Until I Met You

26: Until I Met You

Closing the conversation without waiting for a reply, I slid my phone into my back pocket and grabbed a couple of bills off of my desk before heading downstairs to say goodbye to my mom.

After entering the living room and seeing that she wasn’t there, I headed into the kitchen to see her grabbing a quick snack.

“Hey mom, Cason’s just heading over so I’m leaving soon and I just wanted to say goodbye.”

My mom smiled at me and nodded. “Have a good time sweetie.” Taking another bit of the half-eaten apple in her hand before she continued. “Do you know when you’ll be back?”

“Umm, probably not until around one since the fireworks only start at midnight and then it’ll take some time to drive back.” I guessed, shrugging my shoulders before biting my lip nervously. “That’s okay right?”

Laughing at my nervousness quickly, my mom simply nodded. “It’s New Year’s Eve Jessalyn, its fine if you want to stay out late with your friends. I’ve never given you a curfew and I trust you to be home when you say you will be.” she replied, her voice expelling the full confidence she had in me.

“Thanks mom.” I said. “So, what are your big plans for the night? Johnny Depp marathon? Fireworks at the beach? Heading out to an adult party?”

As my mom stared at me in amusement I just kept making my guesses more wild and crazy than the last one before she finally cut me off with a laugh. “I think I’m just going to be staying in tonight.” she stated, spinning the browning core of her apple on the table as she spoke. “I’ll probably just end up watching the New Year’s Eve special on television and watch the ball drop in Times Square.”

 “Cason told me that his mom was having a couple people over for a New Year’s Eve party, weren’t you invited?” I asked, thoroughly confused about why she would rather stay home on a night meant for celebration. I mean, wasn’t I supposed to be the anti-social one in this family?

“Yea…” she replied, “But I’m not sure if I’m up for a party tonight.”

Rolling my eyes at my mom, it felt like I was the parent for a second and I was convincing my child to go out and have fun. I guess this is how my mom and dad felt when they used to try and coax me into going out with people in our old neighbourhood.

“At least promise me you’ll think about going tonight.” I stated, deciding not to fight her on this.

"Sure.” my mom responded with an eye roll, obviously seeing how ridiculous this conversation was. What kind of seventeen year old tries to persuade her mother to go out and party on a holiday? None I knew that was for sure.

A loud horn blasting from the driveway alerted me that Cason was here and it was time for me to go.

“Looks like your rides here.” my mom stated, chuckling at the obvious as Cason blasted his horn once again. “Have fun tonight and remember to eat a salty pretzel for me.”