This time, I was the cause of it.
She thinks I’ve thrown her away. That she’s not enough. If only she knew how long I’ve had her back.
6 years ago
She jumps into the passenger seat of my car, and I can tell she’s irritable. I can’t say I blame her. Christine was acting like bitch of the year in there. It sickens me how she treats her own daughter.
“Thank you for driving me. Sorry for taking you away from Mom.”
“Don’t apologize. You did nothing wrong. It’ll give her time to cool down,” I reassure her.
We sit in silence for a few minutes before I can’t help but ask, “So, a date? You haven’t mentioned anyone before. Is this new?” The look on her face right now tells me I should mind my own business. I’m not her father, I know that, but even after only being with her mom for six months, I feel protective of her.
“Yes, it’s new,” she answers. “We’ve been talking for a while and he finally asked me out. We’re going to see a movie and then to a party after. Don’t worry, I won’t do anything irresponsible.”
“I wasn’t worried about you. I’m more worried about him,” I explain. I remember what it was like to be a boy. Boys, and men, can be disgusting. “Guys your age don’t always have the best intentions and it’ll make me feel better knowing you’re safe.”
“Are you trying to have the sex talk with me? You do know I’m seventeen, right?” What the fuck?
“Jesus. I was referring to your physical safety.” I say, waving my hands in surrender.
“Oh. We’ll be in a public place, so I’m sure I’ll be fine. I appreciate your concern, but you don’t need to worry.”
“Well, I care about you, so worry comes with the territory.”
“Thanks for the assist with Mom,” she says, changing the subject. “You didn’t have to do that. It’s only going to make your evening with her harder.”
I’ll handle her mother. I wish she would speak up and stand up for herself a little more with her, though. Christine could use to be knocked down a peg or two.
“Don’t mention it. You could do it too, you know. What’s she going to do? She only has as much power as you give her. Therewas nothing wrong with what you were wearing. If you keep giving in to her, she’ll only keep taking.”
“It’s complicated and I know she means well. It’s her delivery that could use some work.” The thing is, I’m not all that sure she really means well.
“She could show it better, that’s for sure. Was she this hard on Axel?” I question.
“She tried to be, but Axel always pushed back. Those two are like oil and water. I can’t tell you how many times I ended up the mediator in their fucked up power struggles.”
As we pull up to the theater, I order, “Give me your phone.”
She stares blankly at me like I’m speaking a foreign language.
“Just give me your phone Arabella. I’m going to put my number in it. If you need anything, I want you to call or text. Got it?”
“Sure.” She hesitates but hands me her phone anyway. After a few seconds, I give it back to her and she scurries out of the car. “Thanks for the ride, Ryker.”
“No problem. Have a good time, Arabella.”
By the time I pull back into the driveway, I’m both pissed off and frustrated. I run my hands down my face, knowing what I have to do, but also not wanting to deal with the drama I know is about to come along with it.
Stepping out of the car, I make my way to the door slowly, attempting to prepare myself for the verbal assault coming my way, because I dared to step between her and her daughter.
I pause at the sound of her talking. She must be on the phone, but who the hell is she talking to? Pressing my ear to the door, I listen.
“No, Wesley. You need to get it done. I have my annual disability review coming up and all the documentation has to be in order… if the state catches even a whiff of impropriety, they’ll put me in prison. What don’t you understand?”
Fucking hell, did she fake her work injury? My stomach turns. If I had any doubts about ending things, they’re gone now.
Walking through the door, I catch her fumble with her phone and pocket it quickly.
