Aileen
After college hours, I walked out of the classroom. On my way, I could hear some girls from my class discussing Skylar's party.
They looked pretty much excited. But, why won't they? He's the popular guy on campus, on top of that, he's rich. I don't blame them for trying to get his attention.
I heaved a sigh, thinking about how I could convince Dave to let me go to the party.
But, no matter what scenario I had thought of, I couldn't imagine him agreeing to it.
When I went into the main road, I realized I had forgotten to call the driver to pick me up.
I took out my phone to dial and looked around me. The sun is still up, it's not that dark yet.
Maybe, I can walk home, or can't I?
The idea seemed stupid, but I started walking anyway. A few minutes later, my phone rang.
Mom called, and I answered it right away.
"Hi, mom? You calling?"
"Yes, honey. I just finished my shift early. Where are you? We can go back home together."
"Me? I just left college."
"Oh, are you in the car then? Call the driver to pick me up."
"Uh…about that, I'm not in the car. I'm walking on the road."
"Walking on the road? Why so?"
"Uh…. I just felt like it. Where are you? I'll pick you up."
"I'm in….."
"Oh, that's 15 minutes away from the sidewalk. Wait for me, I'll go there right away."
"Alright, I'll wait for you. Come."
"Okay."
I started walking towards her location. Maybe I can't convince Dave. But I can still ask Mom for permission, can't I?
If I explain it to her properly, maybe she'll allow. It Who knows?
I saw her standing right in front of the big café and joined her a second later.
"Mom!"
She turned around to see me and smiled in assurance.
"Wow, you are so fast. I just blinked and you came out of nowhere. Did you run all the way?"
"Nah, I'll call the driver then. Wait," I took out my phone but she stopped me.
"You know what? Don't call him."
"Don't call him? Then, how will we get back home?"
"By foot!" she replied with a smile.
Huh?
"Are you serious? I thought you were joking for a minute," I stuttered.
"Why would I be? I'm pretty much serious. Let's go and eat somewhere before heading home, or just hang out for a bit. It's been so long since I got a time off. It'll be fun, just the two of us."
"Oh, that…. doesn't sound bad. Where do you want to go?"
"Hm…game center? There's one up the street. Then, eat some snacks and head home. How does that sound?"
"Hm…. very good. Let's go then."
I know, let her have some fun first, then I can convince her about it. Yeah.
At the game center, we tried on many different games. I kept winning easily, but Mom kept losing so we ended up spending a bit more money than we thought we would.
But, it was okay. Dave gives me a lot of pocket money after all. We can spend it for one day.
Then, we went to a nearby fast-food shop and gave our order after sitting down.
"It was such a shame, I couldn't win the last game. Do you think the machines were broken or what?" Mom complained, resting her face against her palm.
"Uh….. I don't–yeah, they must be," I replied. I need to get along with the flow so she won't become more depressed than she is already.
"I thought so," she sighed, "So, how was your day? What happened at college?"
"Uh, college was normal. But, something came up suddenly."
"Like what?"
"Well…. there was a Tennis competition at our college and the winning team captain is from my class who's also one of my few friends."
"I see, that's great news."
"And, he's arranging a party to celebrate his victory tomorrow at his home. And guess what? I'm also invited to the party along with my other classmates as well. What do you think I should wear to the party?" I asked.
She looked at me dumbfounded for a minute before asking, "You are going to your friend's party tomorrow? Does Dave know about this? Have you told him yet?"
No, that's the reason I'm asking out here in the first place cause I can't ask him myself.
"Why are you silent? Have you asked him yet?" She asked, fixing her posture.
"Oh…uh…. not yet. But, I'm asking you. Isn't that enough? You are my guardian–"
"Yes, I am. I never denied that," she retorted. "But, at the moment, Dave is your guardian. He's your dad after all! If there's anything you need permission with, you need to ask him even if you ask me about it."
That's the problem here. I can't ask him!