Chapter Six

Consequences

Emma arrived home ready to jump into her bed and sleep, she climbed through the window she was greeted by her mother. "Emma what's going on? It's almost two in the morning."

"I took a walk." she muttered casually the lights were off so her mother couldn't get a good look at her but Spike wasn't a fool she had a feeling her mom knew she was drunk or had been drinking. It felt like deja vu from the first time she went to the ravine and she was caught by her parents fortunately it was just her mother this time.

She wasn't convinced and she wasn't stupid. Afterall she was a teenager once, "You smell like a brewery. Where were you?"

"It doesn't matter." Emma sat on the edge of her bed and didn't face her mom. "when I left you guys were arguing so I guess this is what I'm going to do."

"It does matter, I'm still your mother." That stung. Emma didn't say anything after that. Spike did the rational thing and decided she had to play bad cop, "Since you won't tell me, well I guess you're grounded. Two weeks no weird 2am benders." she locked the basement window. "Honey its for your own good."

Emma whined, "Mom! Why are you so unfair?"

"Wanna make it three?"

Emma passively shook her head no, she changed the subject sadly, "What's going on with you and Snake? All you guys do is argue anymore."

Spike sighed and even though Emma knew she wanted to hear things from her mother. Finally she caved after brief pause, "Bills came for the chemotherapy and things have been really hard since financially and our relationship."

"I know that mom, I have ears."

"I guess we haven't been that discreet with our discussions about it. We both can't see eye to eye on a teachers salary and what I make at the salon."

Emma chimed in with an idea, "I would get a summer job but you and Snake already said no."

"I mean I could use some help with the salon because Sharon the broom and shampoo girl is leaving at the end of the summer for maternity leave. If you're interested maybe she can show you the ropes while you're out of school. You'll make minimum wage but there's also tips."

Emma got hopeful asking, "Okay, when can I start?"

"I can talk to her about it tomorrow and I'll let you know when."

"Thanks," Emma smiled having the first positive conversation with her mom in the longest time. "I hope things get better with you and Snake."

"Me too." Spike told Emma with a grimace. "So we'll be seeing a lot of each other for the next two weeks."

"I guess so." Emma nodded smugly.

"Drinking Emma? Really?" Spike quipped. "Its just not like you."

"It's not that big of a deal, mom. I'm like the only kid my age that never does anything like that."

"I know I wasn't drinking then I had you. I was too busy at your age. How about I bring it down to a week since I'm feeling generous? I find I'm getting a little out of touch." Spike shrugged, "don't make me regret it."

"Thanks mom." Emma turned her head to face her with a small smile.

"Goodnight, Em." She ruffled her daughters blonde locks as she got up off of the side of the bed and retreated upstairs.