Honest Mistake

Although we left Easton at 9:30 and got to New York at about 11:30-ish, we somehow managed to get stuck in one of the worst traffic jams ever for an extra hour and a half. Everybody who wanted to sight see in New York City just dumped their cars in the busy streets of New York, and there was no possible way we were going to get to lunch in time.

Noelle was fervently texting away on her phone, until she suddenly looked up at me. "Ok so here's the deal. We are going to ignore my dad, because he didn't even bother to save Billings. But still be polite ok? Rudeness doesn't fly in Upper East Side restaurants. Trust me, I know" she said matter-of-factly.

I furrowed my eyebrows at her. "I can't be mad at your dad! He was extremely nice to me during winter break. And besides, your dad did try to reason with Mr. Hathaway, so don't be so mad at him."

She turned and fully faced me. "What do you mean, my dad tried to reason with Mr. Hathaway? I highly doubt that, since Billings was torn down anyway." Noelle made a face, showing her disapproval.

"No, no Sawyer told me. He was the one who overheard them arguing. He said something like your dad was arguing that it's not right, but he eventually gave in." Now that I thought about it, I wondered how Mr. Lange relented to tearing Billings down. Sure, he didn't seem like the most lovable father, but he obviously cared about Noelle. Headmaster Hathaway must have good reasoning skills to get Mr. Lange to step down.

"Huh. Whatever, I'm still mad. I mean, he could've warned me, you know?" she shrugged and looked out the window.

"Uh Noelle, you were warned- by me. But you didn't believe me," I stated.

Noelle sighed. "I know it's just…kinda sucks. It's my last semester here…I mean now that there's no Billings, the unworthy girls will probably raise a mutiny or something. Like take advantage of us," she said expressing her concerns.

I couldn't help but laugh. "Yeah ok, we'll see about that. Besides, no one messes with Noelle Lange now, do they?"

She took a deep breath, and ruffled her hair. "No…and I don't know why they would…" she smirked and I laughed. Noelle looked out the window. "We're almost here. We were planning to go to Central Park, but I don't think we will be able to do that…" She took out her phone, and started dialing a number. "Daddy? Sorry about the wait, it's just the traffic…Are we still planning to go to Central Park?" She shook her head a bit. "Ok, we'll go straight there. Bye," she ended rather coldly.

"So?"

"So, we are going to eat first, and then go to Central Park. Probably do some sightseeing after that, if you guys are up for it."

I shrugged. "That'll be cool." Noelle then leaned forward to tell the driver to head to the restaurant instead of the park. As I looked out the window, I couldn't help but marvel how beautiful New York was. The people bustling, the shops…I wanted to be these people, already living their lives. I wanted to be free.

We started to speed up, and the traffic loosened. We were now heading towards the posh side of town, and the shops became more glamorous and the people screamed money and wealth. The driver turned a corner, and stopped in front of a very fancy restaurant. It looked like it had a lower and upper level, and it oozed dollar bills. There were mini statues of polo players out in the front, I'd like to think. It was classy and I immediately loved it. "What's this place called?" I asked Noelle.

She was fixing her hair and was applying her signature red Stila lip gloss. "It's called 21 Club. It can take about a month or two to get reservations." Holy crap, a month? Two months? Just to get reservations? This was insane. I suddenly wondered what my family was thinking about this. The driver opened her door. "Come on, let's go." I obliged and headed out.

When we got inside the restaurant, it took every ounce of me not to drool right now. It was gorgeous. Just plain gorgeous. I couldn't believe how lucky I was. Immediately, a middle-aged woman came to us, smiling warmly. "Hello and welcome to 21 Club. I'm assuming you ladies are attending lunch with the Lange's?" Her and her perfect grammar. This place was all about sophistication.

"Yes."

"Follow me." She led us through the middle of the restaurant; we were apparently going upstairs. I happened to catch glimpses of a bar that had sports memorabilia stuck on the ceiling, and a truly exquisite main dining hall. I loved it.

