At the final bell I make an excuse to zip out of school and head home. Both Becca and Eden looked at me oddly. I told Eden to come over later if she was free, I just need a couple of hours.
Mom is where I hoped she would be: by the pool. It’s a nice day and I know she didn’t have any meetings this afternoon. Dumping all my stuff by the door, I race through the sliding doors and plant myself on the lounger next to hers. Lifting her sunglasses, she cocks an eyebrow.
“Sweetie, are you okay? You look kind of wired.”
“I messed up, Mom. I need your help and impeccable organization skills.”
Placing her book down, she sits up and swings her legs around until she’s facing me. “Shoot. What’s going on?”
“I forgot to organize something for Eden’s birthday. It’s in two days, but she usually does stuff with her family so I need to get something planned for this weekend.”
Mom shrugs. “Easy.”
“It needs to be something good, Mom.”
She just stares at me. “Obviously, Sloane.”
Huffing, I take my hair from its ponytail and run my hand through it. “Sorry. I know you are like a wizard at thisstuff. I’m just so pissed at myself for forgetting. I mean what kind of girlfriend does that? Especially after…you know, our first time. How selfish am I?”
“Whoa, okay. Take a deep breath. Everyone and their neighbor knows how stressed you’ve been lately, Eden more than anyone. I don’t know her well, but I doubt she’d be upset at your lack of—”
“Thought for someone else,” I blurt.
Mom takes a breath and waits for me to look at her. “She wouldn’t want you beating yourself up over it. Anyway, you remembered on time—”
“Only because her best friend asked what I was doing for her. She was worried because I hadn’t sent her any details. If it wasn’t for Pia, I would have totally flaked. How mortifying would it have been to be remindedonEden’s birthday?”
“But that didn’t happen and we have time. We’ll throw her a pool party here. Your father can get the grill set up. The weather is supposed to be unseasonably warm, which is a bonus, although we can heat the pool if the temperature drops. Invite all your school friends. I’ll even allow some alcohol. Not any hard stuff.”
“Eden doesn’t drink.”
Mom smiles. “I like her more and more.”
“Yeah, she’s pretty fantastic.” I sigh, thinking about my gorgeous girlfriend.
Chuckling, Mom snaps her fingers in front of my face. “Back to earth, honey.”
Blushing, I smile. “Sorry.”
“So, nothing to worry about. All you need to do is get the invites out. Let’s say 2 p.m. Have you bought her a gift?”
Oh god fucking damnit! I had every intention of going to the mall two weeks ago, but got drowned in other shit I had to take care of.
“By the look on your face I’m going to guess no.”
Shaking my head, I remain silent. I am certain that if I open my mouth right now, I’ll crack. The threat of tears is already becoming a reality.
Mom moves to sit beside me. Her hand strokes soothing circles on my back. “Baby, take a breath. We have time.”
It takes me a few minutes to compose myself. I couldn’t stop a few tears from falling, and to be honest, I’m glad. Crying is like a pressure release for me. It takes a lot for me to get to this point. I guess I should take this as a warning. I have to calm down and get my life in order. I’m going to have a breakdown if I continue down this path.
“I think I should have a word with your algebra teacher. Mr. Roper, right?”
“Yeah. But I deserve it. I did skip.”
“Agreed, but I think you’ve taken enough. It was one class.”
Leaning into her, I put my head on her shoulder. “I think he gets frustrated with me because I don’t really get it.”
