Chapter 11: Blank Walls

And once again, I ended school with my frustration against Ronnie. I drove home and parked my car in front of the garage in the driveway. As I got out, I heard from across the street, Ronnie playing his guitar. Unlike the others I have heard before, this was distinctive. It was slow and the sound expressed affection and emotion. As I turned to my doorway, I found Gary there- waiting for me.

I walked up to him and asked, "You are here because?"

He shrugged. "You've been really lonely and quiet the passed few days. I thought a visit would maybe cheer you up."

I smiled at him. I walked up to the door and opened it with my key. Inside, I led him to the living room where he sat, comfortably. I stood beside the couch just staring at him confusingly.

"Are you sure that that is the only reason you are here?"

"You learn quick, young grasshopper," he said, getting up from the couch and walking towards me.

Then there was complete silence. He took a step towards me and I did the same. I felt him put his hands around my waist as he pulled me in closer to him. Placing my hands on his arms, I began to lean closer to him. I felt his breath on me, and then his lips were against mine.

As soon as his lips have touched mine, all the memories we had together rushed back into my head. At the beginning, Gary and I were going great. We loved every moment we had with each other. All of a sudden, Ronnie pops in my head.

Then the door suddenly opened. "We're home!" the voices said.

Gary and I immediately stepped back breaking the kiss. My parents found us in the living room.

"Gary, it has been a while since I've last seen you with my daughter," my dad said with an uncomfortable smile on his face.

I remained silent. Gary went up to him and shook his hand and acknowledged both my parents. "I'll see you tomorrow," Gary said to me, trying to make an exit.

'He was smart' I thought to myself. Gary came to me and kissed me on the cheek and left.

As soon as the door shut closed, my parents looked at me, suspiciously. I already had broken one rule they had given me: No boys in the house.

"So, when did you and Gary get back together?" asked my father, setting his baggage down on the floor.

"Today."

"Do you mind explaining what happened a few nights ago, Alexa?" asked my mother.

"I was in a bad mood," I told her. "Why does it even have to matter? You are always gone. What are you doing back here early, anyways?"

"They let off the case," my mom said. "Do not change the subject, though. Why were you acting like that on the phone?"

I took a deep breathe. "If someone, especially your own parents, forgets your birthday, how would you feel?" I left for my room, leaving my mother standing there, speechless.

Hours have passed by and I still was in my room, doing absolutely nothing. I just sat on my bed staring at the blank walls. There was so much drama going on in my life, and I just wanted it to stop. I wanted everything to get resolved. Then, a loud banging on the door got my attention.

"Alexa, it's your father, open up." I slowly got up from my bed, and pulled the door open.

I watched as he went inside my room and sat on the edge of the bed. "Alexa, you have to understand your mother's point of view," he began. "She's been so stressed out at work and…"

"That's no excuse."

"After that phone call, your mother felt guilty. She wanted to make it up to you, and so we came home early. We booked a reservation at that one restaurant out of town, that you loved, but you've been in your room all night, so we cancelled it."

I felt ashamed. I guess my mother did care.

My dad continued, "I think you should go outside and apologize to your mother."

I did as I was told. I went to my mother's room and found her sitting on her bed watching TV. Taking a seat next to her, I felt uneasy. I turned my head to face her and said, the most truthful thing I've ever told her, "I'm sorry."