Free The Boyfriend Dilemma by Fiona Foden

the clock on the mantelpiece. “It’s eleven o’clock, Dad. Maybe we’d be better be going?”
    â€œOh, right – are you both packed and ready?” he asks with a smile.
    â€œYes,” we reply in unison. In fact, we’ve been packed for hours. Matty’s even waiting at the front door with his backpack on.
    â€œLet’s go then,” Dad says. “I’ll just call Rosalind and Olivia in from the paddock. They’ll want to see you off.” Sure they will, to make sure we’ve actually gone.
    As we drive away, with Rosalind grinning fakely and Olivia glaring at us, I wonder if it’ll ever feel OK coming here. “Um, Dad,” I say when we’re about halfway home, “could you drop me off at Layla’s?”
    â€œWhat for, love?” he asks, giving me a quick sideways glance.
    I shrug, making out it’s no big deal. “It’s just, I haven’t seen her for ages.”
    He chuckles. “Still as thick as thieves, are you?”
    â€œYes, of course we are.”
    â€œSure you don’t want to go home and see Mum first?” Dad asks.
    â€œUm, I’d just like to see Layla…”
    He nods. “Better call Mum to check it’s OK.”
    â€œI don’t have my phone,” I remind him.
    He exhales loudly. “Mine’s in the glove compartment. Give her a call.” I rummage for it and find her mobile number.
    â€œWhat is it, Mark?” she says coldly when she answers.
    â€œMum, it’s me.”
    â€œOh, Zoe! Hi, darling. Everything OK?” Phew – she doesn’t sound mad any more.
    â€œI’m fine,” I reply. “We’re on our way home. But it is all right if Dad drops me off at Layla’s?”
    â€œDo you really need to?” Mum asks. “It’s just … there’s something I’d like to talk to—”
    â€œPlease, Mum,” I cut in. “I haven’t seen her all week.”
    Mum pauses. “All right, love, but don’t be too long. I took today off work and I’d really like to spend some time with you.” With a twinge of guilt, I realize I’m missing her too. At least, I’m missing kind, friendly Mum, rather than the annoyed version who confiscated my phone… She clears her throat. “Um … sorry about your phone, Zoe. I think I overreacted…”
    â€œIt’s OK,” I murmur.
    Mum pauses. “I know I’ve been a bit harsh with you, sweetheart. I was upset that day and it wasn’t just about Matty being left at the holiday club…”
    â€œWhat was it, then?”
    â€œUm … something else.”
    â€œSomething at work?” I ask.
    â€œIt was … yes, kind of.” Her voice cracks, then she adds, “It’s all sorted now, OK? Have a nice time at Layla’s and I’ll see you later. Is Dad bringing Matty home now?”
    â€œYeah, he’ll be home in about half an hour.” I finish the call, and Dad and I chat about school and the cross-country team and how Miss Baker, our gym teacher, says I might be able to run for the county. It feels so good, just the two of us talking while Matty plays on his phone in the back, that all the stresses of the last few days melt away.
    Â 
    I’ve neverbeen happier to see Layla. Up in her room, I describe Olivia’s announcement over dinner that she wants her newest horse blanket to be professionally embroidered with her full name (which I happen to know is Olivia Melody Butt, haha!). But even when we’re curled up on her unmade bed, snorting with laughter, I can tell things aren’t right. Layla’s acting as if there’s something on her mind. The tent thing, probably. Well, it’d take me a long time to recover from that too.
    â€œLayla?” her mum calls upstairs. “Remember that thing you promised to do?”
    â€œYes, Mum,” she shouts back.
    â€œWhat thing?” I ask,