Chapter 26 - Guilt Trip

Skylar went outside to wait for me. Before leaving, I pulled on a pair of black boots and my favorite black denim jacket. Lucky for me, the jacket was one of the few things I’d actually hung up in the hall closet.

“You all set?” mom asked, coming back inside to see me off.

“I think so.”

We both jumped when we heard the screams. I almost forgot. The Creepshow was in full swing.

I narrowed my eyes. It didn't hurt as much as a frown. “Is Chief Madden helping you again?”

“Yes. Tonight is supposed to be our busiest night.”

I gave an eye roll. “Duh, it’s Halloween.”

“Okay,” she said, switching to mom mode. “When are you going to be home? Do you need me to pick you up? Do you have your phone so I can call you?” She rattled off the questions so fast, I had a hard time keeping up.

“I don’t know. No. And yes to the last one.”

“I’ll call you, so keep your phone on. Do you have your charger?”

I went to the kitchen, grabbed it and shoved it in my bag. “I do now.”

“So, you promise – there’s not going to be too much excitement, right?”

I nodded. “I promise not to have fun.”

She flashed me a look of annoyance. “That’s not what I meant and you know it.”

Warning: Annoying the parentals right before you are about to break a shit ton of rules, is definitely not a good idea.

 I mustered an innocent smile. “I promise. No excitement.”

“Alright. Have fun, but don’t overdo it. And remember to call me.”

I heard a horn honk, and headed out the front door. Mom followed close behind to give me a hug goodbye. “If you change your mind and want to be picked up, all you have to do is call,” she urged, searching my eyes. “It doesn’t matter what time it is, I will come and get you.”

“I will,” I promised, knowing I wouldn’t need to be picked up. If it weren't for the fact that I was about to attend the most epic party of my entire life, escorted by the hottest drummer on the freaking planet, I knew my ass deserved to be stuck on the couch in loserville to allow my body to recover. Despite my injuries, not to mention the pain, I intended to have a good time. Even if it killed me.

Mom gave me another hug and walked me to the SUV, acting like she was never going to see me again. “I love you.”

“Love you too. See you later.” I got in and waved as Nick pulled out of our driveway. I felt guilty as hell.  I decided right then and there that if I survived all the excitement, I would never lie to her again.

But never is a long time.