Chapter 1 So it Begins

I came bouncing through the door after just running 3 miles and being at my trainer’s gym since 3am on my final day of senior year so excited that I had the world at my fingertips and a handful of colleges who all wanted me. My parents had been supportive in whatever direction I decided but that was probably because whatever I decided they would still be getting a divorce when all said and done. "Wow what a year it has been, I still can't believe it's my last day of School and then it’s summer. Than I start college and who knows I might even cut the summer short and go early. I guess now it depends on where I really want to go, I guess and who I really want to be now and what I want to be." My mother gave me the look of proudness even though her world was falling apart every day that I got closer to graduating. "Mia, angel you are right about one thing you have the world at your fingertips and colleges sending you acceptance letters every day... however you should take the summer to decide on some type of path.." My mother Amelia couldn't help herself when it came to me taking time off to figure out what I wanted to do. My father Ethan on the other hand always distilled in me that knowing what you want to do before you get to that next step was crucial and most of the time he was supportive in the ambition I had to do not just one career but multiple "I think that your mother is right, but so are you since you are a free spirited kind of young lady and have big dreams. You know I thought of course you'd always take after me or your grandfather in law or medical, but of course you have shown likes in both area's. I guess all I can do now is be supportive, pay for what you decide and well I guess that's just what dads are supposed to do right?"

I knew that my parents meant well in what they said but by my father's tone he had his decision in his head not really understanding why I needed time or why I even questioned it since my future had been mapped out since the day I was born and my twin and I would have anything we wanted. That all changed the day my twin brother died at the age of 3 from a rare strain of the flu that took him quickly. "Mom, Dad I know how you both feel and what this day would really mean if Jr was still here.. so now I’m basically living for the both of us and you both see me living up to expectations. I'm sorry that he isn't here to take after you dad in your foot steps and one day take over the firm, and mother I know you rather me go off and find a nice guy and become a wife and mother and do whatever I want and leave it to my husband to bring home the bacon" I couldn't hold back the irritation that was clearly in my tone as I faced my parents who had been already packed to head off on our family vacation. I still had to finish packing and calling all my girls who would be heading off on their summer vacations too and Catherine who was my very best friend and who would be joining us on our trip through the Caribbean. I stopped listening to my parents when they started to argue with one another and headed up the stairs and down my side of the house still able to hear them. I couldn't believe how childish they were being, but who am I to be the parent and tell them what to do?

Catherine had arrived at my house before I could even call her and it was like we read one another's minds or something because she always had great timing when it came to me really needing to have someone there for me. "Mia... you have to be kidding me.... I've been packed for 3 months and you hardly have anything. I...." Catherine found me sobbing in my closet as I looked through my baby book along with my brothers that I had saved from the trash years before. "Hey.... I'm fine just picturing what it would be like right now if Jr was here with me and if our parents would still be getting a divorce. They still have love for one another, but more hate now days than I've ever seen, I'm ready to just tell them to send me and you and they can stay here and do whatever they really want.. I'm tired of holding up dreams for not just myself but for Jr that they had for us..." I wasn't sure how much longer I could stay in the house with my parents even though once I left for college my father would be completely moved out. Catherine closed the closet door and locked us inside until I was ready to face the world like she did from the time we were little and the closet was our fort.

Catherine was an only child as well but her parents were madly in-love and made me feel more like their daughter then my own parents who loved me and gave me everything I ever wanted in material things but when it came to affection it was hard for them both. I kept my brothers’ blankets that I had found at 5 years old hiding in the back of a closet in his room that had never changed until my mother had her breakdown and destroyed it on our 8th birthdays. "I guess I'm just feeling a little lost and pulled into so many directions since I didn't just get into 1 of my 6 schools I applied to but all of them... my father wants me to follow him or his father, but my mother wants of course me to get a limited degree and live off a rich man forever and have babies. I mean damn I've been single this entire senior year of course by my choice after Maxwell broke it off when he left for college which was the best thing he could have ever done since I wasn't wanting what he wanted anymore. Ha which he called me last-night to congratulate us on graduation, and of course you know me I'm a sucker every time... He of course was my first love... or so I thought" Catherine laughed as I made funny faces when talking and thinking about a guy I lost my virginity to when I was 13 years old. "Ha ya you are a sucker but I don't blame you since the dude has some major skills and got a full ride to Duke. I know you though and don't see you settling for that life knowing the free spirited person you are and that you will never just settle" Catherine always knew how to get me back on track after a crazy day with my parents even if it was a 5 min conversation. I finally got up off the floor and finished packing with the help of my besty Catherine who was in a rush to get out of town and on the beach.

