Destination Unknown

by Amy Clipston

  We approached the SUV, and Mom unlocked the doors. “I’m glad I’m more fun than my brother.”

  “Oh, absolutely, Aunt Darlene. Hands down, you’re more fun.” Emily climbed into the backseat.

  I hopped into the front passenger seat and closed my eyes as my smile deepened. I was so very happy. It seemed as if everything was working out. My mom was happy, I was going to the prom with Taylor, and I’d had a fun day with my cousin. I silently prayed life would stay this perfect. However, I couldn’t get Emily’s warning out of my head. What if Mom or Taylor found out I’d lied about prom?

  I pushed the thought away. No one would find out. Only Emily and I would know the truth. After all, how would anyone find out?

  chapter nineteen

  Two weeks later I glanced up at the sky and noticed gray clouds gathering in the distance while I sat in the backseat of my father’s SUV next to my brother as we drove to the children’s charity benefit.

  “It looks like it’s going to rain.” Dad steered onto Seven Kings Road and the brick Cameronville Country Club sign came into view.

  “Don’t say that.” Mom sounded anxious.

  She’d been in her high-stress mode all day while preparing for the benefit. I’d tried my best to help her, but she kept sending me away as if I was too young or too stupid to help her. She seemed completely tense, but I assumed it was due to the event. I hoped she got it out of her system and was back to normal tomorrow.

  “It’s not raining inside, sweetie.” Dad gave Mom a sideways glance. “I’m certain it will be just fine.” He patted her hand, and she glared at him.

  Logan elbowed me in the side, and we both stifled laughs.

  “Hey, look!” Logan pointed out the windshield. “The club has valet parking tonight. That’s new.”

  “It’s special for the benefit.” Mom lowered the visor to check her reflection, and I realized I must’ve gotten that habit of checking my reflection all the time from her. “We wanted to do things right so people feel like donating generously to the benefit. If you have a valet park your car, then you feel wealthy. Wealthy people like to give to good causes.”

  Logan nodded. “I guess that makes sense.”

  Dad pulled the SUV up to the front entrance, and a young man in a vest walked over to the car.

  Logan elbowed me again.

  “Ouch!” I hissed. “Stop it.”

  Logan gestured outside the door. “Isn’t that your friend?” He whispered the question into my ear.

  I looked out the window and spotted Taylor wearing the same vest and dress shirt as the young man who was talking to Dad. I swallowed hard and nodded.

  “Let me get out first.” Logan pointed toward the sidewalk. “I’ll try to keep Mom busy.”

  “Thank you.”

  Logan hopped out of the car and rushed around to where Mom was climbing out. “Hey, Mom. Can you show me what they’re selling in the silent auction? I thought I heard you say something about Xbox games or something.”

  “Just a minute, Logan.” Mom looked back toward where Dad was talking to the valet.

  “Come on.” Logan took her hand and started pulling her toward the door. “I want to see the games, Mom.”

  I climbed out onto the sidewalk and walked over to Taylor. “Hey.” I touched his arm.

  “Whitney.” Taylor looked up from studying a clipboard, and his eyes widened. “You look stunning. I love your hair that way,” he said, referring to the loose curls I spent over an hour trying to get perfect.

  “Thanks. Mom insisted I get all dressed up. This is her big night.” I pushed an errant curl away from my face. “I didn’t know you were working here tonight.”

  “My mom got me the gig. She’s working here tonight too.” He placed the clipboard on the podium beside him. “I was going to text you earlier, but it was sort of last minute. One of the guys didn’t show up.”

  “Wow. That’s amazing.” I glanced toward the door and spotted Logan dragging Mom through it. I made a mental note to thank him later.

  “Whitney.” My dad called me. “We need to get inside.”

  “I have to go.” I jerked my thumb toward the door. “I’ll try to catch up with you later.”

  “Great,” he said. “Have fun.”

  “You too.” I waved and then met my father at the door.

  Dad placed his hand on my shoulder. “You still really like that boy, don’t you?”

  I looked up at him and held my breath, hoping he wouldn’t tell Mom the truth.