We started to climb cherry wood stairs, and we finally got to the top, I was even more amazed. It was all white, with different shades of blue and cherry wood. It was just as large as the main dining hall. Out the window you could see the Hudson River, dark and mysterious. It was a private dining hall. "Wow," I said under my breath. Noelle sniggered.

"Here you go ladies," she said while pointing to our families. "I'll take your jacket…" we handed off her jacket. "Enjoy the rest of your lunch." She smiled warmly and left. I turned around and saw both of our families sitting in one of the corner tables, not talking and they looked awkward. I immediately saw my mom, dad, and Scott. I was so happy to see them.

"Mom! Dad! Scott!" I said, while extending out my arms to greet them. I hurried over to my dad and hugged him. I breathed in his middle class sweet scent, and I instantly felt at home.

He hugged me back. "I missed you kiddo," he simply stated. I released him and went to mom. To be honest, I really didn't want her here. After all the drug abuse and making me feel ashamed of where I grew up, it was hard to accept her back in my life. But after seeing her all dressed up and looking as healthy as ever, I felt ashamed for thinking that way.

"Hey mom," I said while I went to hug her. It was a true, honest hug.

"Hey there sweetie. How are you?" she asked.

"I'm fine, I'm fine." I forgot that my parents were notified about my recent predicaments. I felt horrible for making them worry about me. I then went over to Scott as he smiled smugly.

"Hey loser. You had me worried for a couple of weeks there," he confessed while he wrapped his arms around mine. I hugged him back even harder.

"Aw, you missed me." We both laughed; I was so happy. I let go of Scott and went over to Mr. and Mrs. Lange. "Thank you so much for inviting me, and my family."

Mr. Lange looked down at his feet, a little embarrassed. "It's no problem. After everything, I feel like we kind of are family." Mrs. Lange smiled at me warmly. "Come, let's sit and eat."

We ordered our food, and I couldn't help but realize that the prices weren't listed on the menu. It was unusually quiet, with Noelle and I doing most of the talking, but occasionally her parents talking too. To sum it all up, it was uncomfortable. My family had no idea how to act in front of Noelle's family and Noelle's family did try their best, but it was horrible. Not only that, my mother was fidgety for some reason. And she kept on telling some really embarrassing stories.

"So, she comes home and tears are on her face, and I ask 'Honey, what's wrong?' And after a long while, she told me that a boy said that she was ugly, and he threw his remaining pudding at her in front of everyone! Oh goodness, the look on her face was classical."

I froze. No. She did not just do that. Not only was that one of the most embarrassing moment of my life in elementary school, that was also the day she almost O.D-ed and we had to go to the hospital. That was the day I began to feel hopeless. I fumed under my breath. My blood was boiling. I couldn't bring myself to look up. I turned to my side, intent on telling my mom under my breath to stop acting stupid, when I noticed a Walgreen's bottle inside her tiny dress pocket. Pills. She had pills in her pockets.

Why? Why was she taking them? Was it because of me? Or was she so goddamn selfish that she decided to ruin my time in New York with everyone? She was making me angry. She was a selfish, little…bitch.

"Oh Reed, remember? And you told me to tell his mom and what not." She laughed hysterically. I didn't get what was so funny about it. "I don't really remember what happened after that, but I could never get the darn pudding off her shirt…"

I snapped. She was fucking laughing as if it wasn't a big deal. Mr. and Mrs. Lange looked dismayed and shocked. "Shut up! Just shut the hell up! Do you have any idea how much you're embarrassing me?!"

Everyone's head snapped up at my sudden outburst. It was all quiet in the room; even the waiters and waitresses had stopped their work. I swallowed. I couldn't breathe. I scooted my chair back. Everyone's eyes on the table looked straight at me. "Uh…excuse me." I rushed out of the room, not wanting to vomit on the pristine carpet.

I stormed into the bathroom, which smelled so good. I took a few deep breaths. What was going on? My mom had betrayed me. I thought that this was going to be fun and we could finally connect, but instead she started popping pills on her way here. And I was just flat out embarrassed. How could she? And Mr. and Mrs. Lange! I wondered what they were thinking right now. I bet they thought all middle class families were dysfunctional and screwed up.