I didn't understand why my best friend Catherine at times when she loved going to the beach but only when on vacation when we lived just mins from the Carolina beaches. "That's why I love you.... you have a beach here yet only like hitting beaches while on Vacation. Such a simple person yet so demanding about other things in your life... So enough about my issues have you decided on where you are going to go for school? I mean I know we both got accepted to the same schools, but I’m just not sure right now what I'm doing. My parents fighting is getting out of control and I'm tired of being the buffer between the two and can't wait to be out completely which not sure my mother would ever let that happen." Catherine did the best she could to understand only being able to imagine what it would be like if her parents didn't love one another anymore. "Well dang it this is not how we are supposed to be feeling on our last day of school... graduation is tonight and then we leave tomorrow for the Caribbean. If you want come stay at my house tonight or I can stay here with you..." "No my parents are leaving right after graduation with my father having to do a little business before he joins us and my mother wanting to get some alone time in at the house. So if you want you can stay here since I’ll have it to myself" I said to her as she carried my bag to the main floor of the house.

Catherine thought the idea of staying alone with Mia would be perfect and had a plan for their evening since they were now going to be adjusting once more to a new life that held so many possibilities for them both. I followed my best friend down the stairs to find that my dad had finally left for work and my mother was now on the phone with her girlfriends bitching about my father. "Mother we are leaving for school, it's only half a day so not sure why I’m even going when I've done all my finals, but anyways have a good day and see you later. Don't forget graduation is at 5pm and I have my outfit already so not coming home after. Love you bye...." I ran out the front door to my new car my parents bought me which was a total surprise. Catherine loved riding along in my Challenger with the top down instead of her mustang with its top down not sure why since they both were kick ass cars and the best that money could buy. "I guess we are only taking one car today, but where is Adam or are the two of you on the frits again?" I couldn't help but laugh when Catherine scowled at me. "Damn it Mia you know Adam is just a good fuck haha if that any more... he's going to be one of those guys who never leaves home no matter that he has a full ride to college.. ha plus he's talking about taking over his dads car business if he doesn't like college. I'm not the settling type either and plus I love woman more than boys as you know." I couldn't help the laughter knowing full well that my best friend loved both men and woman and I had dabbled a little but never went farther than kissing and filling a girl up. "I'm very aware of your love towards woman and we are best friends we know more about one another then I think I’ve ever known a friend to have with one another. The only thing we haven't done is the girl on girl thing which I’m glad because I think it would just destroy our friendship I'm glad that we haven't crossed that line. Ha not that you are ugly because you are beautiful, drop dead gorgeous and just no words to describe the way your beauty hits me" I couldn't help but tell my best friend how I felt and that I was happy that we never crossed the lines that could change our relationship. Catherine stayed quiet and a little on edge now that she was going to be telling her best friend later that night while they were alone how she really felt about her and now wasn't sure if she should. The music kicked in once Catherine connected her phone to the system and blared her latest kick of music which was country/hip hop type which I didn't mind since I loved all music. I knew that Catherine had become standoffish from the time we left the house until we arrived at school with her jumping from the car before I even had the car in park. "Jesus Cath..... I mean I know school is almost done but damn it...." I wasn't sure if she even heard me yell out her name when she kept walking away.

I made it to my home room where I stayed most of the next couple of hours since I had all my finals done and no reason to go to the classes. Catherine had avoided me for the first two periods which drove me insane but could force her to talk to me if she didn't want too. "Ugh Jose I can't take this crap anymore today... I should have stayed home but it's the last day so I'm going to just head out after this period I think..." My friend Jose gave me a look of "Please take me with you" and making me laugh with his spanish speaking " Oh nina no tiene ni idea gosh te amo bebe, but you are seriously clueless aren't you..." Jose was confusing me from the beginning with his statement. "I have no idea what you are talking about and why you are saying I have no idea... for fuck sake dude I guess I don't have a clue into anything anymore..." I said before standing up with my keys and leaving the room without saying a word to Mr. Babinose. Jose took off after her with his flamboyant personality and found Mia at her locker finishing the clean out which wasn't much. "Ok I’m sorry I have just thought you knew, but since you don't it's not me to say anything until that other person says something to you. Anyways what are you up to tonight besides the graduation and getting ready for your vacation? Nick and I are going out to that old place we all used to hang out at and drink a little something.." Jose tried his best to get my attention even though my head was somewhere else altogether.

