It's Complicated

Chapter Twelve

   I'm snapped out of my thoughts by Adam's hand waving in front of my face. "Girl, if you need to leave, just go. It's only five minutes early." I turn my gaze from the clock on the wall to my best friends face. "I'm sorry, Adam. It's my first lesson at the new place tonight and I guess I'm a little anxious." Adam gives me a sympathetic smile before pulling me into a brief hug. "I know, Sweetie, that's why you can go." I hug him one more time as I mumble a "thank you" before letting go and rushing to the back to grab my purse and car keys.

   I shoot Adam a smile as I head for the door, lifting my hand in a wave as I slip outside. Monday's usually just suck in general, but today seemed to crawl by. Seconds felt like minutes, and minutes felt like hours. I meant what I said. I did feel anxious about my first lesson with Madison, but that wasn't the whole reason. I'm also anxious to see Isabelle again. I know what Dani would say if she heard my thoughts, but she's wrong. I'm not anxious to see her again because I like her. I'm anxious because it'll be the first time that I've spent more than a few minutes around her.

   We got off the wrong foot, and I will admit that I'm the reason behind that, but I'm determined to make things right. She really does just look like she needs a friend. Or at least an ally against her mother. I'm momentarily pulled from my thoughts as I unlock my car and slide into the drivers seat. It once again sputters to life as I turn the key in the ignition, but thankfully today is not the inevitable day that it simply decides to die on me. Leaving the radio playing, I buckle up then reverse out of my parking spot before putting it in drive and making my way home.

   To my surprise, neither of my parents are home when I get there. Okay, well it's not a surprise that my father isn't home, but I figured that my mom would be. Moral support at my first lesson in a new place, and all. I guess not. I climb out of my car after parking it along the curb out front and make my way up to the front door. The lock slides back as I turn the key, swinging open easily as I turn the knob and push. I hurry to the kitchen to deposit my lunch bag on the counter, then make my way up the stairs and to my bedroom. Once there, I quickly strip and change into my riding clothes, picking my lightest since it's been a very warm today. As I make my way down the hall, I pop into the bathroom to sneak a peek at my outfit. Satisfied, I flick the light off and hurry down the stairs.

   When I'm back in the kitchen, I quickly throw together a sandwich before refilling my water bottle. Holding both, I then rush back to the front door, pausing slightly to figure out how to get my shoes on. With a shrug, I hold my sandwich in my mouth, grabbing my shoes with my now free hand and tugging them onto my feet. Once I'm ready, I grab my purse again, a light jacket for later, and my keys and rush back out the door. I lock it behind me before making my way back down to my car. I say a silent prayer as I once again slide behind the wheel.

   My prayers are answered as my car starts, leaving me to heave a sigh of relief out around my sandwich. Once I'm buckled, and I've pulled out onto the road, I grab my sandwich with one hand and finally allow myself to eat it. I've already programmed Coven Valley into my GPS, so once I've swallowed my bite I glance down at my phone briefly before saying, "Hey, Siri." My phone screen comes to life and I add, "Take me to Coven Valley." Sure enough, it pulls up Google Maps and shows the route I need to take. "Take your next right in 750 metres." I keep my eyes on the various streets approaching, slowing and flicking on my blinker as the correct one approaches.

After about twenty or twenty five minutes I finally reach the driveway leading up to the impressive facility. I slow right down as I make my toward the main barn building, joining the other six cars parked out front. One of them I recognize as Heather's. Nice to know that Dani's mom showed up to support her daughter but my mom can't so much a send a text. I shake the thought as I get out of my car, locking it behind me. Honestly, I probably don't need to. Who here, of all places, would either break in or try to steal it? Especially when compared to the other vehicles parked around it. Whatever.