14 years ago today, I locked my keys in my car. A common occurrence for me as a teenager. But that’s not really the point of the story.

My mom was an alcoholic. On this day, much like many other days, she was drunk. I discovered her “secret” when I was a sophomore in high school. Before then, I’m not sure what I thought was happening. Maybe she just acted funny when she was tired, maybe she was just a weird lady, maybe she acted weird when she was nervous?

At any rate, once I figured out what was actually going on, I got mad. Mostly because when she drank, I couldn’t count on her to do what I needed her to do. I couldn’t count on her to be a mom. And sometimes, even in high school, a girl needs her mom. Her alcoholism was particularly annoying because the time she was most likely to drink was when my dad was gone for long periods of time. Meaning I had no parent to help.

My mom was lucky I was a pretty good kid, otherwise I could have very easily taken advantage of that situation.

Anywho, on this particular day, I was extra frustrated. I don’t remember exactly why, but I know my mom was drunk and my dad was gone and I’d locked my keys in my car and I needed to go somewhere.

This was the day I opened up to Seth and told him about my mom. We were not even dating at the time, just friends. I’d never told anyone about her before so this was a huge deal. He came and picked me up, we went to a movie (Thor), and he let me vent. Then he took me back home. That’s all.

I remember this being the moment where I totally fell for him. He provided an escape from my torture. He provided a safe place for me where I hadn’t had one before. He was my night in shining armor.

And if you ask him, he doesn’t remember this day at all.

Next Serve, Nicole