Riley returned home late that night. His parents were asleep, so he had to quietly sneak around, which was something he wasn't very good at, to get to his room.
He really hadn't wanted to go home and face his parents. Zane knew that and had offered to let him stay in the guest room. Riley turned him down. Why cause more problems than necessary? More problems as in all the things he had to explain to his parents.
The next morning he awoke to the smell of eggs and bacon and as he stumbled out of bed and into the hallway he saw his mother at the stove cooking away.
"Morning Ma," he said coming up next to her and giving her a kiss on the cheek.
"Morning Hun, here you go," she said, handing him the plate.
As Riley sat down and devoured his breakfast, he couldn't help but think denial wasn't so bad.
…
"Zane told me you went over to his house for dinner last night," Anya said in a singsong voice as she and Riley walked down the halls of Degrassi. "How was it?"
"It was great. Zane's mom is amazing. But did he also mention that my mom caught us kissing?"
"No. Way. How did she react?"
"Eh, could've been better."
"So, what do you think about the ski trip coming up? Are you going to go?" Anya asked excitedly.
"I want to, but I don't know if I can."
"Well you need to find out ASAP!" she said, adjusting her books in her arms. "I mean, imagine, snow covered hills, a fancy lodge, outdoor hot tubs, and maybe you could even a secret passionate kiss on the ski lift with Zane."
"Oh Anya, you are such a romantic."
…
"So," Riley said. "There's this school ski trip next week and I was wondering if I could go…"
"No." his father said, barley glancing up from his newspaper.
"Well, I told this girl Anya I would be there." He said.
His father looked up, "A girl? What about her?"
Riley looked at his father with realization and slight disgust. But he really did want to go and spend time with his friends, and especially Zane. "We're kinda going out…," Riley lied.
Mr. Stavros eyebrow's rose, "Really? Then I guess you can go. Just… stay safe," he winked. Riley grimaced, he didn't need—or want— to hear his dad make awkward sex jokes.
As Riley walked back to his room, he knew he should feel guilty, guilty for lying about being with Anya. But he got permission to go skiing and that was what mattered….right?