Instantly, the door opened. It was Noelle. "Reed. What the hell was that?"

I shook my head and leaned back against the wall. "You know exactly what. I can't go back there Noelle, I just can't." My whole body shook. "God, this is so…I'm sorry," I mumbled. I looked down at my hands.

"What are you saying sorry for? Your mother is a druggie, and she embarrassed you. In fact, I thought it was kind of brave of you," mused Noelle. Wait a minute. Did Noelle just say that my mother was a druggie? How did she know?

"How…how did you know that my mother took pills?" I whispered.

Noelle was silent and composed for a couple of minutes. "I was Billing's president when you came, remember? Part of the job requires you to…know certain things about certain people." Oh. Now I got it. It was the disc that was handed to Noelle. That was how she knew about my mother's condition. But still…I never told anyone about my mom, not including Thomas. Noelle's face gave nothing away; it was as if it was normal for her to know these things. It was an invasion of privacy. But in a way, it was inevitable. All the drama was in a single disc; no wonder she took at peek at it.

"You won't tell anyone, will you?" I asked in a small voice.

Noelle slightly laughed. "I'm not that mean."

I breathed in a sigh of relief. "Ok," I simply said. I somewhat forgave her, but I still felt like I was stripped bare and my deepest, darkest secret was out. "Um…do we have to go back? I can't…"

Noelle's face softened. "It's fine. Just go through the kitchen back door," she said. I nodded dumbly. "I'll get Elena to hand you your coat. And then we'll go somewhere where the real fun exists in New York," she assured me. I smiled and she headed out. I sighed. This was extremely messy. One thing was for sure. I was no longer having lunch with other parents.

I stepped out of the bathroom, and immediately a young, blonde girl came in front of me. "Here's your coat and your clutch, ma'am. Enjoy the rest of your day," she added. I nodded because my mouth was dry and I felt like crying. I put my coat on, and headed towards the kitchen.

I slipped out of the back door, and the freezing cold air surrounded me. Ah, this was pure heaven. I took it in, trying not to dwell on the past events; I could think about it later. Suddenly, my phone buzzed in my purse. It was a text from Noelle. She told me to get out in the front; the limo was ready to go.

I finally got to the front of the restaurant, with Noelle and the limo greeting me. "Let's get out of here," I begged Noelle.

"Finally we get to see eye to eye," exclaimed Noelle. I smiled.

We were about to go inside the car, when suddenly I heard someone say "Reed!" I turned around, and sure enough, it was Scott. A pang of guilt hit me, but I brushed it aside.

"What?" I asked a tad too harsh.

He wasn't wearing a coat and he was out of breath. "Reed, come on, just come back inside. You know mom didn't mean to do that. She was just nervous, ok?"

I scoffed. "Mom was nervous? Or maybe mom was being selfish as always, because I found some pills in her pocket. So you still think mom was still nervous?" I retorted.

Scott looked hurt and shocked. "What's going on? When did you ever talk like that?"

I froze. When did I start talking like that?

"Well maybe, after years and years of feeling ashamed and hurt, maybe I don't give a damn. So if you'll excuse me, I'm leaving," and I started to head towards the door. Noelle was still standing outside, listening to our conversation. She looked guilty for eavesdropping in our conversation, but she went inside the car when she saw me coming.

"You're acting like a brat."

That did it. How dare he call me a brat? Did he have any idea what I went through?! I had every reason to be frustrated and angry!

I clenched my fists and I turned around. "Do you know what they call it on the East coast? They call it knowing what you want. And I definitely don't want that," I spat out while looking at the restaurant.

Scott scoffed. "You mean you don't want your family?"

I looked at him straight in the eye. "I have to go," I simply said. My head was hurting and what Scott asked me was…I couldn't answer in one word. I smoothly went inside the car, and tried my best not to look at Scott's hurt face. I took in several deep breaths.

I couldn't believe I just did that. I was on the verge of tears. Scott was right; I was acting like a brat. And the way I acted! I was so confused.

Instantly, I felt a warm hand cover mine. I looked up in shock; Noelle was actually comforting me? She smiled slightly.

