David and I pulled up into the driveway of my house, with me hyperventilating. When I woke up this morning, there were a few brief moments where I was carefree, but I quickly came back down to earth. What in the world was I thinking? I knew I would get in trouble for ignoring my curfew, but I broke it anyway. And for what? Some TV and cuddling? Hardly worth the amount of trouble that's I'm about to walk into. I made David rush me over here, but obviously it was too late for that. It didn't change that I never came home last night.

I bit my nails nervously, and David looked over at me. "Come on, you have to go and face them sometime." he said encouragingly.

"Are you insane? You must not remember how strict my parents can be when they're upset. They will murder me, revive me, and then ground me for life."

He rolled his eyes. "Come on Tracey, now you're just being ridiculous. If anything, you'll get grounded for a week or two. Everyone gets in trouble sometimes. You'll be okay."

I sighed, slightly annoyed at his way of 'comforting' me. "I guess you're right," I muttered. "See you later." I jumped out of the car and slammed the door behind me, not caring whether he thought that was rude or not.

Unlocking the door, I pushed it open slightly. I walked inside slowly, testing the waters. There were no sounds coming from inside of the house, which can't be a good thing. I gulped, immediately thinking the worst. What if they thought I got kidnapped or something? They could've called the police, there could be a search going on... Oh my gosh, how much trouble have I caused?

All my questions were answered when I walked into the living room. My parents were sitting on the couch in silence. Either they sensed my presence or I wasn't quiet enough, because they turned to face me. My mom had bags under her eyes, signaling that she hadn't slept all night. My dad had a vein bulging out of his neck, something that happened whenever he got really angry. I sighed internally.

"Where in the world have you been Tracey? We were so worried about you! Anything could have happened to you..." she cried out.

I took a deep breath. "After the movie ended, David and I wanted to hang out a little bit more, so we went to his house. I promise I planned to come back home but I fell asleep before that could happen. I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to worry you like that." I gasped when I was finished. Apparently I got all of that out as quickly as I humanly could.

"So let me get this straight. You kept your mother and I up all night, worried out of our minds, because you were at your little boyfriend's house?" My dad confirmed with a calm anger.

I looked down, not willing to look my dad in the eye. I might burst into tears if I do. At sixteen, you would think I would be slightly less scared of my parents, but right now I feel like I just got caught with my hand in the cookie jar. "Yeah. It was really stupid of me and it'll never happen again, I promise."

My father sighed, and my mom looked away from me. "Go up to your room." my dad's voice said, punctuating the silence.

I hurried up the stairs into my room, closing the door behind me carefully so it wouldn't slam. That would only cause more trouble for me. That went...better than I expected. Which makes me wary. That can't be it. I threw myself on my bed, thinking about last night. It was an enjoyable night, but was it really worth the inevitable punishment that was bound to come? Sure, we shared laughs, jokes, and a few kisses, but we have a good time whenever we're together. In hindsight, we probably could've done without a little extra time. We could've hung out again today if anything.

And what was up with him this morning? He didn't seem to be concerned about my feelings. I kind of felt like I child the way he spoke to me. It's not like I wasn't at least a bit justified with my fright. He's known me for a while, and he knows what my parents are like. After all, he didn't have to face any consequences- I did! He could've been a little nicer about it.

I sighed, not wishing to think about the whole ordeal any longer. Instead, I made myself useful and took out my books to get some homework done. Might as well get something done while I wait for my punishment.

-

After about an hour or so, I had finished my homework and taken a shower, and my parents still hadn't come up to talk to me. That's weird. My parents never gave up an opportunity to punish me and use me as an example for my little sister Brittany. Ah, my sweet little mini me. She looked like a mini replica of me- same milk chocolate complexion, same jet black hair, and same big brown eyes. She is the sweetest three year old I've ever met! I probably love her more than my parents do, but don't tell them that.

I jumped off my bed and walked to the window. My mother's car wasn't in the driveway, which wasn't unusual. She probably went to go get groceries or something. But where's dad? There was no way they would leave me alone with Brittany without informing me that I had to watch her.

I walked to my parents' room, and found the door closed. I cracked the door open, ready to walk inside.

"Da-," I started, until I realized that he was on the phone. I closed the door quietly and pressed my ear to the door. I knew it was wrong to eavesdrop, but for some reason I couldn't stop myself. Maybe it would turn out to be important?

"I know, I can't wait to see you either. I'm spending the weekend with my family," he said dismally, as if it was a terrible thing.

There was a pause as the person on the other end spoke.

