Just to clarify that the opinions of the characters do not necessarily represent mine. They're characters and they have their own thoughts and beliefs and I do not intend to offend anyone or anything. It's just how the story goes. (It doesn't necessarily mean that there's gonna be something offensive I'm just being cautious).

I threw my phone on the bed. It doesn't necessarily mean that it landed on the bed. At least it bounced twice before it stuck the landing. So I went around and picked up my phone and placed it slowly on the nightstand after making sure that the screen didn't crack into million pieces.

I looked around the abundance of bags. Lots and lots of them. All needing to be stacked and sorted.

It only took me an hour, but everything was folded neatly in place. Perfection.

By the time I was putting away the bags, which reeked of the same odor of the store, mom's cooking was starting to replace all the different aromas of the house. I've never been more hungry in my life.

I took the stairs two at a time. The table was half set with 2 plates only.

"Is it just the two of us?"

Mom yelped and jumped a bit. "You have got to stop sneaking on me like a damn snake every time"

"Sorry, force of habit." I shrugged, stealing away a singular french fry. "Though you go out of this world when you're cooking. I'm surprised you haven't burnt anything or any place down yet"

"Only in your dreams"

"Hey I'm counting on that. It would be epic"

"I gave birth to one weird, weird, weird, child." she mumbled but  I could hear her. Wanna know how?  Because Loud Voice.

After about 30 minutes, the table was sat and I was already munching on my chicken plate. With corn on the side. Mom had green beans but she knows I don't like them.

I didn't eat much because I was supposed to have a meal with Zac. I was still not over it. I was radiating excitement.

"I think I'm done" I said as I grabbed my plate as I stood up.

"You didn't finish your food! I don't know if I should be worried or- worried I'm worried."

"Yeah well I'm supposed to be eating out with Zac"

She spat her food. Literally. "Damn you're quick."

"I still think he's doing it out of guilt but I'm trying hard not to think so. But it's like a feeling that won't go away you know what I mean?"

"Like I always say honey, it's your life and I'm not gonna make decisions for you. You know what's best for yourself and I'm counting on your self judgment of the choices you make." she stood up and was now right next to ne.
"I need you to promise me one thing."

"What is it?" I was slightly worried as to what the outcome might be.

"You do not have sex with a guy you just met no matter how h-o-t he is"

"MOM!" I screamed. "I would never!"

"Sure"

I was not going to argue more. I wanted to be swallowed by the ground. Or sucked in I don't care. As long as it gets this awkward conversation out of my mind completely.

Zac

It felt as if my brain had tightened. Shrank, shrank, and shrank some more until it felt like a small ball of pain. Nothing would help. Not closing my eyes worked. Not my meds. Not water. Nothing but severe pain. I knew migraines get bad sometimes but this was an extra level of unbearable. I couldn't think about anything or even walk or talk. I just made incoherent painful noises.

You'd think that if I fainted the pain would stop. I could literally feel the pain even after I blacked out.

Evan

I was outside. I checked my phone for the time. 5:34pm. I waited for about ten more minutes. For maybe he's dealing with some naggy customer. He can't just drop everything he's doing and end his shift. It happens.

I was starting to grow more and more disappointed after the waiting process exceeded 30 minutes.

At 6:20pm I gave up. I didn't want to go home. I just felt hurt. I kept checking my phone over and over again. No texts or missed calls. He didn't even bother to apologize for not showing up. I felt like an idiot. Believing that some hot lad like him would ever settle for me. It just doesn't work that way.

My legs led me home. Where else would they lead me? I don't have any place to go. I barely know my way home.

As I walked the driveway, the sun was a deep maroon color highlighted by a shade of orangey pink. It was so fascinating, so I sat there. I just watched the sun fade away in style. That thing loves to make a dramatic exit.

"You're early" my mom's voice bellowed from the living room. I walked to her and slouched on the couch, trying to act as not disappointed and sad as I could. I hoped it work. "How was lunch with the hotty"

"It was nice. I enjoyed the meal a lot. He was funny too" I lied. Did she believe me this time? YES.

"I do not believe a word you saying" she stated casually.

"He did not- did not show up. I waited for an hour mom" she slid in next to me and took me in her arms. I teared up like a baby.
"Why do such things always happen to me? Am I repulsive or something?"

"Oh sweetie don't say that"

"I mean, I shower every day don't I?"

"Yes you do. And you always smell nice. And you're kind and innocent and a lot of people would take advantage of that. You should not let it get to you because I gave birth to a strong independent young man"

"But I'm crying"

"Crying means you've been strong for long enough and you just need a short break to release the pent up feelings."

I squeezed her arm tighter and sobbed for a short while. I didn't cry because I was ditched. I cried because it happened every time I was going to a date or a casual hangout. Some people are just meant to be ditched and I was one of those people.

I at least thought I'd be getting the regular "sorry I can't make it"  text or "something turned up"  or "My grandma just died"  the normal shit you know. This was a new level.

"Why's Liam not home yet?"

"He called and said he's coming late. He had a few emergencies at the hospital that he couldn't postpone" mom's hand was caressing my hair which made me sleepy.

"I've never asked you what does he work"

"He's a neurologist at Rivertown's Hospital"

"Oh cool. I hate Doctors"

"I know, me too"

"Why did you marry him then? Please don't tell me you're a gold digger"

"That's a rude thing to say to your mom. And no, I'm not. When Liam's off work, he's someone else. The moment he takes off his white coat and stethoscope, he becomes a person I'd die for. He makes my heart dance to a tune that makes one swoon."

"Is that what love feels like?"

"It is. The moment you see your lover, you feel like your whole body is floating on pillows made of clouds, and your blood flows ten times faster, and your heart beat races for the first few minutes. Your breath relaxes and your pupils dilate and the world around you feels nonexistent."

"That sounds like something I'd die to experience"

"It is so worth it"

"Can I ask you a question?"

"Will I regret it?"

She probably was going to regret it. I was already regretting it.

"Did you feel the same for dad? Or is it stronger for Liam?"

"I hate you sometimes" she sighed. "But it's definitely stronger for Liam than I've ever felt for anyone in the world. He made me strong again after your dad crushed me down from the inside out"

"Can I ask one more question?"

"I don't think you're gonna refrain from asking if I said no"

"Correct. Aren't you afraid of getting crushed again?"

She didn't answer at first. She took a deep breath and let it out smoothly.

"Everything in this life comes with consequences. I'll always be afraid of getting my heart crushed again, but also I'll always trust Liam not to do it"

"I'll always be here for you mom" I meant it. Her and I forever.

"I know honey, and I'm always here for you too."

"Thanks. I'm gonna go to my room. Tell me when dinner is ready. I can wait for Liam it's okay"

"Alright sweetie. Get some rest"

I dropped into the mattress after taking of my shirt and pants. I hugged my blanket and checked my phone.

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