It's Complicated

Chapter Sixteen

I'm about halfway home when my phone starts ringing. I glance quickly at it on the passenger seat and see Dani's name on the screen above the ridiculous picture of her crossing her eyes with her tongue out. Vic is slightly in the background, laughing and staring at her with fond eyes. I remember the day clearly. It was the first time we had ever taken her boyfriend to Mosley's as a group. As soon as I had snapped the photo, she demanded that I make it her contact photo on my phone. It's been her contact photo ever since.

I let my phone ring until it stops, directing her to my voicemail. My car isn't fancy enough to have Bluetooth so I can talk hands free, and I don't really feel like getting a ticket for driving distracted. I've seen the warnings all over Facebook that cops are really cracking down on it. I've also seen that fines have sky rocketed up to at least $1000 each. I can't afford that, and even if I could I wouldn't chance it. Instead, I focus on driving, reminding myself to phone her back when I get home.

Traffic is starting to pick up, which means that my drive home is slowing down. As I slow to a stop in a line of cars at a red light, I let my mind wander to my ride this afternoon. Hanging out with Isabelle was surprisingly enjoyable. She was generally quick to smile, which she did almost the entire ride. Without her mother there, critiquing her every minute or so, she was very relaxed. The difference in both her and her mare was incredible. Where Bleu would generally be tense, she was soft and moved fluidly. Where Isabelle would normally be frowning with concentration, she had a relaxed look in her eye and moved more with her horse. The whole picture they created was beautiful. I wish it was always like that for them.

The light turns green, pulling me back to the present. The long line of cars before me slowly start moving, but much to my dismay, the light turns yellow then red just as I get to the front. Once I'm stopped, I again think back on my afternoon. Isabelle was quite affectionate with Bleu. It didn't surprise me, really, it was just a different side of her that I've never seen. She seemed genuinely happy, which in turn made me happy. After all, my goal when I agreed to Coven Valley was to befriend the girl and help her be less lonely. I had wanted to make riding enjoyable for her again, and if her smiles and demeanour were anything to go by today then I had done just that. She had even pulled me into a hug, which was actually not awkward at all, and thanked me for spending time with her. I had felt myself blush slightly, but pushed it aside as it being warm out.

The light once again turns green, and I make my way through the intersection. I force myself to focus on driving for the rest of the way home. Thanks to rush hour just starting, it takes me roughly half an hour to get home. It's only about ten minutes longer, and I've been stuck in traffic worse, but still. Sometimes living in a city can really suck.

Both of my parents cars are in the driveway when I pull up out front. I'm actually surprised that both of them are home so early. It is only 4:30, after all. Climbing out of my car, I make my way up to the front door and let myself inside.

   "Hi, Honey!" My mom calls from the kitchen. I can hear the TV on in the living room, I think it's the news, and assume that's where my dad is. "Did you go riding with Danielle?" My mom asks, her head poking into view. I shake my head 'no' before clarifying,

   "No, I was with Isabelle." My moms eyebrows shoot up in surprise.

   "Oh. Well, I'm glad you two are getting along now." She gives me a smile, one which I easily return. "How was Starr today?" My smile widens almost impossibly.

   "Perfect." I chuckle. "Showing off for Bleu a bit." My mom laughs before ducking back into the kitchen. As I approach, I smell dinner cooking. When I enter the kitchen, I see steaks in one of our large fry pans, just starting to sizzle on top of the stove.