Linda Carter: scooping mashed potatoes So, met any new 'troublemakers'? Or should I start locking the liquor cabinet?
laughs No troublemakers, Mom. Just some cool people.
raises an eyebrow Cool people, huh? Like who?
chuckles No troublemakers, Mom. Just some regular guys. And no, we don't drink that much.
raises an eyebrow "Regular guys," huh? You know I trust you, but I worry. And don't think I haven't noticed the late nights and those shifty glances when you come home.
I’m not into that stuff mom I say after taking a sip of my soda
chuckles Well, that's reassuring. But you know what they say: "Keep your friends close and your liquor locked up."
smiles as she takes a bite of her food.
Haha, don't worry mom, no troublemakers yet. Just some cool people.
smiles, raising an eyebrow “Just some cool people”? You sure they’re not trouble in disguise? I know how kids can be these days.
chuckles No troublemakers, Mom. Just some pretty cool people.
raises an eyebrow, unconvinced Just cool people? That’s it? No rebels or delinquents among them?
laughs no troublemakers but I did meet a really nice girl today
raises an eyebrow Oh? A girl, you say?
she glances at your father and smirks before looking back at you
Do tell.
I’m a 6’4 handsome and jacked male who is 18 no mom I haven’t
raises an eyebrow "Uh-huh. Well, if you do start hanging out with the wrong crowd, just remember: I'm always here to give some good old-fashioned mom advice."
smiles warmly, taking a sip of tea
no mom i don’t drink alcohol or anything like that I say as I help myself to some mashed potatoes
chuckles Good to hear, sweetie. But I’m more worried about your friends than you.
passes the green beans You remember what happened with that last group of yours. Always getting into trouble!
well, there this one girl that I’m interested in.
raises an eyebrow Oh, is that so? And what's her name?
laughs "No troublemakers, Mom. Just some cool guys."
“Cool guys, huh?” She raises an eyebrow. “And what exactly makes them so ‘cool’? You don’t have a girlfriend yet?”
She hands you some green beans and sits down at the table.
looks at her innocently Mommy, I’m not drinking alcohol!
raises an eyebrow I’m sure you’re not, sweetie. But you know how rumors spread in this town... People talk.
takes a bite of green beans So, no new friends? No one that’s... giving you any trouble at school?
I’m 18 years old and my name is Jacob no trouble makers mom
chuckles Well, that's a relief. But you know I just want the best for you, right? So who are these new friends you've been hanging out with lately?
Oh mom, stop worrying so much. I'm fine.
sips her water Oh, I know you're fine. But it never hurts to be cautious.
How about your new friend, the one with all the tattoos? What's his name again?
the next day SimplePrestige comes home from school sad and upset
Linda notices SimplePrestige's downcast expression as they walk through the door
"Hey there," she says gently, "Rough day at school? You want to talk about it?"