  “Your secret is safe with me.” He squeezed my shoulder.

  “Thanks, Dad.”

  We walked into the ballroom, which was decorated with silver streamers and silver balloons. Each round table was elegantly decorated with mirrors topped with LED candles and confetti. The items being sold through the silent auction were on long tables around the perimeter of the room.

  I spotted my brother over by a table filled with video games and game systems. Mom was on the other side of the room talking to a few of her women’s-group friends.

  I sidled up to Logan. “Thanks for distracting Mom outside.”

  “You’re welcome.” He held a game and studied the box.

  I watched him while trying to figure out his motivation for helping me. “How did you know?” I couldn’t bring myself to finish the question.

  “How did I know you’re not allowed to see or talk to Taylor?” Logan raised his eyebrows. “Are you serious, Whitney? Do you think I’m deaf or dumb? I’ve heard the arguments. I know Mom has been keeping you away from Taylor because she thinks he’s a bad influence.”

  “So then why would you deliberately go against Mom to help me?”

  “I think Taylor is really cool. I like his motorcycle, and he’s super-nice. I think it stinks Mom won’t let you see him.” He raised one shoulder. “Maybe someday you’ll return the favor.” He spotted Dad and grinned. “I’m going to see if I can get Dad to bid on this game. See ya.”

  “See ya.” I stared after my brother, wondering if he had somehow been replaced by a cool little brother when I wasn’t looking.

  “Whitney, dear!” My mom called me, and I walked over to her.

  Rhonda Steele stood next to Mom. “You look lovely tonight, Whitney.”

  “Thank you.” Anguish filled me when I thought about the prom. I hoped my plan would somehow stay together, and my mom would believe I was going alone. “How was your trip?”

  “Oh, it was lovely.” Rhonda touched my arm. “You’ll have to see the photos sometime.”

  “I’d love to.” I smiled through my worry.

  “Whitney,” my mother began, “would you please stand by the door and tell folks they’re welcome to walk around the room and bid on the items along the wall? They may also sit wherever they’d like.”

  “I’d be happy to.” I took a position by the door and began greeting and directing guests. I couldn’t help but glance down the hallway toward the club entrance and wonder what Taylor was doing. I longed to slip away and go see him, but I didn’t want to upset my mother or get him into trouble with his supervisor.

  I was explaining the silent auction to a woman when Brett came up behind her.

  The woman thanked me and then moved into the ballroom.

  “Whitney.” Brett held his head high. “I see your boyfriend is where he belongs—doing blue-collar work.”

  “You’re a snob, Brett. I don’t know what I ever saw in you.”

  “Likewise.” He studied me. “I can’t get over your hair. I guess your loser boyfriend prefers brunettes, huh?”

  I gritted my teeth. “You’re not even worth a response. Go away, Brett.”

  “I’d be glad to leave you here alone.” He continued into the room.

  After nearly an hour of standing by the door, my feet began to ache, and I wondered why I’d worn high heels.

  “Welcome, everyone!” My mother’s voice rang out over the public-address system. “My name is Darlene Richards, and on behalf of the C
ountry Club’s Women’s Foundation, I’d like to welcome you to our sixth annual children’s charity benefit.”

  Everyone began to clap, and I scanned the sea of faces for my family. I found my father and Logan sitting with Brett and his family, and my shoulders stiffened. I silently prayed for strength as I weaved through the throng toward the table.

  “Tonight we’re coming together for the children,” Mom continued. “We ask you to please bid generously on the silent-auction items. You may also write checks directly to our charity. With your help, we’ll be able to provide scholarships and job-training opportunities to inner-city students. So please give generously, and thank you for coming.”

  I reached the table and found the only two places left to sit were next to Rhonda or next to Brett. I took a deep breath and then sank into the chair next to Brett.

  “Now,” Mom continued, “I’d like to say a blessing, and then we may start with our salad.” She closed her eyes. “Lord, we thank you for this wonderful opportunity to come together in the service of others. We ask you to please guide our hearts when we make our donations. Please help us to remember there are many people who don’t enjoy the privileges we are used to here. Help us also to remember we are all created in your image, and it’s our duty to love and take care of each other. Amen.” She opened her eyes. “Let’s eat!”

