Days of Darkness

Chapter 51

Teegan

"You're driving to Bangor by yourself? On a Saturday night?" Mom asked. I could hear the disapproval in her voice.

"I'm 18," I countered. I didn't expect blowback on my decision to go.

"I know." Mom smiled. "It doesn't mean you can risk your life and my heart." I gave her a stern look. "I'd feel a lot better if someone went with you. And who is this Caleb McGuire?"

"Just a friend," I said, trying not to get angry. She didn't trust my judgment.

"You must like him to travel all that way," Mom pointed out.

"He's a friend," I insisted, "I'm just there for support." It came out sharper than I expected. I took a breath, "You don't trust me."

"It's not a question of trust," Mom said. "More a question of experience. There's a lot of drunks on the road on Saturday nights. Not to mention the alcohol that will likely be there."

"You know I don't drink," I almost yelled. Some of my anger leaked, and I knew she felt it. I received surprised regret back.

"I'm thinking, Teegan," Mom almost growled, "I haven't said no." I bit down and blocked out everyone. I hated when bad feelings flowed with my words. She sighed. "Now you're even angrier."

"I promised him I'd be there," I said. "How am I supposed to tell him I can't go now."

"I didn't say you couldn't," Mom said strongly.

"You're leaning that way. I can hear it in your voice."

"I'm thinking about it," Mom said. "You're not helping your case."

"You're just pissed because I cut off Dad," I spat.

"Yes," Mom admitted, "Is that my penalty for being a mother?"

"For being an oppressive mother," I said and turned away. I had no idea why she would even consider saying no. I thought I was only letting her know where I was going to be. Maybe I should keep future destinations private. I left her there in the kitchen and went to my room. For emphasis, I slammed the door. Hadn't I just driven Zane to the mall. There should be more give for all that my family takes.

I sat heavily on the bed and texted Samantha. It's hard to put anger into a text. Summing it up in a concise statement is a difficult task.

Mom is being a jerk about Saturday >:(

-You're surprised

Doesn't trust me

-Mine won't cut the cord either

What do I tell Caleb

-She said no

She will - I can tell

-He'll understand

No he won't - I promised

-Sorry

Samantha was wrong. Caleb will take it personally. A new friend ditches him at his first request. I wondered if he would even believe me. I knew my mom's tone and figured she had already decided no and was looking for a way to make it sound reasonable. I hate when parents decide, then come up with the reason why.

I pumped some music into my ear buds and closed my eyes. I had to think of a way to make it up to Caleb, so he didn't think I was some jerk. Mom didn't say no yet, so there was still a small chance, infinitesimal as it was. Maybe, I could just go anyway. It's not like I wasn't old enough to make my own decisions. I drifted off to sleep no wiser about my dilemma.

A knock on the door broke through the music. I sat up and heard my name when I removed the earbuds. It was Dad.

"Your home," I said stupidly when I opened the door. He wasn't supposed to be home until tomorrow. His job often had him traveling to different construction sites.

"Teegan," Dad said without my normal hello smile, "why is your mom is crying?" The disapproval in his eyes hurt more than anything I could have imagined. I wanted her as angry as I was, not crying.

"She...I," I fumbled, "we kind of had an argument." I took a step back into my room and looked at the floor. Dad followed me in and pulled me into his arms.

"I missed you," Dad whispered. I hugged him back, happy we weren't arguing as well. "Go make up with your mother," he added, releasing me.

"But she doesn't trust me," I said, trying to sound sane.

"I trust you," Dad said, "I trust that you will apologize for using your bond as a weapon."

"I blocked," I said. "It's my mind, and I can do what I want with it."

"Yes," Dad said, "but doing it rudely against your mother is cruel."

"You're taking her side," I said.

"Always," Dad said as he turned to leave, "only because she's always on your side." I felt five years old again. Now I was angry at myself and Mom.

I watched Dad leave. He was more right than I wanted. He always yelled so quietly. Sometimes, I would prefer irrationality so I could vent. I thought about staying in my room and making Mom come to me. Maybe, she wouldn't come until tomorrow morning, and all my anger would be wasted.

If I go to Mom now, I concede defeat. If I don't go, I prove that I am a child. Dad makes every argument twice as hard. I sighed. The argument was over the moment he came home. I opened my mind and let my family in.

Dad flooded me with love, further weakening my resolve. I could almost feel him smile, though it was a proud one, not a victory lap. It was so hard to be angry when we shared.

Mom's love was close behind. It was wrapped in a cloak of forgiveness that defused the rest of my anger. I returned my love with the inevitable apology. My mother's apology surprised me.

I found them both in the family room. Dad was lounged on the couch with Mom curled into him.

"I'm sorry." I said it weakly, trying to mean it, but not loudly.

"So am I," Mom said clearly. Her smile coaxed out mine.

"Now, what's this Saturday thing?" Dad asked. Calmly, I explained about Caleb and my promise to see him play. I dropped my eyes and stated why I thought I was more than old enough to go alone to Bangor on Saturday night. For some reason, it was hard to look at Mom while I made my case.

"It scares me, Sam," Mom said. I looked up and saw the apprehension in her eyes. I couldn't help the love that leaked from me, nor block the same from her. It was fear, not mistrust that made her second guess my going. "She'll be all alone if anything happens."

"I agree," Dad said, "women shouldn't travel alone at night in the city. Especially to a concert venue." I felt my heart drop. He meant to stop me too.

"You travel alone all the time," I said meekly, motioning to Mom. It was a lousy argument, and I knew it. I was running out of debate material. Anger was no longer an option.

"Sweetie, I would never go to a bar or concert alone," Mom smiled warmly, "your Dad takes me."

"Sounds like you need someone to go with you," Dad said.

"I'm not sure I can get another ticket," I said.

"Call him," Dad continued, "if he can't get another, maybe your mom and I can drive you, and we'll find a place close by to grab some dinner." Mom squeezed him and smiled. I could feel the relief in her. I'm sure the embarrassment of my parents driving leaked right back at them. It didn't seem to bother either of them.

"I'm going to grow up someday," I added, trying one last attempt.

"Not this weekend, Stinky," Dad chuckled. Mom slapped his shoulder for being so crude. Her smile was too soft to make the chastisement meaningful. I rolled my eyes and pulled out my phone. I prayed I could get another ticket, maybe talk Samantha into going.

"The show's sold out, but you can ride with me," Caleb offered excitedly. I paused trying to figure out an answer. The night was becoming more and more like a date, and I wasn't sure Caleb understood it wasn't. He sounded too enthusiastic. "You'll get there a few hours early and have to put up with a few practice sessions, but it should be fun," he added when I didn't respond.

"Caleb says I can go with him," I told my parents, hoping they would know how to answer. Caleb overheard the question and waited patiently.

"I'd like to meet him," Mom said, obviously hedging her bet. "Have him come by for lunch before you two leave." My mind went blank. Not the answer I was looking for, but I was committed.