought?”

“It’s not my fault, I’m not used to it.” She spoke harshly.

“That’s funny coming from you.” He spoke as he finished the glass, setting it to the marble counter.

“You and I, we are exactly the same whether you see it or not. And as your mother, I can see when my own son begins to change.”

“I’m not changing mother.” Max pressed. “And if I am, its for the better. Stop trying to manipulate me. You’ve done a swell job doing that for the last seventeen years of my life. Give it a fucking rest.”

Corrine clenched her teeth, annoyed at her son’s independence from her.

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