PART SIX:
I had almost finished crying when I arrived home. My eyes were pretty red and puffy, and my nose was still runny. Apart from that, I'm sure my mother would never notice...
I noticed my mother's sporty little hatchback parked in my drive, and well, the lights were on inside so I figured she had arrived ahead of schedule...figures.
“I'm home!” I called as cheerfully as I could. “Mom?! You here?”
The smell of a heavenly roast was coming from the kitchen, so I headed that way.
I may not have inherited my mothers timekeeping skills, but I did inherit her love for cooking...and eating...
My mom was dancing in the kitchen as she went from gravy dish on the stovetop, to salad-making on the counter. I noticed that she had her earphones in. She was in her own little world.
I grabbed her from behind, and lent over her shoulder. Pulling one of the plugs out, “Hey mom!”
Surprised, she whirled around, taking the other one out at the same time. She engulfed me in a hug. “Hey babycakes! I've missed you!”
I love my mom's hugs. They make me feel like I'm a little kid again.
When you believe that just one of her hugs will solve ALL your problems.
You know, when you fall off your skateboard and scrape your knee, and she hugs you. Telling you, “There, there. Everything's going to be okay.”
And you totally buy it. I missed that...
“Come on love. Sit down, sit down baby.” She ushered me to the kitchen table.
I obeyed.
Taking the gravy dish from off the stovetop, and turning it off, she turned around to give me her full attention.
“So how have you been darling? I've been worried about you. So what happened with Drew?” She sat down momentarily to talk.
“Um...where do I start?” I laughed awkwardly, running my hands through my hair.
“How about the start? Or at least the good parts.” She smiled encouragingly.
“Well, you know we broke up, right.” I didn't wait for an answer. “Well...he was cheating on me with his ex...” and off I went again. Retelling the nightmare that had been the last few months.
When I finished, she just looked at me sympathetically. Then reached over to give me another one of her famous hugs.
“Im so sorry darling. You shouldn't have to go through that. Not at your age.” She hugged me as I started to cry—again.
“Well, what age is appropriate then, mom?” I laughed through my tears.
She joined in laughing.
Sighing, “You know what I mean though, honey? You have such a caring heart, and these boys just abuse that. I am not happy with Drew. At all.” She tsked to herself.
I had to laugh again. “I'm with you on that one!” I smiled at her. “I'm so glad your here mom. I've missed you.”
“Me too baby, me too.” she smiled that smile I loved, and got up to finish making dinner. “Now go get ready for dinner baby, and we'll finish talking.”
“Okay.” I flounced out of the room, feeling a hang of a lot lighter than I had in ages.
….....................................
Over a scrumptious dinner I filled her in on what had been happening in my life—minus the Micah part. I didn't really know how to bring that up?
Oh by the way mom, I'm now dating a new guy, even though I'm still torn up about Drew. He's great. Smart, gorgeous, funny, talented...oh and he's in a wheelchair...
Come on! Seriously, how do you say it?!?
After dinner we curled up on the couch watching a classic film noir film. I almost blurted it out...but chickened out.
“I'm going to bed now baby” she said while yawning, leaning over to kiss me on the forehead. “Don't stay up too late okay?” She smiled at me. Knowing full well that this wasn't the first time she's said that to me, and the fact that I've never listened.
I smiled back, “Haha, very funny mommy!” yawning myself I added, “Actually, I'm pretty pooped. I'm going to hit the hay too.” I stood up to stretch my cramped muscles, “You need me to show you where the spare room is?”
“No darling. I already found it.” She laughed at me. “Goodnight baby.” and off she went down the hallway.
I paused, taking in the silence, and how differently the silence had been yesterday.
It had been eerily quiet. Leaving me alone with my screwed up thoughts.
The silence, this time, was different? It was peaceful.
Huh!? Who knew having your mom come stay would make such a difference?!
Turning off the tv, I headed to my room. Hopefully a goodnight's sleep will prevail...
…..............................................................
The next morning I came out to find my mother humming whilst making french toast.
“Hey baby. How'd you sleep?” She was still in her PJ's and bathrobe. Fuzzy slippers and all.
“Actually, I think I slept pretty well?” I thought about it for a second.
I didn't remember having any bad dreams? Any crazy nightmares? Huh, weird?!
“That's good hun. You have time for mama's french toast?” She smiled at me.
“Actually, no I don't.” I felt bad. I always get up too late to have breakfast, “Sorry mom!” I added guiltily.
“No worries Skye. Just means more for me!” She laughed.
“I'll see you later though. We should go out for dinner tonight!?”
“That sounds lovely. Have a good day darling.” She sat down to eat.
