Strange Encounter

After spending the whole Sunday getting ready for school the next day, I went out to dinner with Dakota that night.

"Don't be out too late," Mom said as I headed toward the front door. "Don't forget. You have school tomorrow."

I let out an exasperated breath. "Yes, Mom. I know."

Mom gave me a sheepish grin. "I did it again, didn't I?" It was going to take a while for Mom to get used to me nearly being an adult. And to tell you the truth. I hadn't realized that I had become an adult over the summer until I moved back home.

I nodded, smiling. "Yes, but it's okay. Dakota and I are just going out to dinner. We'll be home soon."

Dad walked up behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist, nodding. "Have fun."

"Thanks, Dad," I replied, smiling. "I will." I could tell that Dad was going to be a buffer between Mom and me. But if he went back to work as a detective, then all that would change.