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Chapter 6: I So Hate Consequences
After the door slam, as expected, I had company. Lucas was first;
"I didn't tell him Sam, his phone rang and then next thing I knew he was yelling at you!'
Mom followed;
"Excuse me young lady, I have no idea what is going on but under no circumstances do you slam that door! Got it?'
Then Dad; "Someone is going to tell me what the hell is going on!'
As the three of them presented themselves at my door telling me 3 different things I suddenly felt an incredible surge of guilt. Dad started to address Lucas about what was happening, Mom kept going on about slamming doors to me and Keith and Deb soon joined us in my bedroom, which now looked overly cluttered. Keith looked dazzled and Deb just wanted to know what was happening.
"Samantha!' Dads patience was over, "Tell me what is going on!' He yelled at me and I hated him yelling at me.
With all eyes on me I almost whispered; "Nathan's gone to hit Tim Smith.' I looked at the ground quickly.
"What! Why?' Deb was gob smacked. My Dad threw his hands in the air in exasperation.
"What the hell has gotten into that boy lately? He getting away with too much, He is gonna cop it when he gets back.' Dad straight away went to blame Nathan.
But my Mom knew I had something else to tell. "Samantha?'
"It's my fault, it has nothing to do with Nathan.' I burst out with dramatically. Silence. While everyone looked on I explained the whole story. Without taking a breath I explained the messages and the lying to them, the going to the party and whatever else I felt that I needed to confess. I looked up as I finished, Keith crept out of the room quickly and I desperately wanted to be him at that moment. My Mom stood with her arms crossed switching angry glances between Dad and me. Lucas looked concerned and my Dad looked like his head was about to explode with his wide eyes and red face. But no one said anything in what seemed like forever.
"I know it doesn't fix anything, but I'm really sorry.'
"Well sorry doesn't really cut it this time Sam.' Deb spoke up from the back.
"Samantha, how could you lie like that?' My Mom joined in the disappointment.
"I know. I'm sorry.' What else could I say? I felt sick to my stomach. Dad was still just staring at me angrily, almost like he couldn't believe it. I knew the fact that I was his baby girl wasn't enough this time.
"Dad, I'm sorry I lied to you.'
"Me too.' He said angrily, "But if you think you're sorry now, wait until I'm finished with you.' His threats were not uncommon but this one wasn't empty. He turned to Lucas. "And you? I expected so much more from you! Letting your sister get herself into a situation so obviously over her head!'
Before Lucas could say anything I butted in; "Dad, don't blame Lucas, or Nathan, it's all on me.'
"You're in enough trouble without talking back Samantha!' he yelled and I flinched.
"What do you have to say for yourself Luke?' he demanded.
"Dan, it's hardly Lucas' fault.' Mom was right.
"He could have stopped it!' he tried to lower his voice.
"Let's deal with this after lunch.'
"Good Idea Deb! We will all enjoy our family lunch, then we can sit down and sort this out after we have all calmed down.' Clearly Mom was referring to my dad who was obviously fuming. He accepted the request and left my room, Deb followed him, and I hoped it was to calm him down.
"Thanks Mom.' I tried.
"Oh don't thank me yet, you are in sooo much trouble!' she shook her head and left too.
Lucas and I exchanged glances. He looked more worried than me and I was officially shitting myself.
"Sorry Luke.' He sighed heavily and led me to the table by my shoulders. "This should be fun.' I whispered.
We all took our usual seats around the table and it was pretty tense. Nathan's absence was evident as was my dad's anger as I sat next to him. I felt his livid glance burning through my cheek but I remained focused on my plate.
"Who wants to say Grace?' Keith tried to lighten the mood. When no one volunteered he took the job upon himself and focused his thanks on the practice of making mistakes and forgiveness. Unfortunately no one saw the joke but I loved him for it anyway.
Sunday lunch, which is usually a loud, laughing, fun affair was now a very quiet event in which mainly consisted of Deb, Mom and Keith talking about the state of Tree Hill tourism. Riveting. Lucas and Dad only joined in occasionally, when spoken to. I remained silent.
Suddenly there were footsteps on the porch and we all focused our attention to the front door. Nathan slipped in. He looked up to find all six pairs of eyes upon him.
