Catch Me if You Can

Blame Game

Amelia

Rick Torres. That name just keeps sending shivers down my back. How could someone of his age have any kind of sexually relationship with a fourteen year old girl.

It is disgusting.

"Mom, when is Liz going home?" Jake complained at the breakfast table.

"Oh gee thanks Jake. I'm right here."

"Can you blame me. This morning I woke up with a bruise on my neck."

"A bruise. Thank goodness for a minute I thought it was a hickey. Who in the right mind would ever want to give you that." Elizabeth taunted.

"Go home Liz. You have been here for a week. Don't you feel sorry for mom. She has to drop your sorry ass to school."

"Jake!" I scolded. There was a time when these two had gotten along well and now they just bicker alot.

"What. It's true. You look so tired. Aside from taking me to school as well and my other extra curriclur activites you also wake up early just to feed us both. I like it when it was just me and you now you got another mouth to feed and one that won't shut up."

"I don't eat much." Elizabeth retorted. "And talk that much too."

"Says the person who is eating for two."

"Jake Davis. That is not way to speak to your cousin that way!"  All I wanted was some peace and quiet for breakfast and dinner.

"Auntie, I'm sorry..."

"It's alright dear, now hurry up. We have to pay someone a visit." The two kids only looked at me in confusion but didn't ask any more.

"Your turn to do the dishes Jake."

"I did it last night."

"So, its a brand new day and...."

"Oh my god. Just flip a coin. I don't care who does the dishes just do it." Stomping up stairs I proceeded to wash up irritatedly. I love those kids, honestly I do but sometimes I just want to throw them outside and lock the door.

It has been a week since Elizabeth had stayed with us and I intend to send her home by tonight. Emily has been missing her daughter and I get that Elizabeth isn't ready to face them but she will have to and soon.

Keeping this big secret from her parents is killing me.

"Mom." Jake entered my room holding a cell phone whispering in hush tones which only brings to me the person on the other line.

"Yes honey."

"Phone call, it's Leo." Of course it is. He has been calling me non stop and I always had told Jake to tell him that I was busy. And when he would come over I made it so I was not home.

My excuse was I had to take Elizabeth out on errands.

"Tell him I'm in the shower and we're ready to go out." I mouthed only for Jake to question me with his eyes.

"Sorry Leo, mom's in the shower." A few more short answers and Jake hung up the phone. "Mom, why are you avoiding Leo?" I knew he was going to ask me but I didn't know when.

"I'm not." I lied. "But I have no time to talk. We are about to go out remember."

"Okay." He sounded convience hopefully. "Is something going on with you and him?"  Jake was always observant. And always questions my motives. One thing I always dislike but not at the same time.

"Oh honey, you know him." Actually I don't even know him or what is going through his head. All I know is I have to keep my distance. "You and Liz ready?" I quickly changed the subject.