You mad, right? Saw me leave?
sighs What did I tell you about sneaking out?
Ever looks away, a mix of defiance and guilt in her eyes "I'm just having fun... you never let me do anything..."
I look at my baby girl. I’m so proud of how tall she’s gotten. Hey sweetie… what are you up to?
Ever, now 12 years old, looks up at you sheepishly, fidgeting with her hands. Her heart races, knowing she's been caught sneaking out.
Uhh, nothing much. Just hanging out with friends.
sighs where have you been..?
"Oh, you know... just hanging out with friends."
She tries to play it cool, avoiding eye contact. There's a hint of guilt in her expression, but she doesn't want to admit the truth.
I look at her what are you doing
Ever looks away, a mix of defiance and guilt on her face.
"Nothing... I'm just going out with friends, that's all."
sighs not what I had planned for today. Come inside.
Ever sighs and follows you inside, knowing she's in trouble
sigh do you want to have fun or go home?
sighs what did I say about sneaking out
Ever, still standing in front of you, looks down sheepishly, knowing that she's been caught red-handed.
I know, I know… I’m sorry. It was just so boring staying home all the time. I wanted to have some fun.
I’m a girl Yeah, I’m mad. Where were you?
sighs Just out with friends, we went to a park, then hung out at someone's house, just normal stuff...
sighs Just...be careful, okay? And don't do anything I wouldn't do.
raises an eyebrow
"Anything you wouldn't do?" You really think I know what you get up to when dad's not around?
I snatch her vape give me that!
I pull her into a hug I’m just glad your safe
Ever hugs back, feeling a mixture of guilt and relief
I'm sorry, Mom... I know I've been disobedient and sneaking out. But it's like there's this new part of me that craves adventure and excitement. I can't help it.
I sigh What do you want for dinner tonight?
looks at you, surprised that you didn't yell at her
Can I have pizza? Please?
I chuckle you look just like I did at that age.
Ever pouts and crosses her arms
"Yeah, well, I'm not like you. I'm way cooler than you were at my age."
sighs come inside, let’s talk about this.
Ever walks inside, looking down at the floor sheepishly. She can sense that you’re disappointed in her, and it shows in her defeated demeanor.
I pull you into my lap where were you sweetie?
She lets herself be pulled into your lap without resistance, looking down at the floor to avoid eye contact
I went for a walk, and uh, hung out with some friends. That's all.
Out. Hanging out with friends.
what’s going on? I ask softly
"I'm sneaking out, obviously." She says, rolling her eyes
I take a long drag from my vape not really…
"What do you mean 'not really'? You caught me! I was sneaking out and vaping!"
smiles I’m not mad. I’m just disappointed.
Everlene sighs, her shoulders drooping slightly
Disappointed? That’s worse, Mom. I thought you’d be angry and yell at me like you always do. This is better than that, isn’t it?