"It'll be fine. For now, I think we should focus on how we're going to spend the rest of our time in New York," said Noelle as she tried to cheer me up. I smiled back, although I knew it looked completely fake. I wish I was a better liar.

***

"Ohmigod, that guy was so hot, but like he kept spiting and…" I zoned out, trying to recall how he tended to walk. "He walked like a gay guy or something and his butt! It was bigger than- what's her name? The big butt reality girl?"

Noelle started to crack up. "'The big butt reality girl?!'" she started to laugh even more, and I joined in. "Oh, I'm not sure. But one thing is for sure- we had a lot of drinks."

I scoffed. "Sure did!"

So, spending a Saturday in New York City meant getting drunk off your ass, and walking into Easton's campus like complete retards. I was a heck of a lot more drunk than Noelle, trying to drown my family issues and my Josh issues, not to mention my stalker/murderer issues. We continued to walk, swaying back and forth, and getting very weird looks from people.

Suddenly, we heard a soft voice coming up from behind us. "Reed? Noelle? What are you guys doing here in the middle of the quad all drunk?" It was Sawyer.

We both turned around. "Ah Sawyer, just the man. Would you mind taking us back to Poop-erly dorm? Because honestly, I don't think Reed can walk another step without falling." She then started to giggle. "Imagine Reed falling flat on her face! Ohmigod that would be so funny!" She smacked her hand on her thigh and dissolved into another fit of giggles. I started to laugh also for no apparent reason.

Sawyer sighed. "Come on guys," and he wrapped both of his arms around our waists. Thank God he was strong; we kept falling to the side. Well, it was more like me.

Eventually, we got to the door and Noelle got the hang of walking all by herself. I, on the other hand, was flat out drunk and I felt like I was going to pass out in any second. Sawyer kept a strong hold on me with his warm arms; if I wasn't walking, I would've fallen asleep right then and there.

We got inside Pemberly; Noelle was already trudging up the stairs. I felt my eye lids giving in and my whole body ready to collapse. Suddenly, I felt my legs give in and I almost fell before Sawyer caught me. "Hey, watch it there," he said quietly. Oh God, I couldn't get up. I just wanted to sleep. Not only that, I felt like I was going to puke.

"I can't…I want to sleep," I mumbled aimlessly. Sawyer had both of his arms around my waist. I was swaying back and forth and I couldn't stand at all. Suddenly, I felt my feet leave the ground, and I somehow managed to be suspended in the air. By Sawyer's help, anyway.

Ohmigod, I was embarrassed. I felt like a sad loser who tries to drown out their sorrows by drinking. But for some reason, I couldn't understand why I drunk so much. I could've just talked to Sawyer. I was officially stupid.

I tucked my head on his broad, warm shoulder, and it took every will power not to sleep in his comfortable arms. He glided his way up the stairs; I barely felt any movement.

I wasn't aware that I was now lying in my bed, all tucked in underneath my blankets. I felt a pair of hands glide over my feet, but I realized it was Sawyer removing my shoes from my feet. They were soft, careful movements. Finally, my feet were free; I could now sleep. My eye lids started to close and my mouth was getting ready to stop moving. No! I needed to say thank you! Crap.

Before I slipped into the depths of unconsciousness, I vaguely heard Sawyer say "Good night, Reed." Damn, that sounded so good.


thanks for the reviews guys! you were so lovely even though there was nothing to review in the first place

thank god this is over. i kept re-writing this over and over again. so, what do you think? reed and her mom had a falling out; i wanted to put that there b/c reed's first year was all about reed escaping her life, her mom, etc. and then she's like "oh, i like my mom now." kinda weird.

anyway, 21 club is a real place. i looked it up online. and apparently george clooney and some girl from the 90's had a famous scene in that place. AND the bar area with all the sports stuff hanging from the ceiling? that's real too. check it out; it's pretty cool.

also, the chapter title is a song by the bravery. its called honest mistake. it's taken from their older albums, but its really good. and if you like the killers, you so need to listen to them.

reviews please! they are greatly appreciated. :)