Finally, after what seemed like forever and my head hurting far too much I turned and eyed Jose "Well my parents are leaving right from here after graduation and we are leaving tomorrow morning sometime after I see my Dr. So if you want you and Nick can come to my house and we can all hang out and you know my parents let me do whatever, so as long as you lock up the keys until morning and the two of you stay I’m good with you two coming over" I said with a plain look on my face. Jose dialed Nick and asked him to meet us by the locker needing to tell him something. Not even a min later Nick came running around the corner picking Jose up off his feet and spinning him around. "What's the news babes... hey Mia ha wow you look like someone peed in your water or something with that look on your face..." Nick laughed before he lunged forward picking me up off my feet and spinning me around until I laughed just for him to put me down. "Ok better put me back down before I throw up all over.... my stomach is not that great right now" I yelped out when I started to feel queasy. I took out my phone and texted Catherine to let her know I was tired and bored "so if you want, I can come back for you or wait you let me know. I'm out here by the locker with Jose and Nick." Catherine did not reply but instead sent Nick and Jose both a text telling them she would catch a ride home to get ready for graduation and see us all there. "Are you kidding me right now... I don't get it we were fine at my house and then the ride over was weird. So if she is going to act like this I’m going to go to her so let us go find our little complicated friend.." I said as I took off to her french class that she was in and peeked in the door. "Excusze-moi... je dois parler a Catherine" I said in perfect French surprising the class for even doing it at all. Catherine squeezed lower into her chair thinking I couldn't see her. Jose and Nick came from the back door and picked her and her stuff up. "She's done I take it, since you are all just sitting here talking amongst yourselves, so we are taking her and we'll see you all at graduation" Jose said as he took Catherine's bag while Nick put Catherine over his shoulder.

Catherine screamed the whole way out, but laughed and apologizing for her friends "professeur desole pour mes amis fous, ha see the rest of you at the ceremony." I stayed in front leading the way to my car and Nicks truck that were parked right next to one another. "Alright boys drop her in my front seat and follow us..." I said as I jumped in the driver’s seat and started the engine locking the doors and holding on to Catherine's arm as I put up the top of my challenger. "Damn it Catherine Anne... I'm not playing this game with you today... You have me fucking getting pissed off now, so you are going to tell me what the fuck happend from the time we left my house until fuck a few mins later when you did all this...." "You know what I really am not ready to tell you so can we please just follow the boys to where ever they are going and we can do this later when we both have a little more courage or shit at least me" Catherine cut me off gripping my forearm tight with the look in her eyes being that of burning flames. I let her go and she stayed in her seat but put the top back down needing the heat from the sun to warm her. I did what she had asked and followed the boys in the truck that was almost too high even with me being 6'2 toned but not skin and bone. Catherine stayed watching out her side of the car and at times would look at me and smile her shy smile that told me whatever it was she had to say was something seriously important.

I was fast asleep with the sun pushing through the edges of the curtains and jolting me awake. "Jr....." I gasped out not able to see him anymore nor were the videos playing. Rubbing my eyes I could see that the box was was nicely packed back up and placed on the table next to me. I called out for Jr but there was still nothing and I could no longer feel him around. I checked the clock in the corner and found it was 5:30 am. "Fuck I have to get showered and dressed the car will be here at 6:30" I groaned and stood to my feet. I took the box knowing if my mother found it she would freak out and I wasn't about to lose anything else.

I quickly fixed breakfast and made mimosas for everyone and within mins they finally smelled the food and came running. Jose and Nick of course were first bouncing through the arch way. "Hey baby girl.... so wow you two did it and I must say who ever that was screaming it got us so hot we were fucking most of the night" "Jesus Jose baby not sure why you had to bust her out that way" Nick came to my rescue seeing that I was just a little uncomfortable. "Awww boys I'm fine and yes that would have been me, and I have to admit that was probably my loudest ever. Ha anyways I really need to go up and shower and I'll wake Cath..." "No need I've been up since 5am showered and dressed" Catherine startled me as she came in and directly to me. "Ahhh hey, how did you sleep?" I asked hoping she didn't wake up at all through the night.

