Chapter 7
Keith and Lydia stood in the hallway upstairs outside of their rooms.
"Oh Keith," Lydia said. "I'm sorry I was so mean to you."
"And I'm sorry I was mean to you too," Keith said.
"Nice try!" Haley shouted from downstairs. "You're still grounded!"
"Oh look," Keith said in a mocking tone. "I'm Mom! I like to unfairly punish my children even though they made up and aren't fighting anymore! I know everything because I'm Mom!"
Keith turned around to see Haley standing right there.
"What were you saying?" Haley asked.
"I'm going back to my room," Keith said nervously.
"Good idea," Haley said.
Keith quickly ran back into his room. Haley looked at Lydia.
"Why does Dad always want to ruin my life?" Lydia asked.
"He doesn't want to ruin your life," Haley said. "He just wants you to be careful. I want you to be careful. We both want you to be careful Lydia. Sex is a serious thing, and you have to be careful. There are risks."
"I know," Lydia said. "But we used protection and it was my first time and Jonathan's first time."
"You should really talk to your father," Haley said. "He was 14 his first time."
"I know," Lydia said. "I overheard you guys talking earlier. And Aunt Taylor?! Dad slept with Aunt Taylor?! I just want to vomit!"
"Me too," Haley said. "That's why I try not to think about it."
"You know how you and Dad were 16 when you got married?" Lydia asked.
"You and Dad got married at 16?" Keith asked from behind his door.
"Keith!" Haley said. "Step away from the door!"
"Look, I'm Mom!" Keith said hatefully. "I like to tell…"
"Away from the door!" Haley shouted.
"Anyway," Lydia said, "I'm don't want to get married until I graduate from college."
"Smart girl," Haley said.
Haley and Lydia shared a hug.
"How long am I grounded?" Lydia asked.
"Two days," Haley said. "Keith however is grounded for two weeks."
"Two weeks?!" Keith shouted from his room.
"Yes!" Haley said. "For mocking me!"
Nathan walked upstairs to them.
"I apologized to Jonathan," Nathan said. "Look Lydia, it really was an accident."
"I believe you," Lydia said. "I'm sorry I've been such a brat."
Nathan and Lydia shared a hug.
"I love you Daddy," Lydia said.
"I love you too," Nathan said.