Background Image Doesn't Belong To Me
She had found it. I had tried so hard, but she found it.
I look at her, my throat tight. “Mom, please. It’s not what you think-!”
“Oh, really? Really, Riley? I thought you were better than this.” she says, flipping through my phone. “What else have you told her, huh? If your life is so miserable here…”
“Mom! You know it’s not like that! It was just a joke!” I cry, trying to reach for my phone, but Mom pulls away.
“I never thought that my daughter would act so… So… Ungrateful.” My mom glares at me, and I swear I can see the licks of flame behind her eyes.
“Jackie isn’t bad… I was just joking… She’s my friend. Please, let me explain!” I beg, feeling desperate.
“I think this explains enough.” My mom gives me back my phone. “You have 30 minutes.” she says.
I blink at her, “W-What?”
“Go pack a bag.”
“Mom, wait. Please! You… You can’t possibly-!”
“Go!” My mother growls, and I flinch, running to my room.
I blink the tears from my eyes, looking down at my phone. A message from Jackie lights up the screen.
Jackie: “How did it go? Did you tell her?”
Riley: “Yes… Kinda…”
Jackie: “Well what happened?”
Riley: “I’ll fill you in later… Can I come over to your house?”
Jackie: “Yes…”
I waited a couple of moments, then another text showed up.
Jackie: “Is everything alright?”
I didn’t answer. Instead, I pocketed my phone and began to pack. I couldn’t keep it hidden anymore. Once I was done, I go back into the living room, looking at my mother. “I’m ready.”
“Good… Then go.” she says.
“You’re not going to give me a ride?” I ask.
“Do I look like your god damn slave? No.” She pointed to the door. “Get out.”
I sigh, walking out of the house.
~
Our street is a quiet one. Despite this, I feel a sense of unease. I was just kicked out of my house… All for something I couldn’t control. I feel like screaming, but I can’t scream. Not now.
Just keep walking.
Jacklyn’s house isn’t that far away from mine, but as I walk, it feels like I’ve been traveling for miles. My eyes are wet and red, puffy from tears, and I wish I could hide. But I can’t… I can’t.
I reach her house about 15 minutes later, and when she sees me, her eyes go wide. “Shit… What the hell happened to you?” She cradles my cheek, and all I want to do is break down and fall into her arms. But of course, I can’t do that…
“Can I come in?” I ask, my voice raspy.
Jackie nods, taking my hand and leading me into the house. Once inside, she hugs me. “God… I didn’t realize that your folks would react this way…”
“Niether did I…” I sniffle. “I’m sorry, Jackie… I really am…”
Jacklyn shakes her head. “No… No, I am the one who should be sorry… I should’ve known…” She takes my bag, and squeezes my hand. “Come on… You can stay in my room… Mom won’t mind.”
“Are you sure?” I ask, choking out a laugh. “All of this is quite sudden…”
“Yes,” Jackie looks at me, her expression serious. “I’m sure… I should’ve never forced you to do this… You are not the one at fault here… I’m sorry I did this to you…”
“I’m sorry too…” I look out at the darkening sky, a sense of dread washing over me.
Why? Why did it have to happen like this?
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