Catherine wrapped her arms around my neck and looked at me with seriousness. "I slept really good until I woke up at 5 and found you were gone.. figured you were up and had showered already, but nope came down here and found you in the den sleeping. So I take it sleeping far away from me is what you needed after what happened late last night or early this morning" Catherine said with obvious pain and hurt in her eyes. "Nooo that's not it.. i-i look I could not sleep had a lot of my mind so came down thinking I heard something but it was nothing. I fell asleep in the den around 3:30 so I'm sorry" I explained the best I could before she got mad or even more hurt. She moved closer and placed her head over my heart hearing it pound like mad and I backed up and away. "Look I really need a shower and you should all eat because the car will be here @ 6:30. Boys the keys are by the door and I'll be back in about 10 mins" I said turning and grabbing the box and heading up stairs.

Catherine groaned with a sound of frustration letting me know she wasn't to happy. I put the box in my hiding place and headed for the shower. After a 5 min shower I was a little more relaxed and ready to start my long ass day not sure what would be taking place. "Damn sis you need to relax for real, I'm still here and no it was not a dream it's very, very real" Jr said so normally like it was no big deal that my world and life was changing whether I wanted it to or not. "So you only come around when you want or answer when you feel it's convenient for you? Ugh I'm losing my fucking mind... omg I am not understanding I think... moms breakdown was you... for fuck sake" I screamed out and started hitting the air around me hoping to strike him.

Firm hands came around my biceps holding me in place. "Damn it Mia that is not exactly true but yes to parts, I don't have time... correction you don't have time to do this now. When you're ready we will go all in but for now we all think it's better to start off slow" Ethan said as he lightened up his grip on my biceps. Turning to face the mirror to finish getting ready I could see the red handprints on my arms and the finger tips deeper red in my flesh. "Damn if Ethan mom and dad are going to see these bruises and then what are they going to think... and my fucking friend’s downstairs" I yelled at him but he was gone. It took me an extra 5 mins than what I had promised to be back down making it 6:20 am.

Jose and Nick were near the door holding their key. "Hey baby girl your car arrived about 10 mins ago. We took your girls bags to the car and Catherine is finishing her breakfast now" Jose said softly before hugging and kissing me. "You two really need to talk before you head off together. Make sure you both want to go away still together. She wants to stop by her house to say bye to her parents... she's been quiet most of the breakfast" Nick said as he hugged and kissed me. "Alright I got it I fucked up.... I am not used to this type of relationship so it's like a curve ball and I'm learning. Fuck it's not even a relationship in that way yet and not sure it's going to be that type. I have way too much to think about to deal with the two of you. I love you both like brothers so please let me walk you out before we start fighting" I said as I grabbed the door and opened showing them to the truck.

I made it back inside to see Catherine walking towards me and looking pissed off. "Don't do me any favors ok... it was one amazing night and with all this stress on you I have decided I'm not going. Have a great summer and keep in touch if you can.." Catherine said as she walked out the front door and headed towards the car. I went to go after her when the door slammed shut in my face. "Damn it Ethan stop it... I can't let her leave like this so open the fucking door" I screamed and ran towards the garage to open the big door. I grabbed my key needing to pull the car into the garage anyways. The boys and Catherine were still out talking and crying making me feel like an asshole. "Hey.... stop please I want you to come with me... we have been planning this trip for 2 fucking years Cath.." I got closer and she jumped back and away from me and I could see that she was not in the mood for me.

I went to the challenger and got in driving it into its spot in our 4 car garage. I got out and went to the town car asking him to give me 5 mins and pulled Catherine's bags out. I rolled them towards her and the boys not having the time or patience to deal with them. "Please see that she gets home safe, I don't have time to do this. I'll call when I get to my mother" I said without stopping. I closed the garage door behind me with the remote and headed into the house. I cleaned everything up and grabbed a plastic container to dump what was left of food before leaving. The maid would finish cleaning the rest of the house later and I was now ready as I could be to head off alone on my father’s private plane. I left the house and found everyone gone and the town car now in the driveway. "Hi sir I'm sorry for the wait and I could only imagine that my parents have called you a few times by now. They worry way too much but I guess that is what parents are supposed to do" I said to the young man.

