Confessions

Chapter 32

The next few days dragged by and when Thursday finally came, my brain was overworked, pounding and tired. I had studied so much, I had a fucking headache. I sat up, looking at my alarm clock. It was a little after eleven, I knew if I didn't get up soon my mother would be up here bothering me. Like she had been for the last two fucking days! I grumbled, throwing the blankets to the side, sliding out of my bed. Alex's flowers sat on my desk in a vase I had gotten from the basement. I inhaled them, wishing it were Friday already. I grabbed my laptop, turning it on. I had efficiently typed all my notes and studied each class twice in the last two days. My mother took my phone at night and gave it back to me at three. I felt like I was in prison, she had lost her fucking mind. I really needed to get out of this house, before I went crazy. I heard the doorbell ring, as I typed my password into my laptop. I opened the word documents, grabbing my English book. There was a soft knock at my door, my mother opened the door.

"Aubrey." She said softly, noticing I was at my desk. I looked at her, her straight brown hair flowing past her shoulders. She had a black pant suit on, her heels pointed. I snickered internally, picturing her on a broomstick.

"Yeah." I said, looking back at my computer.

"So," She paused, stepping into my room, looking around at the emptiness. "I have decided since you've been studying so long to let you go to your friends. Since Carl and I will be gone anyway. No parties, no more than two friends each and if I find out that any of you drank the liquor in this house." She grumbled, putting a hand on her side. I forgot about Carl's business trip, my mother was actually going this time. Fuck yes! I kept a calm demeanor, carefully not to show my excitement.

"I'm not stupid, but can't I invite Alex too." I pushed, looking up at her and sticking out my lip.

"Fine, but he has to leave by midnight Aubrey! I am not kidding." She said sternly. I smiled at her, nodding in agreement.

"Here's your phone, I will be calling when we get there and before we go to bed. Do not disappoint me, you hear?" She paused, as I nodded. "My credit card is on the table, you can either order pizza for the next few days, or go and buy groceries. Steve is at Jason's, there's a surprise for you on the kitchen table. I love you, behave, we will be back Tuesday. If you go anywhere for New Years, please make sure your brother goes with you and watch after him." She said, walking out of my room. I instantly checked my texts, sending texts to Jess and Emma to come over. I still hadn't told them yet and I knew it was time I did.

Jess: I'll be there in an hour.

Emma: I'll be there after I shower! :D I shut my computer, doing a little happy dance.

I rummaged through the clothes left in my closet, which were sparse. I grabbed a plain black tee and an old pair of sweats. I hurriedly took a shower, washing my hair and body. As I walked back from the bathroom, I heard my phone ringing.

"Hello?"

"Hey babe, good morning." Alex said, his voice slightly groggy. "I'm surprised you have your phone, wait how do you have your phone?" He chuckled.

"I forgot about that trip to Chicago my mother and Carl were going on today. So, she gave me my phone back and said I was free to do what I want until Tuesday." I said excitedly, switching my phone to the other ear.

"What! How do you forget that, can I come over? I can be there in an hour or so." He asked, yawning loudly.

"Of course, Jess and Emma should be here soon. We can make a thing of it and even though my mother said you have to leave at midnight. I know Steve won't tattle, so you can spend the night if you want." I said, twirling my hair in my fingers.

"Definitely. I need some cuddles. I'll get ready and be there soon. I love you."

"Wait, why were you calling so early. You knew she'd have my phone." I ask, pulling the baggy sweats over my thighs.

"I was going to leave you a voicemail, tell you I missed you and all that." He said, clearing his throat. He was the sweetest boyfriend ever, so cute.

"That's probably the cutest thing you've ever done. Well I love you, see you soon."

"Love you." He said, hanging up. I pulled the black tee over my head, tucking my phone in my pocket. I walked through the hallway to the stairs, jogging down them. I saw a box sitting on the table, with a note on it.

I know we aren't on the greatest terms, but I thought this would be a great gift for your new school. I hope you know I love you, you're my first virtue. My baby girl, even if you hate me right now. I'll always love you. Behave and make me proud.

Love,

Mom.

I opened the box, squealing as I saw the box inside of the box. She bought me a new laptop, the latest MacBook. I jumped up and down, opening the box. I ran my hand over the apple on the laptop, turning it on. This was definitely a bribe, but I'll take it. I set my new computer up as I waited for Jess and Emma to get there.

When they finally got there, I popped a k-cup in our Keurig and grabbed a coffee cup from the cabinet.

"I'm happy she gave up on studying." Jess said, sitting down at the table.

"Yeah, she bought me that laptop." I said, pointing to it.

"Wow, if that wasn't a bribe." Emma said, sitting in front of it. She played around on it as I poured the creamer in my cup.

"Do you guys want coffee?" I asked, putting my cup on the table.

"Yeah, I'll take one." Jess said, as I took the old pod from the Keurig, popping in a new one. I set a cup under the spout, sitting down at the table.

"So, did you find anything else out." Emma asked, looking up from the computer screen. I sighed, I think I was going to miss them the most. They'd been in my life since first grade, the only two friends I've ever really had.

"Yeah, I leave the sixth." I say, sipping my coffee.

"Fuck that's only a week away!" Jess whined, getting up to grab her coffee.

"Fuck, I really can't believe this is happening. I mean, she's always just threatened to do it. The rest of the semester is going to suck without you and senior year. I'm sure there are hot guys in New York City though." Emma said, grabbing a soda from the refrigerator.

"Well it's not like I'm going to actually look." I scoff, sipping my coffee again. "Alex and I talked about it and he wants to stay together." Emma rolled her eyes, chuckling a little.

"I don't want to be a negative nancy, but you guys will be over a thousand miles away from each other. Do you really think it's going to work out?" Emma said, twirling her black curl in her finger.

"No, I felt the same way but we had a serious talk the other night and he wants to make things work. I appreciate y'alls feedback, but I really feel like we are meant for each other. He completes me." I say, blushing a little.

"I'd never knock you for trying, but don't expect too much. You'll be on different wavelengths, but I admire you both for trying. I see a different Alex, that's for sure." Jess said, finishing the rest of her coffee.

"Yeah, I realize that too, believe me I've thought about everything. Even with you guys, are you going to be too busy to talk to me? Will our friendships last now that we are really going to be separated from each other? A lot of thoughts." My body felt sad again, as the words left my mouth. They were the only friends I've ever had, was it going to be easy without them? No. Was I scared we'd drift apart? Absolutely.

"Never. We are friends for life." Emma said, putting her fist in the middle of the table. Jess and I put our fist's to hers, giving a soft tap.

"Yeah, friends for life." Jess said sincerely, smiling softly at us. It put my mind at ease, that they felt the same way I did.

"I love you guys." I say, wiping the tear from the corner of my eye.

"We love you too." They say in unison.