Page 102 of A Lesson in Obedience
She started to open the passenger door but stopped to scan my face. Skepticism was written all over it, but I knew she wasn’t trying to come to a malicious conclusion.
“I’m checking on my parents, that’s all. I know Mateo has wolves on them, but still.”
Riley gave me the cutest smile I’d ever seen and opened the car door all the way. “You’re a good boy, Grayson.” She let those words linger as she got inside the car.
I heard Corrin giggle before the sound of the engine running drowned them out.
I took my ring off, washing the feeling of Riley calling me a good boy away for now and shadowing home.
I stoodin the kitchen entryway and watched my parents bicker over how long something had been left in the refrigerator for. My mom took a whiff inside the plastic container and wrinkled her nose, scolding my dad. I cleared my throat and my mom’s shoulder’s lifted dramatically, flinching and my dad had to catch the container before it flew out of her hands.
I had to catch myself before a loud laugh erupted from my throat.
“Grayson!Bakit di ka man lang nagsalita! You know not to scare me like that!” My mom wagged her finger at me before letting the knowing smile return to her face and coming to hug me.
My dad chuckled. “If I was him, I would shadow all over theplace.” He patted my arm and pulled me into another hug after my mom was done.
“What brings you home? Is something wrong at school? Are you hungry?” My mom questioned, looking like she was prepared to make me a whole meal.
I bite my lower lip, moving towards the stove and shooing my mom’s hand away from the knobs. “Um, can we sit down? There is something I need to tell you.”
“Is this about your shifter friends?” My dad asked, walking to the living room. “We were going to call you, but we all got to chatting and I forgot. You know I don’t shift anymore, but it was nice to hear them speak about their adventures while your mother forced them to eat.”
My mom smacked him on the back of the head when they sat down on the couch. “Wag kang magsinungaling.I forced no one. I suggested they get something to eat, like a good host.”
I sat on the other end of the couch, nervously running a hand through my hair. “It does have to do with them, but it’s more than that.”
I felt sweat prickle at the back of my neck and I knew the nerves were starting to kick in. My parents were two of the most understanding people on the planet. They were concerned with my education and what I wanted to do with my life, but not so much that I felt suffocated. I never even told them I was bisexual. They were always curious about my love life, but not enough to infiltrate and interrogate me. I’d introduced them to boyfriends and girlfriends, and they never batted an eye…they just asked me if I was happy.
I didn’t know what exposing my bad decisions would do to our relationship. I didn’t know if they would view me differently. I’d decided to hurt people over a scholarship, but also for their safety, but knowing them they would scold me for endangering others.
“Bakit ka nanginginig? What’s wrong, Grayson?” my mom asked, worry lacing her tone.
I pressed my lips together, hard. I wasn’t sure where to start, but somehow when I opened my mouth, the words just flooded out.
I blew out a breath when I was done, refusing to look at either of them. They’d asked no questions during my explanation, but their eyes gave them away during certain parts. I barreled through even though every part of me wanted to leave this house and never look back. I wasn’t sure how I was going to handle it if they thought of me as a bad person.
I felt my mom’s hand on my thigh. “Grayson,tumingin ka sa akin”
I peeked over at her, preparing for the worst. Her face was neutral and no look of shame could be found.
“I know your father and I are honored you care so much for us.” She rubbed her lips together. “But we did not raise you to think that putting others in harm’s way was a good trade for our safekeeping.”
She sounded disappointed and that was so much fucking worse than anything I could have imagined.
“I’m sorry, Mom. I-I don’t know what else to say.”
“Did you apologize to Riley? Have you made that right?” my dad pressed, leaning forward.
I nodded vigorously.
“And how is she? You’ve said a lot and I don’t even think I could handle all those things at her age. Her father, her friend, the chancellor being her…oh, Grayson, is she alright?” My mom’s lips moved a mile a minute.
It warmed my heart a little to see my mom care about Riley as much as I did. “She’s about as good as she can be. She has a lot of support.” I licked my lips “Everything felt like my world was caving in and maybe that sounds dramatic, but he put me in a corner. Now the logical response would have been to tell someone, but in the moment I just…”
My mom cupped my cheek. “I know, honey. Grayson, please tell me that you are not involved with that man anymore. No more hurting people.”
“I’m not. We’re actually trying to fix everything, hence thewolves monitoring you. Your protection is imperative to me and it always will be.Nagkamali ako at gumagawa ako ng paraan para maayos ko ang aking mga kasalanan”
