The strict parental units may want to keep young teens inside and out of trouble after dark, but it's a lot more fun to break the rules and spend an evening making trouble around town. At least, that's what Oliver had said when he convinced Rowan to stay out past curfew.
The night had started with something simple - just a late-night walk through downtown Appaloosa Plains, the streetlights casting long shadows as they wandered. Then, Oliver had the brilliant idea to sneak onto the golf course and race each other across the greens, tumbling into the dewy grass with laughter. After that, they ended up near the old train tracks, tossing stones and talking about everything and nothing. It was freedom, it was fun, and it was entirely reckless.
As they leaned against an old wooden fence near the tracks, Oliver nudged Rowan's shoulder. "Admit it, this is way better than sitting at home."
Rowan smirked. "Until I get grounded for it."
Oliver scoffed. "Please. Your mom loves me. She'll just blame it on me and let you off easy."
Rowan shook his head, laughing. "That's not how it works. If anything, she'll ban me from seeing you, and then what will you do without your favorite person?"
Oliver grinned. "Oh, I'd survive. But it'd be way less fun without you to corrupt."
Rowan rolled his eyes but couldn't hide the small smile tugging at his lips. He glanced at his watch and groaned. "Crap. It's already past midnight. I should probably get home."
Oliver stretched his arms over his head lazily. "Or we could hit up the diner, get some fries, and make this night legendary."
Rowan gave him a look. "Legendary is one way to put it. I'd rather not be grounded for the rest of my life."
Oliver sighed dramatically. "Fine, fine. Let's get you home before your mom calls the police. But just know, you're missing out on potential history-making moments here."
Rowan chuckled as they made their way back to his car. "Yeah, yeah. Remind me of all the fun I missed while I'm locked in my room all weekend."
But as Rowan pulled his bright yellow Miata into the driveway at 1 AM, his stomach dropped. The porch light was still on, and sitting in the rocking chair by the door, arms crossed and expression unreadable, was Aria.
Rowan sighed, gripping the steering wheel for a second before finally stepping out of the car. The moment his sneakers hit the pavement, Aria stood up.
"Inside. Now."
Her voice was calm but firm, and that was always more terrifying than when she yelled. Rowan hesitated for only a second before obeying, trudging inside as Aria followed, shutting the door behind them. The house was quiet, dimly lit by the kitchen light, but the tension in the air was thick.
Aria turned to face him, arms still folded. "Where were you?"
Rowan rubbed the back of his neck, avoiding eye contact. "Just… around. With Oliver."
"Around?" Aria repeated, raising an eyebrow. "Do you know what time it is, Rowan?"
"Yeah," he muttered. "It's late."
Aria exhaled sharply. "It's one in the morning! And not a single text or call from you! Do you have any idea how worried I was?"
Rowan frowned, shifting his weight. "I'm fine, Mom. Nothing happened."
"That's not the point!" Aria's voice rose slightly before she took a breath, visibly trying to keep herself calm. "The point is, I had no idea where you were, if you were okay, or if something had happened to you. Communication, Rowan. That's all I ask. If you're going to be late, you text me. If you change plans, you call me. That's the rule."
Rowan finally looked up, guilt settling in his chest. "I know. I should've texted. I just… lost track of time."
Aria studied him for a long moment, then sighed, running a hand through her hair. "You're growing up, Rowan. I get that. You want more freedom. But with freedom comes responsibility. And that includes letting me know you're safe."
Rowan nodded. "I get it. I'll do better."
Aria's expression softened just a little before she straightened. "And because of your little adventure, you won't be seeing Oliver outside of school this weekend."
Rowan's head snapped up. "What?"
"If Oliver is the reason you were out late, this is a great reason for you not to see him," Aria said firmly. "Think about your actions and how they affect other people. You need to understand that your choices have consequences."
Rowan clenched his jaw, frustration bubbling inside him, but he knew arguing wouldn't help. Aria's mind was made up.
She let out a slow breath before adding, "And I won't tell your father."
Rowan's eyes widened slightly. "Wait, really?"
Aria gave him a pointed look. "Yes. But don't mistake that for me going easy on you. I'm handling this my way. But if you ever pull something like this again, I'll let him handle it instead, and you won't like that."
Rowan swallowed hard. "Noted."
Aria exhaled once more, stepping forward, and in a swift motion, smacked the back of his head - not too hard, but enough to make her point.
"Ow!" Rowan winced, rubbing the spot as she smirked.
"That's for making me worry," she said before her expression softened completely. "I love you, Rowan. I just want you safe."
Rowan's shoulders relaxed, and he sighed. "I know, Mom. I love you too."
Aria gave a small nod before jerking her thumb toward the stairs. "Now go to bed, troublemaker."
Rowan smirked slightly but didn't respond.
As he headed upstairs, he pulled out his phone and sent Oliver a quick text.
Rowan: Worth it.
Oliver's reply came almost instantly.
Oliver: Totally worth it. But you're SO grounded, aren't you?
Rowan chuckled before tossing his phone onto his nightstand. Yeah, totally worth it - even if he wouldn't be seeing Oliver outside of school for a while.