The street lights shine bright as I'm walking back towards my small town, in need of some fresh air. This town is so unfair. Sometimes I even feel as though, I'm the only one who does not belong here.
My mother, a small town traditional southern woman. My father, a wealthy, traditional businessman. And then, of course, there's me.
The misbehaved, disobedient 17-year-old.
It seems I can never do right in their eyes.
As I reach my neighborhood, I can see the patio lights are turned on.
That can only mean one thing.
My parents noticed I wasn't in my bedroom this late at night.
Times like this make me wish I had another sibling.
Sometimes, being the only child is overwhelming.
My mother and father have nothing else to focus on besides me and what I'm doing or where I am.
I slowly walk toward the front patio.
My mother, sitting on the front step, like she's been waiting all night.
God, I am dreading this argument.
She speaks before I even approach her face to face.
"Where in the world have you been, young lady? Were you out with a boy? Are you intoxicated?"
All I can think to myself is,
"Man, this lady is crazy."
I take a deep breath to reply to her calmly,
"No, mom. I just needed some fresh air to clear my mind. I don't have my phone on me because I wasn't planning on taking this long, I'm sorry."
Considering it was nearly three in the morning, all she says is,
"Do not do that again without letting us know beforehand, we'll discuss this further in the morning, Viola."