"Sorry, I'm late.' He joined us at the table, "Sorry Karen.' Mom smiled at him.
"That's all you've got to say for yourself son?" Dad was still pissed.
"Yeah pretty much.' He seemed confused.
"He knows Nate.' I spoke up. He now understood the hostility and nodded his head.
"I guess I should say he deserved it then hey?' He looked straight at Dad confidently.
Before my dad could express himself Deb quickly interjected; "We are doing this after lunch Nathan.'
The rest of lunch progressed much the same as it began. Deb brought up that she and Dad wanted to go on a long weekend holiday the weekend after next and asked if Mom and Keith were up for 'babysitting' that weekend. Turns out Mom and Keith already had plans to have a break in Savannah the same weekend. Usually it wouldn't be a problem, Lucas, Nate and I could fend or ourselves for a weekend. But my dad coldly remarked he wasn't comfortable with that arrangement, seeing as he didn't feel he could trust his children.
I finished picking at my potatoes and asked to be excused.
"Go sit in the lounge.' Mom instructed.
"Take advantage of your ability to sit because you won't be able to for a while.' It was hard to love my Dads quick wit at times like this. I doubted he would follow through with the threat though, he hadn't spanked me in over a year and by now surely I was too old. But then he did belt Nathan a few times last year and he was 16. But he wouldn't hit me with a belt. I didn't think. I took a seat in the lounge and almost prayed I was right.
I was soon joined with a brother either side of me as we all awaited the incoming doom. Keith sat on the arm of the couch we shared while Deb and my parents all took separate armchairs.
"Ok well, Sam, if you have anything you want to say for yourself before we yell at you feel free.' I usually loved my Moms honesty.
"I guess I just want to say that I'm sorry. To Deb and Dad mainly for lying but also to Nate and Luke, coz I put them in a crap position. I really am sorry. I know I did the wrong thing. But I won't sit here and make up excuses for why I did it, there aren't any. I just got a bit big for my boots for a while I guess.' That was all I had in my defense really.
My Dad then took the floor and ranted and raved about not only my sneakiness and dishonesty but also the 'irresponsibility' of Lucas and Nathan. Deb tried to address Nathan's absence and obvious assault on Tim Smith, but that wasn't my dad's concern. Better Nathan than him he remarked at one point. My mom then had a brief disagreement with Dad about punishing the boys. Mom said it was solely on me. Deb joined in and finally he gave up on the idea. But that still left me.
"You're grounded indefinitely.' He stated matter of factly.
"You can't do that Dan, you have to give her a proper amount.' Mom was the expert at groundings.
"A year.'
"Daniel!' Deb and Mom both sighed at the same time. "Be realistic.' Mom added.
"3 weeks.' I hoped they would keep bartering for me but they nodded. 3 weeks! I thought to myself, way too long! What was I going to do with myself for three weeks!
"Phone and ipod now, then you can go to your room.' I handed over my prize possessions to my Mom and made my way to my room cursing myself for opening my mouth in the first place. I lay on my bed and stared at my four walls as I tried to think of as many activities I could that didn't require electricity to amuse myself. Groundings at my Moms were a lot harsher than my Dads. No phone calls, anything which requires electricity or batteries and no leaving my bedroom or going anywhere but school and basketball. Dad was more; 'just don't leave the house.'
An hour passed and it was enough, I felt my brain go slightly insane. Deb appeared at my door to say goodbye and left me with the thought that she loved me, 'just not my behavior.' Too much Dr Phil. Nathan followed her in.
"Sorry Nate.' I faked a smile.
"Yeah same.' He waved sympathetically. That was all Nathan and I needed for everything to be back to normal. I wish all relationships were as simple.
"How'd you find out anyway?'
"Tim rung and confessed, he felt bad about it.' Nathan laughed and shook his head, "he is such a moron!' he closed the door behind himself.
A few minutes passed and I starting to think my Dad was too mad at me to say goodbye, I paced my room anxiously. He finally came in and kissed me on the head and left without a word. The sickness in my stomach returned. He didn't mean it. I had a brief cry to myself curled up on my bed looking over photos of my dad and me on my wall. I hated myself for making him so mad at me. I finally got over myself and grabbed a book of a shelf, noting to myself that I'd be doing a lot of reading over he next 3 weeks.