The driver reached for my hand and I saw the sun light up his under armor that held a gun. I jumped back not understanding what was happening. "Why is a car service man wearing a gun??? Maybe I should call my father..." before I could finish my thoughts my cell rang with my father’s number. I answered with a quick panicked "hello....daddy..." "hi angel please just get into the car. His name is Sebastian and he is your detail for the trip, and we'll be talking about why Catherine went home crying later" my father said before just hanging up without a fucking good bye. I shook the man’s hand and he opened the back door letting me slide in. Once he got in I told him to take the other route so we would be passing Catherine's house. "So a detail... what the fuck do I need a detail for... I mean I know who my father and grandfather are but it's not like I'm in danger...." I stopped thinking about it and my mind went to the worst possibility. Sebastian looked in his rear-view mirror and eyed me questionably and I ignored him all together.

I silently called out for my brother needing him now more than ever and it hit me maybe he knew I'd need him for whatever was going on. Ethan was there but did not say a word just held my hand and answered my unspoken words as silent as I did. I was woken by Sebastian 45 mins later causing me to gasp out. "Jesus scare a girl to death.... so I take it you're going to be fallowing me around for the whole summer.." I muttered and he shook his head with a smile "yes ma'am that is my job and you better get used to it because I'm not leaving unless I'm told to do so..." "ok well than I am telling you to leave so..." I was cut off when he picked me up over his shoulder and carried me up the stairs of the plane. "Ma'am I have a job to do and I'm only leaving if my boss your father tells me to do so" Sebastian said with fire in his tone.

Sebastian placed me in my seat as he took his on the other side of the plane. "Jesus I'm not a fucking child and I'm going to report that shit to my dad your boss" I bitched but he had tuned me out and started typing a message in his phone to whoever it was. Cap. Murray came on the speakers welcoming me to the jet and telling me to relax. "I'll see you shortly angel and Mr. GQ you didn't need to handle my God daughter like that" Cap. Donnie Murray announced. I couldn't help but laugh which made me feel a bit better and the moment Mr. GQ looked at me I knew he was irritated and only saw a spoiled little brat. He had no idea who I was and I did not need to explain myself to him one bit. He would see on his own that I was far from a spoiled brat, spoiled maybe but that didn't make me a brat since it wasn't my fault that I was an only child and my parents gave me everything.

Once we were in the air and at our leveling my godfather did as he promised which he always did. "Hi baby girl, your parents said that you rocked last night but you weren't all dolled up. You look exhausted so I take it you had a party at the house and drank too much" Donnie said as he hugged and kissed me. I held onto him looking over his shoulder at Sebastian who was trying his best not to look at me. "Nah not really a party since it was just the guy boys and Catherine. It was fun and interesting since I finally went all the way with my first girl... haha" I started laughing when Sebastian caught my eye and stiffened in a way, I knew all to well as he imagined the whole thing.

Donnie pulled me back holding me by my biceps that were covered by my sleeves. "Dang you just had to say that... I mean you tell me everything I'm just surprised it was with Cate. Oh dear is that why she isn't here?" He asked in a tone that told me he was sorry. I sat down as I took the pain of my biceps and holding back the wincing. "I'm good Donnie I'm just lost in my head and yesterday was just the start of a new chapter with decisions I have to make. Long story but we'll have time for all that another day" I said with a smirk before sitting back down. I opened my bag and took out two containers full of scrambled eggs with cheese and bacon in the other. "I've got plenty to share...." "oh wait first I want you to meet my co-capt. Ms. Mallory Valentine" Donnie said and if it were on cue Ms. hot pants herself walked out with a smile.

I immediately stood holding out my hand thinking she had to be only in her early twenties. "Hi.... I-I ha excuse me I'm Mia nice to meet you... oh and that is Mr. GQ there..." Sebastian stood as he finally got a good look at Mallory and cut me off. "Hi ma'am I'm Sebastian not Mr. GQ." Mallory laughed and took his hand "well I think Mr. GQ fits but nice to meet you Sebastian. Mia very nice.... to meet you, I'm happy to be here flying under this guy’s expertise." Mallory went back into the cockpit and left us even after I offered breakfast. Donnie joined me and Sebastian stayed alone not wanting to socialize.

