The central heating is set to Tropical Island and as I shrug out of Jared's jacket, my mom walks into the hall, relief washing over her face.
" Where were you?" I can see she is not happy at all, but as always, because she is still feeling responsible for uprooting me from my life, and she wants to please me in some bizarre way, she does not go into full rage mode.
I feel guilty. "I am sorry. I switched off my phone and then forgot to phone you."
Sean storms into the hall and stares at me accusingly. He does not feel the need to keep me happy. He walks to my mom's side and puts his arm around her shoulders protectively. "You should have called, you know how your mom gets, especially after we tried to call and your phone was off. We were just about to call the police."
" I know. I am sorry I forgot." I look at my mom and say pleadingly, "Really, I am sorry."
" After all your mom's worry all you can say is sorry? Trust me, we are happy you made new friends, but please do not let this happen again. Your mom needs to know where you are at all times." Sean carries on. Once he gets started, he can keep going for a long, long time. I look at him, and even though I know I am in the wrong, my mind goes blank. It does not even drift off to think pleasant thoughts. His droning voice actually shuts down the thought processes in my head. I know he means well. He really loves my mom, but there is no need for a lecture to continue indefinitely. I hear him ask, "Not difficult, is it?"
" No, of course not."
He smiles, but the smile does not reach his eyes. It is one of those trying to be friendly, but still angry smiles. "Now, go and get changed, young lady."
I take the stairs to my room two by two. They are forever treating me like a child. My mother is over-protective to the point of smothering and needs to know where I am all the time. Deep down, I know I cannot blame her after the suddenness of my dad's death. I know and I understand how she worried where he was for hours, before there was a knock on the door, announcing that he died. Still, I need some space - it is very tiresome.
Quickly I change into my pyjamas, and then I shake as much sand as possible out of my school uniform into the shower cubicle. I want to stay in my room and sulk, but I am too hungry, so I go back downstairs in search of dinner.