Free Sixteen by Emily Rachelle Page B

you, Mother, he's only twenty-three. And yes, I happen to enjoy his company."
    "Well two hours is longer than enough to 'enjoy his company.' I expected you home an hour ago, at least!"
    "Yes, I know, and I'm sorry. We lost track of time."
    "Then you're on your way home?"
    "Yes, Mom." Nikki paused, then decided, why not? "Matt's coming too." She hung up before her mother could scold her further.
    Sometimes she wondered if her mother realized she was sixteen.
    The drive home didn’t last nearly long enough for Nikki’s mother to calm down. The minute Nikki opened the door, the woman practically attacked.
    "Where is he? Did he hurt you?"
    Nikki took a step back. "I'm fine. Matt's on his way. Gosh, Mom. Couldn't you calm down? It's not like we're getting married. I just like talking to him."
    Her father joined them by the door. "Nancy, give the girl some space. Darling, your mother and I only want the best for you."
    "I know. But did you ever consider maybe I'm capable of wanting that, too?" She glanced at her watch, irritated. "He'll be here soon. I've got to go change." With that, she dashed up the stairs. Nikki struggled to fight down her irritation as she pulled out her clothes. She didn’t want to appear upset when Matt arrived, but her mother… why could she never understand? The first time Nikki showed interest in a guy, and her mom had to spoil it!
    About ten minutes later, the doorbell rang. She flew down the stairs in her favorite T-shirt and denim capris, reaching the door before her mother could barricade it.
    "Hey.” They spoke at the same time. Nikki giggled.
    She stepped back, allowing Matt to pass her and enter the foyer. Just the sight of his smiling green eyes made her feel a little better after the spat with her mother. "Come on in. You want some lemonade?"
    He grinned. "Sure thing." She led him past the staircase and into the living room, then slipped into the kitchen to grab the lemonade and two tall glasses. After filling both with ice and the sweet liquid, she set them on coasters on the coffee table in front of the sofa where Matt sat. Her father entered, and Nikki passed him and scurried up the stairs two at a time, determined to keep her mother from joining the interrogation downstairs. Thankfully, she still sat in her bedroom, sewing on the tiny machine in the corner. Nikki slipped in the room and sat on the edge of the bed, her leg bouncing nervously.
    "He's here." Her mother spoke, but she never turned from her sewing.
    "You don't miss a thing." She knew her harsh tone would upset her mother, but Nikki was tired of being treated like this. Several minutes of silence passed before her mother faced her and spoke again.
    "He's twenty-three , Nikki. He could seriously hurt you! You know things like that happen --”
    "Yes, Mother , I know. I took Health and Safety last year. It's not like I'm some stupid kid. I think I know what I'm doing." She only called her mom mother when her anger took over her mind… which occurred frequently of late.
    "My point exactly. You think you know. But what if he had tried to rape you tonight, at the community center? You think you can handle it: he would never try that; even if he did, the center staff would call the police, and you'd never see him again anyway.” Her eyebrows were low, and a stormy darkness clouded her eyes. Her lips puckered as she spoke. “Say they didn't see you, couldn't hear you from inside? Then what? You're likely to end up pregnant or-"
    She couldn't take anymore. "You know what, Mother? I really don't care what you think about him. I'm going out with him whether you like him or not. So it doesn't really matter if he passes Dad's little test tonight, cause I'll run all the way to Canada or California if I have to -- and you can't stop me!" She spat out the words and shot down the stairs in anger. When she burst into the living room, Matt and her father stood and shook hands.
    "See you later, Matt."
    "Later, Mr. Johnson."
    "Hello, Nikki. We