"Yeah, and then I'll have you all to myself," he commented seductively.

I jumped away from the door like it was on fire. Besides the feeling of disgust from hearing my father speak in that tone of voice, I also felt an intense anger. That obviously isn't my mother on the phone, unless they're into role playing. I shuddered at the thought, even though I knew it wasn't true. So, that leaves the only other obvious option. My father is cheating on my mother. Could it really be true? Would he really do that? I was under the assumption that they were madly in love. Sure, after time, affections may be shown less, but that doesn't mean the spark is gone, does it?

Is my dad really going on a business trip, or is he going on a week long rendezvous with some woman? Or is his co-worker a woman? All this time, all these business trips he goes on, he was with a woman? If my mom found out about this, it would destroy her! At least I know she's still faithful. She's not that kind of woman.

I felt a tugging on my pants, and it interrupted my thoughts.

"Tracey, what are you doing?" Brittany questioned, looking up at me.

I sighed. There was no way I would tell her what I just heard. She probably wouldn't understand it anyway. " Oh, I was just thinking," I replied, urging her to come downstairs with me.

As she walked with me, she asked "How come you were just standing outside of mommy's and daddy's room?"

I fought back the urge to roll my eyes. I love her, but I'm not in the mood to play twenty questions. Why are children so inquisitive? "I just got lost in my thoughts. Now who wants a snack?" I said enthusiastically.

"Ooh, I do I do!" she said as she ran into the kitchen. I ran in after her laughing, trying to forget what I just heard.

-

Mom came home a little before dinner, carrying bags and bags of groceries just like I expected.

Now that I knew what I knew, it made me sad to think that she had no idea. I watched in disgust as she kissed my dad on the cheek. She shooed us out of the kitchen so she could make dinner, and my dad made his way to the couch to watch ESPN.

I glared at him, hoping he could feel my stare on his back. If he was anywhere near a decent man, he would let her know about his infidelity so they could talk about what this means for them. I wonder what my mom would do if she found out. Would she divorce him, or would they try to make things work?

-

At dinner, I couldn't help myself from glaring at my dad. Every time I looked at him, I would remember what I heard and was filled with anger. I think they could sense my anger, because we sat in an awkward silence while we ate. The tension in the room was so thick, you could cut it with a knife.

"Tracey, we've decided that we're going to let you off this time. Consider this a warning. You're lucky," my dad said, breaking the silence.

I rolled my eyes. Right now, I'm definitely not in the mood for him trying to scold me.

"I bet you're feeling lucky that you haven't got caught yet, huh?" That was wrong of me. I knew I had no right to talk to him like that, but I couldn't help myself.

My mom's mouth dropped, and Brittany just continued eating.

My dad look uncomfortable. Kind of like someone who got caught in a lie.

"Excuse me? W-What are you talking about?" he said as his voice rose.

I chuckled. Normally I would be scared of my father, but that stutter gave away how nervous he was.

 "I think you know exactly what I'm talking about. You'll be having fun on your next business trip, yes?"

It was my dad's' turn to drop his jaw. My mom caught it too, unfortunately for him.

"Now hold on just a minute. What in the world is Tracey talking about?" my mom asked, a hint of anger in her voice.

I picked up my fork and continued eating, following Brittany's lead. My dad cleared his throat and avoided my mother's glare. Watching him squirm made me feel oddly satisfied. It occurred to me that I might be watching my family fall apart in front of my eyes, but he honestly deserves whatever is coming to him.

" I-I have no idea what he's talking about." The fear was obvious in his voice.

I grunted loudly. Such an unladylike sound, but that's insane. He should give my mom more credit than that. She is a teacher, after all. She's obviously smarter than that.

"Hector, this is the last time I'll ask you nicely. What. is. she. talking. about," she punctuated each word angrily.

"Okay, okay, but let's not talk about this in front of the kids," he said hastily.

My mom got up and started walking to their room, and my dad trailed behind. Brittany whimpered beside me.

" What's wrong Brit-Brit?" I asked, messing up her hair.

"What's wrong with mommy and daddy Tracey?" she asked sadly.

I gave her a big hug. " Oh, they're just having a little fight." I don't like to lie to her, but I didn't want it to seem like a big deal.

"Are they going to make up?" she muffled into my side.

"I hope so Brittany, I hope so..."

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Soo what do you think? Do you think Tracey did the right thing? And don't you just hate her dad right now? Vote and Comment (:

-Thea :)

*Song for this chapter is Ignorance by Paramore because I think we've all felt like Tracey did in this chapter (ask if you're confused by what I mean)