Donnie grabbed a bottle from the wine fridge and poured me a glass with orange juice while he just had juice. "Thanks Donnie I did this all at home but didn't get to join them since I was busy getting cleaned up and then the argument happened. I wanted Cate to come but she was acting crazy weird yesterday after I made a couple comments not knowing how she felt until later. Then she freaks out again this morning all because I told Jose and Nick to stay out of my business and let me figure things out. I am way to stressed to deal with emotions especially lady ones. Haha I mean I am a lady but my... well you know" I said before downing my glass and taking a bite of my now warm food.

Donnie went back to the cockpit to finish out the remainder of the flight which was another 3 hours. I had texted and even tried to face time Catherine with no response. I turned to texting the boys and only got a "fuck off" response from Jose and a "not now" from Nick. I finally tossed my phone in my bag before closing my eyes and falling asleep. I didn't even feel the runway landing as Donnie landed on our private runway. I was deep in a dream with Ethan as we were children and running around before he had got sick. I gasped as Donnie whispered softly in my ear "angel girl we are here and your mother is waiting...". I jumped to my feet knocking Donnie backwards and right on his ass. "Donnie sorry.... sorry ummm" I took his hand and pulled him to his feet in a quick jolt. They all starred at me with an eyebrow raised and I didn't bother talking as I grabbed my bag and headed down the steps of the plane.

Donnie was right my mother was in the property cart with all my bags that I brought. Sebastian followed close behind along with Donnie and Mallory. "Hi mother... ummmm I take it they are all staying until they have to go get father? I am not too pleased about having a damned body guard either...." I dropped my bag in the seat and took off running needing to be alone. I prayed that I wouldn't be followed and didn't look back to look or even wait for my mother to say a word. I had run track, played soccer, was on the best rowing team in the USA, I played pretty much every sport the school had to offer. I had finally stopped when I reached my spot hidden in the trees and climbed right up into the tree house my father had built for my 12th birthday.

The sun was still high in the sky with a good breeze blowing warmth as it touched my cold sweat body. "Ethan I can feel you near so either talk or go away... because I'm really not in the mood and you've bugged me enough for now" I said as I laid in the bed that had been made up recently thanks to the maids who always made sure I had my bunker just in case a fight broke out between my parents. Ethan had been in the rocking chair to my left as it started to rock but didn't respond but let out a calmness in the air which came over me relaxing me. The calmness broke my tensed-up body and emotions and I started to sob uncontrollably. I felt a presence of energy climb in the bed and hold me with their hand running through my hair. I could tell it was a different energy than Ethan's who had still been in the room.

I didn't get scared but started to calm down and eventually fell back to sleep needing the time to recharge. I was woken by the sound of the ATV getting closer to me and rolled to my back sighing with my arm over my face. "Well I guess I've been found and now have to face the music and mother!" I groaned out before sitting up and walking towards the door. Donnie was on the ATV and just looked at me in a way that told me that enough hiding and time to see my mother. "Ok, ok I'm coming man...." I bitched down and finally walking down the steps to the ground. Ethan and the other energy had left at some point and I was alone again. Donnie and slid back and I took over climbing on and taking us on a little trip before going home.

Donnie held on tight as I splashed threw some muddy areas before reaching the beach and flying down and up over the hill towards the house. The sound of the engine made it impossible for me to hear Donnie until we came to a halt near the garage that held all our toys. "Damn it Mia I'm covered in mud now damn it.... haha your lucky I didn't shower yet!" He bitched as he got off the back. "Oh Donnie you knew when you brought this damn thing to get me... and let me drive that we would be having a little fun first. So what is mother’s attitude like.... ohh and I've been seeing and hearing Ethan's voice. Please don't tell mother or speak about this to anyone, I'm not losing my mind it's in my dreams" I said as I drove the ATV into the garage.

Donnie had been pretty quiet as we headed towards the house and I was too as the visions of my parents freaking out when Donnie eventually told them what I asked him not to. My mother opened the door and eyed me with irritation as she found us covered in mud and the fact that we were late. "Ok young lady go and shower and then join us for dinner... don't be getting mud everywhere while you do so. As for you Donnie you left over an hour and a half ago and come back just as muddier if not more. Ugh just go clean up too and we will be waiting" my mother Amelia bitched as we walked away. I took my time even though it would piss my mother off who was already irritated with me.