My good mood plummets like a stone in the ocean. Down, down, down.
Unknown: How does it feel to lose your virginity to a monster?
I choke on my gasp. How do they know?
I certainly didn’t tell anyone…
Which means Caleb did.
24
Lenora knocks on my door. “Hey, honey. We’re going out. Will you be okay on your own?”
I sit up and look at her. I’ve been struggling through homework for the last hour. Math used to be my favorite subject, but I haven’t been able to concentrate this semester.
Too many other things pulling my attention, I guess.
“Where are you going?”
She grins. “Robert got a reservation to a nice restaurant. He surprised me, and since it’s a Friday…”
I mirror her smile. “That’s awesome! Date night?”
“Exactly. And as of tomorrow, we’re lifting your grounding.”
“Really?”
“Yeah. You’ve been good, and we didn’t want to make this a drawn-out thing. Besides, it’s your senior year. You should be able to have fun with your friends.”
“Thank you.”
She ventures deeper into my room and sits beside me. “We need to talk tomorrow. Robert and I wanted to check in with you after Angela’s visit, but things just got a little crazy…”
“It’s okay.” I fiddle with the blanket on my lap.
Between Lenora working late and my inability to do anything except for homework, I’ve had a few movie nights with Robert and a few nights of crashing early. In reality, I’ve barely seen Lenora this week.
“We’ll do a brunch tomorrow. I found a new French toast recipe that I’ve been eager to try. Will you help me?”
I grin. “I love French toast.”
“It’s a date.”
Robert calls Lenora’s name from downstairs, and she pats my wrist.
“I’m being summoned,” she says. “Have a nice quiet evening.”
“See you tomorrow.”
She tentatively leans forward, wrapping her arms around me. “Is this okay?” she whispers.
“Yeah.” I hug her back, resting my chin on her shoulder.
It feels… nice.
She releases me when I drop my arms, and then they’re gone. I listen for the front door to close, then shove my homework off my bed. I flop backward and close my eyes.
My mother flashes in front of my closed eyelids.