………………………………………………………………………………………………
After rearranging my shoe shelf, putting my CDs in alphabetical order and sorting out my desk draws I sat back and relished in my ability to occupy my time. 15 whole minutes. God I was screwed.
Someone knocked at my door. "Come in.' I called out disenchanted.
"Brought you some dinner.' Keith handed me a plate and took a seat at my desk, "how you coping?'
"It's been like 3 hours and I've read a book, sorted my cds, draws and shoes. But 3 weeks Keith?!'
He laughed at my dramatics; "You'll be fine!'
"Dad is majorly pissed. I don't think he's ever been so mad at me.' I still felt bad over it.
"Yeah, but he'll get over it. You're a kid, you make mistakes. God knows he did. Your Mother and him are mostly pissed because you lied to them Sam.'
"I know. I feel horrible for it.'
"Just live and learn. All you can do.'
"Keith, why can't my parents be more like you?"
"I guess it's because I'm not your parent that I can be more understanding.' He laughed to himself. "I better go before your mother grounds me.'
"You say that like it won't really happen, it's a reality!' I laughed too. Keith was so cool. I wished he were in charge of my discipline knowing consequences would always put back to next time. I ate my dinner on my bed. I felt like a prisoner and my crime? Being a teenager I told myself. But as much as I tried to justify it to myself I knew I was wrong and still felt bad.
I was left to feel sorry for myself on my bed for an hour or two, when Lucas joined me and jumped on my bed bouncing me up and down.
"Luke, don't risk it, get out before the warden finds you in here!' I told him in a mock warning tone.
"She knows I'm in here. I'm here to help you with your assignment, like I promised. The Robert Frost one.'
"Oh really? Mom said that's ok?' It didn't seem right.
"Yeah, if its for school.' Strange, but I wasn't going to knock back company.
I grabbed my sheet and we went through the poem line by line. Lucas helped me understand it better and I realized it was pretty easy to relate too. At 15 I was already missing the innocence of being a kid again.
"So for Frost swinging on Birches symbolized his childhood, what memories do you look back on fondly that were purely childhood?'
"Trips to Grandma and Royals, water fights in the summer…I don't know.'
"Dig deeper. Think of something that you miss, something simple.'
"When I hurt myself and Mom or Dad would kiss it better and I actually felt better after it. Believing in crap like that?'
"Perfect! That can be your focus point that you come back to. But try not to mention crap like that.' While I looked at him puzzled he began to write down notes and it suddenly made some sense to me.
"You could just write it for me?' Worth a try.
"Do you want my help or not?'
"Don't you get sick of helping me?'
"No. It's part of the job description of being your brother.'
"Yeah? Is getting in trouble because you cover for me there too?'
"Sure is!' He laughed.
"I don't deserve you.' I was serious.
"Stop feeling sorry for yourself. It's not like you're the only one to ever lie to their parents and go to a party they shouldn't be at. We've all done it.'
"You? I know Nathan has but you haven't, have you?'
"Sure I have. Freshman year I snuck out and went to a junior party.'
"Get busted?'
"Sure did. Then Dad busted my ass. I didn't do it again.'
"I thought he was gonna belt me toda…'
"He was going too but Mom talked him out of it. Luckily for you.'
"I think I would have preferred it than feeling like I do now. It would have eased the guilt.'
He laughed quickly, "Believe me, you didn't miss anything.'
"He is scary when he's mad isn't he? I was freaking out for a while.'
"He's no picnic.'
"Poor Nate. He is alone with Deb and the raging loony.' We both laughed.
"I can't wait to see Tim tomorrow. See the damage.'
"Yeah great.' I said unenthusiastically.
Mom appeared at my door; "Finished Lucas? It's time for Sam to go to bed.' Did I mention the 7:30 bedtime during groundings at my Mom's? Lucas ruffled my hair and left. As my Mom pulled back my blankets and shut my curtains.
"Mom, I'm not a baby, I can do that for myself.'
"That's not what your behavior indicates.' I left myself open for that.
"Sorry Mom! What do you want me to say?'
"I don't want you to say anything, actions speak louder than words. If you want to be treated like you are mature, act like it!' She kissed me on the head as I got into the covers, tucked me in and left.
