started with a lie ➳ raura revised

Chapter Four

I want to look older, not just some high-school student dating Ross Lynch.I don't want him to mock me. This is also my chance to prove to my classmates that I really am dating him.

 Applying some light mascara and a fresh coat of lip-gloss, I finish up and grab my suitcase and bag before heading downstairs. Mom is in her studio. I step inside her studio to say goodbye. 

"Mom, I'm leaving."

 She turns to me, paint already on her hands even though it's early in the morning. Mom beckons me to come over she's standing. "Do you want me to drive you to school or something?" 

I shake my head. "No, it's okay. I just wanted to say goodbye."She opens her arms for a hug and I give in. "I'll miss you, Mom."

 "You too, sweetie." She pulls back and smiles at me. "Make sure you stick with your group and don't get lost. And make sure you call me before you go to sleep or text me. Oh! And be careful around strangers — New York City isn't like Brownwood— tons of creeps."

 "I will, I will," I assure her. "And you shouldn't skip too many meals. Make sure you clean the house too — it's getting a little messy. Don't get too lost in your artwork."

 Mom laughs. "Of course, sweetie. I'm a mother — I was meant for this." She looks at my appearance. "Why, don't you look beautiful today. What's the occasion?It couldn't be because it's just a field trip, right?"

    "I'm meeting Ross Lynch today," I say. "I wanted to look appropriate."

 "I see," she says, moving around her studio, gathering some paintbrushes."Are you going to clear things up with him?"

 Am I? I still need him for my lie, I think. "Yeah," I lie. It feels terrible lying to Mom. "I'm going to clear everything out, Mom." I stare down at the handle of my suitcase, looking away from Mom's eyes. 

"Good job, honey." Mom comes over to give me hug, which I return. "I'll miss you, Ivory. Call me when you get to your hotel room, okay?"

 I nod. "Love you, Mom."

 "Love you too," she replies. I say a final goodbye before I drag my suitcase and bags outside to my Honda. Placing all my things in the trunk, I climb in the  driver's seat and head to school. 

The bus leaves at 8:30.

 It's only eight o'clock. I get to school and drag my suitcase to homeroom.Tess is already there — chirpy and happy as usual. She has way more suitcases than me. There are three large suitcases around her and two pink duffle bags on her desk. 

"You do know we're going for two-to-three days, right?" I ask her as I set my bags down next to her. "Why are you packed up for a year's worth of clothes?" 

"What're you talking about?" Tess innocently says. "I need all of these. I have my hair things in one bag, my clothes in the two suitcases, and shoes in the two duffle bags."

 I roll my eyes. "Only you." 

She grins. "I'm so excited! I can't wait to see Times Square — and oh! I can't wait to see the Statue of Liberty!" Tess starts jumping and squealing. 

"Settle down, class!" Mr. Jeffrey yells from the front of the class as he sets his briefcase down on his desk. He has one duffle bag for the trip. I guess men pack light. "The buses are already here. It's a two hour long ride so make sure you have everything you need. Bathrooms will not be available for the next three hours."

 People start opening their bags and recounting all their necessities. Some girls leave to go to the bathroom to check their makeup. I stay in my seat and pullout a book to read.