50

People always say I look like mother, and Ray looks like our dad. Honestly, I see very little resemblance to my perfectly… enhanced mother.
She smiles and places her handbag on the counter top, sighing deeply as she looks around the kitchen.
She turns back towards me and once again her eyes trail down my body, like she’s inspecting me or something.
I’m happy to see you’re almost growing out of your gothic stage, honey. It never suited you.
I roll my eyes as my father steps forward and takes me into his arms then. I hug him awkwardly back, but I do like him better than my mother right now.
I hope you’ve been good.
As always, I smile as he steps away and ruffles my hair like I’m a child.
He shakes Ray’s hand and ruffles his hair also, making Ray roll his eyes.
Ray is huge compared to Dad. Ever since he started going wild with his body art, Dad haa taken a step back from the father, son thing. But I know he still loves us just the same, even if his way of showing is by putting money in our bank accounts.
I thought you weren’t coming back until my birthday ? I ask as dad puts the kettle on.
That reminds me of the mess of the house, including the overflowing sink and no clean cups in the cupboard. I glance at Ray, who must have been thinking the same because he looks slightly nervous.
My mother sighs as she sits on the stool, flicking her long, manicured hair over her shoulder. She looks like a stranger in her own house.
Well, your father needs to work for a little while. Plus we can start preparing your party, big eighteen. You can get Vicky and Tasha to help.
I scoff at the mention of Vicky. I can’t be bothered explaining to my mother that Vicky and I are no longer friends anymore.
I sit back down on the stool opposite as I watch my father rinses two clean cups under the steaming, hot tap.
I wish we would have stacked the bloody dishwasher, at least. What were we thinking ?
Yeah, we have a dishwasher, but still have a sink full of dishes. Its only because Ray and I always fight over who has to empty it, so we just don’t fill it anymore.
How was your vacation ? Ray asks, I guess it was to break the tension.
Mum smiles. Oh, it was fabulous, babe, we tried so many exotic foods. The beaches were amazing, white sands, beautiful… And so she dives right in, talking non-stop about their vacation on the fabulous cruise they went on, while me and Ray just sit and pretend to be listening. It was hard coming back here. Your father and I have decided to renew our vows on Mexico beach in a few months. It’s so lovely there, isn’t it honey ?
My father places a sloppy kiss on her healthy, vitamin D filled cheek. Of course, baby.
I pull a face and glance at Ray, who raises his eyebrow and sits down next to me. We sit through a minute or so of gross lovesick couple stuff and giggling.
After they finish they suddenly both turn their heads and look at me and Ray through narrowed eyes.
It’s like one of those moments were you know something bad is going to happen and can’t stop it.
Dad clear his throat. I think it’s time we just cut to the chase. We’ve noticed the hole in our wall, the stolen car in our driveway, the empty alcohol bottles in the bin and fridge, also the mess of this place is unacceptable. You’re both grounded until we say, and tomorrow, you can both clean this house from top to bottom, including your bedrooms. Now off to bed the pair of you, it’s late.
What ? It’s six in the afternoon ! Are they for real ?
I can’t believe that my parents have just decided to now suddenly start acting like parents.
Seriously ? Ray’s protests, but my father shakes his head and holds up his finger, shutting him up fairly quickly.
I don’t care how old you are Ray, you’re still living under this roof and you’re grounded. You only have yourselves to blame.
Oh, fuck off, Ray shouts and storms out of the kitchen.
I want to laugh but I decide to just go up to my room.
Before I leave the kitchen, however, I turn my head, feeling in a sarcastic mood. So glad you’re home.
With that said, I go upstairs quickly.

I’m bored of being grounded, Ray groans and flops himself on my bed like a teenager.
It’s been two hours since our parents grounded us both and I can’t agree more with Ray about being bored. Apart from the fact that my head is completely swimming with everything I just found out, I’m bored too.
Actually, I can’t help but be a little annoyed that I could still be with Colton right now in his caravan if Ray hadn’t gotten into trouble with those moonwalkers.
I’m used to doing whatever I want, Ray continues to moan moodily.
Yeah, well, they won’t be here for long. You know what they’re like. I lean back against my headboard of my bed and sigh.
Ray sits up, grinning hugely like he just came up with the best idea ever. I have an idea.
You do ?
It’s eight o’clock. Ray states, glancing at my clock. Do your dressy-up thing and I’ll come back in an hour. Then we can go clubbing.
I raise my eyebrow and laugh, but I have to admit, it’s a good idea and does beat sitting here feeling sorry for myself.
How do you suppose we sneak out ?
Layla. He gives me a flat look. No one tells me what to do. It’s Saturday night, I’ve been in a fight, I’m annoyed and I would really kill for a drink right now. This is me badly influencing you.
I smile and flip my magazine on the bed. Count me badly influenced.
I jump up from my bed and quickly start
Going in my wardrobe for something to wear, as Ray slips out of my room to get ready himself.
I don’t know how we’re sneaking out, but I’m not going to argue with his plan. Maybe this is what I need too. My head is ready to explode. I need a timeout.
Now for the hard part, deciding what to wear. Ray said to dress up, but I decide immediately against a dress. I’m not in the mood for that. Instead, I choose a pair of black skinny jeans and a silky, white camisole top.
To complete my outfit, I pull out my favourite pair of black heels and go through all my new underwear that I got last week.
After I lay my clothes on my bed, I get a quick shower, shampooing, conditioning, shaving and scrubbing my body clean with perfumed body wash.
After I dry off, I start applying makeup and style my hair.
I glance at the clock and relax that I’ve done all that in forty minutes. After my hair is done, I get dressed quickly and spray myself with perfume. After I’m done, I look at myself in the mirror. For once, I feel good about myself and I think I look good. My curves don’t bother me either, which is a first.
I smile, remembering how Colton had looked when he saw me semi-naked earlier today.
I don’t know, but it feels as if he’s given me confidence without me really noticing. Especially the night he beat up my ex.
As I’m just putting my shoes on, Ray slips back into my bedroom and closes my bedroom door behind him, locking it.
He too is freshly showered and is wearing a white shirt, black jeans and vans. The sleeves of his shirt are rolled up, showing off his tattooed arms.
You ready ?