Page 46 of XO

“It’s okay. I’ll tell Jesus to look the other way, just for one afternoon.”

~

“See you in ten,” I say to Jacob, leaning through his car window to give him another kiss. He’s driven us home from school, Nessie included, and drops us off directly in front of my driveway, even though he lives a mere ten steps away.

“Are you doing that on purpose?” he asks, gently teasing.

“Doing what?” I reply, coyly, using my arms to plump my cleavage just a little more. “Oh, this?” I flirt. “Maybe.”

His eyes narrow with lust. “You’re a very bad girl.”

Throwing a wink, I run after Nessie and enter the house. Immediately, I notice something out of place that ironically should be completely normal. Mom’s handbag sits on the hall stand letting me know she’s home from her business trip.

“Mom,” I call, listening for her reply.

“In here,” she sings out.

“Come on,” I encourage Nessie to follow me into the kitchen. I see my mother standing at the counter, a bottle of wine at her side, the glass already almost empty. She’s still dressed for work which tells me she hasn’t been home long. I walk around and give her a hug, and even though it’s been a while since she’s seen me, she appears uneasy.

“Well…” she starts, smiling insincerely, “… it seems like a lot has changed in such a short time. Hi, Nessie.”

“Good afternoon, Mrs. Reign.” Nessie shifts awkwardly, sensing the tension.

My mother glances awkwardly between us, and my cheeks heat at the questions playing on her mind. I just never expected it to be so blunt and cruel.

“So, when did you and Jacob Lynch become an item, Rosie?”

“A few days ago.”

She remains silent while topping up her wine. “Does your father know?”

“Yes,” I reply cautiously, my heart plummeting.

“And he is okay with this?”

“Jacob came and asked his permission.”

Mom looks away quickly, lips pursed in agitation. “So, my permission doesn’t matter?”

I shift awkwardly, glancing to Nessie who appears increasingly uncomfortable.Does she really think she has a right to be upset over this?“You weren’t home, and you never answer my calls. Why are you so bothered by me seeing Jacob? Just a few weeks ago you were saying he and I should build a bridge and get over whatever animosity we have and now—”

“To be friends, Rosie. To be friends, not… lovers.”

“Mom! We’re not lovers. We’ve barely starting dating.”

“Well, since it’s so new, you can end it without any trouble.”

It’s like a slap across the face. “Why would I end it?”

“Because he isn’t good for you, Rosie. You’re too different. He’ll only end up hurting you.”

“I’m a teenager, it’s bound to happen. But Jacob won’t.”

“You don’t know that. That’s what boys like him do, and you’ve just placed yourself in the firing line.”

I take a step back, my own mother proving a traitor. “Why? Because you think I’m not good enough? Is that it? Boys like Jacob Lynch belong with girls like Chelsea Campbell?”

“I don’t care who boys like Jacob Lynch belong with. But you’re my daughter, and despite what your father says, I do not permit you to see him.”

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