  The room filled with the murmur of conversations and the tinkling of utensils against the dishes. I studied my mother as she made her way back to the table. I was impressed by the words she’d chosen for her prayer. I hoped she sincerely meant what she’d said.

  Mom came to the table and sat beside Rhonda.

  “That was lovely, Darlene,” Rhonda said. “I couldn’t have done it any better myself.”

  I turned my attention to my salad plate while my father, Brett’s father, Logan, and Brett discussed the weather and then moved on to the news. I was relieved the focus wasn’t on me while I thought about Taylor.

  A flash drew my attention toward the large windows on the other side of the ballroom. Another flash lit up the golf course and was soon followed by booming thunder.

  “Sounds like a bad storm is coming.” Brett leaned toward me. “I guess your boyfriend is going to get wet.”

  I regarded him with disgust. “At least he knows how to work for a living.”

  Brett snickered, and I looked over at my mother, who was watching me.

  The evening dragged on, and soon the main course of filet mignon, fresh vegetables, and baked potato was served. Since I wasn’t a big fan of steak, I picked at my vegetables and sipped my iced tea. I soon became bored and excused myself.

  After using the restroom, I stepped out into the hallway and spotted Taylor’s mother walking toward me with an armful of bathroom tissue.

  “Mrs. Martinez!” I rushed up to her, relieved to see a friendly face. “How are you?”

  “Oh, Whitney,” Maria said, “you look gorgeous, and I love your hair. Are you here for the benefit?”

  “Yes, I am.” I held out my arms. “May I help you?”

  “Oh, no, don’t be silly. How’s your benefit going?”

  I folded my hands over my dress. “I think it’s going well. I noticed a lot of people were filling out the cards for the silent auction.”

  “That’s nice.”

  “I was surprised to see Taylor working outside. That’s really great that you could get him out here tonight.” I motioned toward the door, where the rain was starting to fall harder.

  “Yes. One of the boys called in sick at the last minute, so I talked my boss into letting him come,” she continued with excitement. “You know, he’s really thrilled you’re going to prom with him. He was trying on his uncle’s tuxedo earlier, and I think he may borrow his uncle’s car. He wants to make everything really nice for you.”

  “Whitney.” My mother’s voice sounded behind me, and I froze.

  “Oh, hello, Mrs. Richards.” Maria focused her gaze behind me. “How are you this evening?”

  “I’m fine, thank you.” Mom laid her hand on my shoulder. “I was looking for you, Whitney.”

  “Yes, Mom.” I forced a smile at Maria. “It was nice seeing you. Please tell Vanessa I said hello.”

  “Oh, I will.” Maria continued. “We’ll have to talk about the prom. I don’t know if you kids want to take photos at our house before you leave or at yours. Just let me know when we get closer to the date. I can’t tell you how excited I am. I never dreamed Taylor would go to his senior prom with such a wonderful girl. He’s very blessed. Enjoy your evening.”

  Maria disappeared into the ladies’ room, and dread seized me as I turned toward my mother.

  Mom stared at me while shaking her head. I waited for her to say something, but a few awkward moments of silence passed between us. I couldn’t take it. I needed her to say something or at least yell at me.

  I finally held my hands up as if to surrender. “Mom, please let me explain.”

  Mom held up one finger to silence me. “Not now, Whitney. I will deal with you and your deceit later.”

  “Please, Mom. I want to explain. I didn’t mean to lie. I just knew you would never let me go to the prom with Taylor. I was going to tell you at the last minute so you would have to let me go.”

  “You knew all along what you were doing. You’ve done everything you could to deceive me and upset me. I know that’s why you started dating Taylor behind my back in the first place.” She touched my hair. “That’s also why you dyed your hair. You did everything simply to rebel against me. I guess this is how you try to forge your own independence.” ’

  “No, Mom. It only started out that way, but I do care about Taylor. In the beginning I mainly wanted to upset you, but I’ve really fallen for him, Mom. He’s amazing. He’s become my best friend. Can’t you see I want to be with him?”

