Innocence

Chapter Six - Dinner.

“Can I please have more mashed potato?” Courtney asked, holding up her plate and grinning. I stole a quick glance over to my mum to see if she was going to do it and found her eyeing Tyler out suspiciously. I sighed and got up to put a spoon. “More, please.” She quickly added, grinning wider.

I raised an eyebrow at her. “Are you going to eat it all?”

Her eyes went wide and she nodded vigorously. “Of course! I love mashed potato!”

“Hmm. Okay then. But if you don’t finish them, I’m going to take away your Barbie dolls.” I warned, and scooped up another spoon to put into her plate.

“WAIT! I don’t want anymore.” She said, smiling sheepishly. I shook my head but smiled at her. “Anyone else want anything while I’m up?” I asked. My mum stopped glaring at Tyler to look at me and shake her head. Katrina looked up from her plate and started blushing when she met my eyes, which made me realise she wanted something. “What would you like Kat? Mash potato? Vegetables? Or more chicken?” I asked with a smile.

Her cheeks started to go even pinker as she pointed at the vegetables and I put her more on her plate. “Thank you.” I heard her say softly. I smiled then looked over to Tyler who had his jaw clenched as he cut up his chicken piece. I sat back down and the awkward dinner resumed.

After a few more minutes, I decided to clear my throat and started to collect the dishes. My mum decided to get up with me and followed me to the kitchen. “So, where did you meet?” She asked as I turned the tap on.

“Uh… he’s a friend from school.”

“He looked like more than a friend to me. Are you keeping something from me Emma?” My mum asked, almost sounding disappointed.

“No mum. I can assure you there is nothing going on between Tyler and me, we’re just friends.” I muttered, handing a plate over to her to pack away.

“Well… be careful around him.” She said after a while. This caused me to turn around and glower at her. “Why are you being so judgemental towards him? Is it the way he dresses? Because he’s taller and more built then most guys? You of all people should know not to judge a book by their cover, mum. You’ve made the mistake before and that’s what’s got us on the run right now.” Regret instantly filled me as the words slipped out of my mouth and my mum looked pained. I opened my mouth to apologise but someone cleared their throat from the doorway. Both our heads turned to find Tyler standing there in a stiff, awkward way, holding three plates and cutlery and Katrina and Courtney standing behind him.

“Is daddy coming back?” Courtney asked in a small voice. I payed more attention to her and found her lip quivering and her big brown eyes were starting to glaze over from tears.

I responded before my mum could. “No, no, Court. You’re safe here. There’s nothing to worry about sweetie. Why don’t you and Kat go and play with your dolls? I’m sure they don’t want to be left alone right now.” I crouched down and gave her a hug before smiling at them both “Come on, Barbie and Ken are waiting!”

“And Amelia!” Courtney exclaimed with a grin. I nodded and ushered them out before turning back to my mum. “I- I’m sorry. I didn’t mean that. Why don’t you go wash up and relax for a while. I can finish up here.” I murmured.