I lay in bed thinking for a while; it was way too early to go to sleep. I always missed Nathan on my first night at Mom's and if I had my cell on me I would have messaged him to tell him so. It was another ritual we had. By 9:30 I was driving myself crazy as my Mom's words of actions speaking louder than words ran through my mind. I jumped up suddenly and knew what I had to do. I grabbed my jumper out of my closet, put on my slippers and snuck out the window. Mom or Keith always checked me just before they went to bed and at only 9:30 I knew I had at least an hour. I crept slowly to the garage and wheeled my bike to the street. I jumped on and rode as fast as I could in the cold dark night. The wind was making my teeth chatter and the dim street lights were no help in helping me stay on the footpath. I'm not going to lie to you, I was freaking out too. I slept with a nightlight till I was 13! Every noise was some deranged man chasing me and I was too afraid to look behind myself. I lost a slipper at one of the corners but just kept going on without it. Finally I turned into the familiar street with my heart racing I peddled right up to the front door and knocked softly.
"Sam, what are you doing here?' My Dad demanded.
"I knew you'd be up, watching the sports highlights and I couldn't sleep.'
"How did you get here? Does your mother know you're here?' his voice became softer.
"I rode here and no, I snuck out. I know that's why I'm in trouble in the first place but I had to talk to you.'
"Samantha, you're missing a slipper and it's almost…10! You should not be riding you're bike around the streets, especially sneaking out, you're grounded!' His temper was on the rise again.
"Dad, I wanted to tell you that I'm sorry lied to you. I know I told you that today but you didn't think I meant it but I wanted to show you that I do. And I wanted you to mean it when you kissed me. You didn't mean it either.' I spat out, still out of breath.
"Oh Sam, of course I meant it. I'm just so disappointed in you.' He put his hand over his mouth and sighed heavily. "You rode here to say you're sorry? Do you realise what you're risking if you're mother finds out?'
"It's worth it if I don't have to feel like I do knowing you're mad at me'
"It's freezing, let me get my keys and I'll take you home.' I didn't protest. He returned quickly, "C'mon you little goose!' he bent down to piggy back me an I jumped on promptly.
"Do you accept my apology?' I asked as he dumped me in the car.
"I accept. But I will never accept you lying to me. I don't think I've ever given you a reason to lie to me.' He closed my door and walked around to his side.
"You haven't. I don't know why it meant so much for me to go. It was stupid.'
"I guess I'll have to start accepting that things like this will be happening. Seeing you're a teenager. I just thought you and I were closer than that. I thought we had a better relationship than that.'
"We do. That's why I'm so sorry Dad. Honest I am.'
"It's ok. Let's just not do it again.' He patted my leg. "But Tim Smith?'
We both laughed and it felt good.
"I know, I know! What was I thinking right? You've gotta stop being so hard on Nathan and Lucas. Dad, it's unfair.'
"I know. I already spoke to Nathan.' We pulled up outside Mom's house. "I might go apologize to Luke now.'
"Dad…' I drained. Knowing that meant I was busted for sneaking out.
"I thought we were being honest. I'll talk to your mother. C'mon.' I followed him to the door.
"Admit you were proud of Nathan over the Tim thing.'
"I wouldn't say proud…quietly impressed maybe?' he smirked.
He knocked and Mom promptly came to the door fearing bad news at 10 o'clock.
"Samantha Karen!' she yelled. Perfect I thought.
"She came to see me, Karen. It's my fault.'
"No excuses! Get into bed right this second!' her voice was irritably high. I hugged my dad tightly.
"I love you Dad.' I told him earnestly.
"I love you more.' He hugged me back, "I mean that.'
I smiled quickly and made my way to my room. "Quickly!' Mom called playfully kicking me in the butt. She turned to my Dad; "What are we going to do with her?' They both laughed.
I closed my door and jumped into bed. I felt that huge weight lifted and that empty feeling inside vanished. It felt good. I snuggled up in my bed and had no more worries to keep me up for the night.
Hope you guys are liking the story. Let me know. I have alot of ideas which will be coming up soon. Review and let me know what you'd like more of. Thankx agains for all the reviews. Much appreciated! xox