  My mom shook her head. “All I see when I look at you is someone I don’t know. My daughter never used to lie to me or sneak around behind my back. You’re a stranger to me.”

  Tears filled my eyes. “Mom, that’s not true. I’ll always be your daughter.”

  “I don’t have time for this now. We’ll talk later.” She turned and marched back toward the ballroom, her high heels clicking and her hair bobbing.

  I thought I saw movement in my peripheral vision, but when I turned, no one was there. I wiped my eyes and looked toward the front door, where the rain was coming down in droves.

  I slipped into the bathroom, with the excuse of checking my hair and makeup. After taking a deep breath, I made my way back to the table and did my best to ignore Brett’s smug expressions for the remainder of the event.

  When the benefit was over, I helped my mother pack up her things. She never spoke to me, and I found her silence was the worst punishment of all. I felt so guilty for lying to her and hurting her. I still loved her even though she drove me crazy. She was my mother, and I needed her.

  After we had everything packed up, we headed out to the entrance, and I looked around for Taylor but didn’t see him. I was going to ask one of the other valets where Taylor was, but I didn’t want to upset my mother further.

  I remained quiet in the backseat of the SUV while my parents discussed how successful the benefit had been. I couldn’t stop thinking about the hurt in my mother’s eyes when she told me I wasn’t the daughter she once knew. I never imagined my little lie would be this hurtful.

  When we reached the house, Dad parked the SUV in the garage. I climbed out of the car and faced my mother, waiting for her to tell me how I was going to be punished. Instead of speaking to me, she headed straight into the house.

  I followed her into the kitchen, where she put down her tote bag and purse. “Mom?” I placed my hands on the island in the middle of the kitchen. “Mom, will you please talk to me?”

  Mom looked at me with her eyes full of hurt and anger. “Whitney, I can’t deal with you right now.” She hurried through the kitchen, and soon the sound of her footsteps marched up the
stairs.

  I made my way up to my room, where I changed into my pajamas and hung up my dress. I pulled my phone from my purse and was disappointed to find no text messages waiting from Taylor.

  I sent him a text that said: Hey! Hope u had a nice night. Sweet dreams!

  I stared at the phone, waiting for a response, but none came. I also found myself glancing toward my doorway, waiting for my parents to appear and tell me I was grounded for the rest of my life. But they never came either.

  After nearly thirty minutes, I padded down to my parents’ room and knocked on the door.

  “Come in!” Dad’s voice sounded through the wall.

  I pushed the door open and found my parents sitting on their bed watching the late-night news. “Hi. I was wondering if we could talk?”

  Mom kept her eyes glued on the television screen.

  “Sure, pumpkin.” My dad patted the end of the bed beside him. “Come in.”

  I crossed the room and sat on the edge of the bed, wishing my mother would look at me. I took the television remote from my dad’s nightstand and turned it off. “Mom, we need to talk.”

  She turned toward me.

  “I’m sorry.” My voice was thick with emotion, and my eyes filled with tears. “I shouldn’t have lied to you about prom. I just knew you would never allow me to go with Taylor. I thought you’d let me go if you thought I was going alone. I was wrong to lie, but I’m tired of you controlling every aspect of my life.” My tears were flowing now, rolling down my hot cheeks and splattering onto my pajamas.

  Mom shook her head. “I don’t know what to say to you, Whitney. No matter what I try to do for you, you resent it. You’ve lied to me so many times that I don’t know if I can even trust you.”

  “Yes, you can trust me.” I sniffed. “I didn’t want to lie, but it just felt like you don’t trust me to make my own decisions. I want to date Taylor, and I want to be able to choose my own college. It … it just feels like you’re controlling what I’m supposed to do with my life.”

  That was the wrong thing to say, if my mom’s eyes were any indication. “What am I supposed to do when you’re so intent on throwing everything away? Not to mention the fact you made a complete fool out of me, Whitney. I took you and your cousin out for dresses and shoes and purses. I made an appointment for you both to have your hair done. It was all a ruse, since you were apparently waiting for someone to ask you to the prom.”