“You both are too young for this. Wait a couple of years and don’t forget to use protection. If you’re too shy I can go and buy — ”
“No need. We’ll buy it ourselveswhenwe have sex,” I grit out.
“Which won't happen now,” Rose adds.
I look at her, and she looks all red and fidgety.
Leaning down, I whisper in her ear. “Are you okay?”
She glances at me and gives me a nod shyly.
“There’s something else too.” Mom declares in a curt tone which is so unlike her. “There are a few rules that I need you to follow whenever Hope is here.”
“Rules?” I huff out a laugh.
She nods.
“Why bother when you won’t be staying?” I argue.
A flash of pain crosses her face and she grips the island for support.
Guilt shimmers in the pit of my stomach, but I discard it.
“I’m not going anywhere,” she says.
“Yeah sure.” I roll my eyes.
Her expressions turn sad. “I mean it. I’m staying.”
We stare at each other and for the first time I realize that maybe she’s telling the truth.
“I want to spend more time with you. I want to know you. I want to be there for you.” She takes a deep breath, grounding herself. “I want to repair our relationship.”
“What’s broken doesn’t get mended.”
She nods. “I know, but I want to try anyway. Love mends all that’s broken.”
I shoot daggers at her for annoying me, but fear shifts in my heart and the click sound echoes in my ears.
Despite the fact, that I don’t want to believe her. I do anyway.
“You’re expecting too much,” I grumble.
She smiles softly, but doesn’t say a word.
Getting off the stool, I pour myself a glass of water and chug it down. I walk to Hope’s side and lean against the counter near her. Without my mother noticing, I slide my hand onto Hope’s lap, gently untangle her clasped hands, and take one in mine. I softly trace circles on the back of her hand, hoping to calm her racing thoughts and distract her from the worry consuming her.
Just then, Mom says, “I have two simple rules. Always keep the door open and don’t do whatever it was that you were doing today.”
“Whatever.” I think about her rules and agree anyway. Because we both know I won’t be following them.
She starts working on the soup while Hope and I watch her in silence.
Ten minutes later, I notice Hope’s shoulders shivering a little. She quickly wraps her arms around herself, but her thin maroon sweater does very little to provide her heat. Without a word, I leave the room to grab her my jacket. When I come back I find a smile on her face, as she stares at my mother who’s now standing near and speaking in a hushed tone.
Mom notices when I step closer to them and I hear her say, “I’ll show them to you.”
“Show her what?” I grumble as I slip my jacket onto my girl.
