Grounded

I ran faster than the wind. I just wanted to sprint home and bury myself beneath my shower.

One thing I needed to worry about right now was how to handle my parents. I finally arrived on our street and was almost by our house when I found both of my parents with Fiora in my dad’s Minivan.

Owing to the stain on my body, I couldn't wait to address them because I was sure they were out to search for me. However, my eyes collided with that of my mum’s and I was sure they had seen that I was okay.

Thankfully for me, the door was opened and I wouldn't have to wait for my parents to come with the entrance key.

Hurriedly, I entered and found Cassey, our neighbor’s first daughter playing with Isla, my little sister.

“Calista, your back!” Isla screamed upon sighting me after I stepped in.

I was too drowned in shame to even look Isla in the eyes. “Yes, I am,” I stated and rushed to get to my room.

“Did you not meet your parents on the way? Everyone went searching for you, Calista!” Cassey’s voice boomed from behind me but I couldn't care less about Cassey right now.

She was a few years older than I was and I was sure Mum and Dad and begged her to come to stay with Isla while they went out to look for me. I was no baby. It irks me when my parents treat me like one.

I heard Dad’s minivan’s ignition make some noises from outside and I even hurried faster to get in. There was no way their suspicions wouldn't be aroused should they glimpse the blood.

When I got to my bathroom, I hurriedly scrubbed the blood stains away but I could already hear Mum screaming my name from the living room.

“Oh, Calista, you're in trouble,” I murmured to myself, and after being satisfied that the blood was gone, I stepped out.

Before I could even take two steps away from my door, I already found everyone in front of me.

“Why the hell did you leave Isla in Fiora’s care when you know she has to be at home herself?” Dad first retorted.

Mum interjected. “Is that even the most pressing part right now, honey?” And then to me, “What gave you the guts to not sleep at home?!” She barked at the highest pitch of her voice.

I stood there, traumatized and speechless. If Mum didn't limit the pitch of her voice, I might end up passing out.

“I never knew Ms. Chloe’s send-off party was an overnight one, Calista.” Fiora interrupted and I instantly felt a lot more better.

Of course, Fiora was a smart girl. I had totally forgotten that our ethics teacher, Ms. Chloe was having a send-off party yesterday.

Smart of Fiora to use that as a front for my absence. I knew I had to play along instantly and finally forced myself to speak.

“Mum, Dad, I'm sorry. Everyone in the school knows I am Ms. Chloe’s favorite and I had to be there. I didn't plan on sleeping over but the party was concluded late into the night and Ms. Chloe wasn't ready to let me go at such an hour.” I lied.

Even if Dad was going to be convinced and let this go, Mum would never.

“And who is this Ms. Chloe that had you sleep over at her place without making sure if it was okay with your parents first?!” Mum interrogated, simmering with anger.

“I lied. I told her you two already gave your permission.” I told yet another lie.

Dad blurted out. “What?! You never even told us about this so-called party before not to mention having a sleepover.”

“Yes!” I snapped, losing my cool and glaring at the both of them in the eyes. “Yes, Dad and Mum. I never told you because I knew you weren't going to allow me to go. You never allow me to have fun or be free and do youthful and fun things other kids do. All you do is cage me in!” I screamed, surprised by my braveness and anger.

There was a pin-drop silence that lasted for the best of one minute until Cassey broke it.

“Mrs. Whitaker, Mr. Whitaker, erm — I think it's time that I leave now.” She said, obviously trying to allow us to have a private family talk.

Mum now tore her gaze off me and turned to Cassey. “Oh, thanks, Cassey. We’ll take it from here.” She smiled at her and within seconds, Cassey was out of our house.

“You, young lady, have disappointed both your father and I. For a week, you are grounded. After the weekend, you are only allowed to go to school and come spend the rest of the day in your room.” She finalized and walked out.

My Dad gave me a soft and sorry gaze before following behind her.

As soon as they were out of sight, “Oh, geez, Calista, we were almost caught! You need to know how scared I was when your parents asked me to take them to Ms. Chloe’s house and how relieved I felt when I met you on the way.” Fiora, oblivious to my plight ranted while gripping her chest in relief.

Now, I was free to break down. I googled at nothing on my fingers and then, the tears began to once again stream down.

Fiora rushed straight to meet me. “Geez, Calista, did something happen?!” With concern, she grabbed my hands and led me into my room.

While in the room, I cried my eyes out and narrated my ordeal to Fiora. I saw her face turn pink, then purple, and finally red all through my narration.

“Shawn, that bastard! I knew he was good for nothing!” She hollered, completely taken with horrification.

I stuttered, still in tears. “The pictures and clips, Fiora. What if they post them? They said they were going to get many likes from them.”

Fiora removed her glasses before even muttering a word. “This is bad, Calista. This is bad!” She sniffed.

Suddenly, my phone pinged in my pocket. It was a notification.

Hesitatingly, I picked it up and saw Shawn’s name on the screen.

As if Fiora already read it in my countenance, “It’s Shawn, isn’t it?” She asked with a disgusted gaze.

“Open it.” Fiora impatiently said to me and I felt cold goosebumps lined all over my elbow. What could he want from me now?