Sloane
Iavoided the third degree from my parents when I got home. Mom was at the mall, and Dad was golfing. It afforded me a little more time in my post-sex bubble.
Algebra kicked my ass for the rest of the afternoon. Babysitting allowed me to get on top of all my work. I’m just pleased little Riley is allowed screen time when I’m looking after him.
By the time I arrive home, Mom and Dad are waiting for me. I knew I wouldn’t get away with not talking to them.
“Hey, guys.”
“Evening, honey. Got time for a hot chocolate?”
Mom is already filling my favorite mug. Dad is putting cookies on a plate. Resigned that this is happening whether I want it to or not, I go to the living room and sink into the loveseat. My parents come in a few minutes later. I can already see that Dad is doing his level best to look confident. In reality, he wants to be anywhere but here. Fair. Few parents actually want to hear about their kids’ sex life.
Unfortunately, mine are all about transparency and honesty. They want to be the type of parents that are open and forward thinking. Their words, not mine.
“So,” Mom begins. “You stayed at Eden’s last night.”
“I did. It wasn’t planned. Eden showed up at Bryce’s party. We’ve not seen each other very much recently.”
“I know, honey. That’s something else we’d like to discuss. But it can wait.”
Savoring the chocolatey goodness, I collect my thoughts. “It wasn’t planned, but it was right.”
Dad is holding my Mom’s hand. His smile is forced. “So…um…”
Chuckling, I haul my butt over to the coffee table, which is in front of my parents. Taking both their hands, I level them with a serious look. “You know it happened. We don’t need to do an after-action report, okay? It was the right time, and it was a decision we both made. I’mhappy. Eden was—is—the right woman for me. I hope that continues for a long time.”
Mom cups the side of my face. “Just tell me she was good to you.”
Sighing, I smile widely. “Mom, she was everything.”
Dad clears his throat. “Okay then. That’s that. Anyone want to watch a movie?”
Me and Mom laugh. The conversation was shorter than I thought it would be. I think it was enough, though. They know I’m happy and safe.
Pulling out my phone, I send a message to Eden, letting her know I’ve had ‘the talk.’ She replies with a laughing emoji and the word “same!”
“Before we settle down, we need to talk about your schedule, Sloane. Your Dad and I are worried. Don’t think we haven’t noticed how tired you are, and how little down time you’re getting.”
“Is there anything we can do, sweetie?” Dad asks.
“I appreciate the thought, but I’ve got it handled.”
Mom isn’t ready to accept that as an answer. “Sloane, you had three extra Algebra assignments last week alone!”
Shit. Time to come clean.
“Okay, so I may be on my algebra teacher’s bad side. He’s punishing me with the extra work.”
“What could you have possibly done?”
“I sort of skipped his class and then got caught.”
Mom and Dad look at each other and then back at me. Ugh, I hate that ‘we’re disappointed’ look.
Holding up my hands to stop the tirade I know is itching to be released in my direction, I try to take back control. “I know I was wrong. It’s the first and will be the last time I ever skip. As for my schedule, Becca will be taking over some cheer practices, and I’ll be working on any other homework while babysitting. I’m good. I promise.”
Mom still looks a little salty, but she doesn’t ream me out. “Okay. You’re a big girl, Sloane. I trust you’ve learned your lesson. We’re still here if you need anything.”