I gave her a quick peck on the cheek before adding, “You too—Ohh! That does look good!” I grabbed a slice and shoved it in my mouth, smirking at her suprised face.
“Hey! Beat it! Get out of here, you!” She laughed at me.
“Love you.” I mumbled with my mouth full, before closing the door.
I heard her call out, “Love you too.” before I left.
I love my mom. She's so awesome...sigh!
….......................................................................
The day didn't seem so bad. I didn't know whether it was just hormones, or whether it really was the fact my mom was here? Not that I'm wanting to give her too much credit. Haha!
At ten to twelve a hand reached over my cubicle...
“Knock, knock?”
It was Drew.
“What do you want?” I sighed.
Just when I thought things were getting back to normal. Okay, maybe not “normal”, but they seemed to be in perspective.
“Well, hello to you too.” He smirked at me. Draping one arm over the cubicle. “So. What are you up to tonight? Fancy a hockey match? I've got two tickets...” He dangled them in my face.
“Actually, I can't—and I wouldn't. Because I have a boyfriend, remember!?” I replied dryly. “Plus my mom's in town. So I'm going out to dinner with her.”
“Oh awesome! Sandy's in town! I should pop over for a visit sometime.” He grinned at me.
Normally—well, in the old days—Drew and my mom got on like a house on fire. She absolutely adored him...well, not anymore. I thought deviously.
“I wouldn't do that if I were you, Drew.” I smirked at my secret weapon.
“And why's that Sky-sky? Your mama loves me.” He started preening.
“Don't get too excited, but I told her what happened with us.” I let that sink in a little before finishing, “ALL of it.”
He gulped a little, then straightened up, “Your kidding, right?”
I shook my head and smiled sweetly, “Nope.”
“Oh man! Why'd you got to do that for? Your mama loves me!” He pouted.
“Well, she doesn't now. And plus it's my mom, so I can tell her what I want! And you were an asshole, so why should I have to hide it. You don't.” I was all smiles.
“Fine.” He grumbled. “Did you tell her I apologised?”
“Yep. It doesn't matter Drew. It doesn't change the fact you shat all over me, now does it?” I grinned, “I think theres some new interns on the second floor. How about you saunter your ass down there and ask one of those bimbos to the game?” I smiled ever so sweetly.
“Whatever.” and he stormed off.
It was just too easy. I laughed out loud. I couldn't believe how great I was feeling. Really clear headed, and just...happy.
…...............................................
I walked down to the local starbucks—had a hankering for an Iced White Chocolate Mocha frappuccino...mmm...
Waiting in line, I checked my cell phone for the time. Didn't want to be late back to work. It would ruin my happy carefree buzz if I got told off.
There was a message...from Micah.
Hey. We need to talk.
Txt me when you get this please.
Thanks.
Micah.
I gulped, and stepped forward to keep my place in the moving line.
What the heck should I say!?!
Hey M.
I'm on my break right now.
Is it easier if I give you a quick call
to talk it over? Or do we need to
Meet up?
Five minutes later, while I was collecting my coffee, my phone rang.
“H-hello?” I stammered, knowing full well who it was. (Caller ID)
“Hey. [silence] You free to talk now?”
“Yeah. I'm just at Starbucks getting a coffee. I've only got fifteen minutes left of my break though.”
“Hold on, I'm just round the corner from there.”
“Ah, okay?!” I said surprised. “See you soon.”
He hung up.
A few minutes later he rounded the corner, and wheeled over to me, I moved the chair out of the way.
“Uh, thanks.” He muttered, and got settled.
“So...what did you want to talk about?” I said calmly.
I would not cry if he said he wanted to break up with me...I'm serious...I'm not going to...nope...Let's not talk about it.
Clearing his throat, he finally said, “Okay...okay. I've thought about it. And I realise I acted like a dick. I got a little bit...jealous and—”
I snorted—by accident.
“No, your not allowed to comment Skye.” He told me off. “But it was kind of deserved, don't you think?” He looked at me.
Why did it feel like he was the parent telling off some naughty kid?
“Well, yeah. Your right Micah. It was a really f*cked up situation, that got out of control.” I agreed. “But, I have to say, sh*t happens Micah. Noone's perfect. I didn't go into that situation thinking I was going to kiss Drew. I honestly didn't know what was going to happen.” I added softly.
“Yeah, I know that.” He admitted. “But it still sucks Skye. We hadn't even been officially “together” for a whole day, and then you go kiss some other guy. What am I supposed to think?”
“sh*t! I know!” Groaning, I looked up at the heavens, “You have to understand though Micah. Drew was my first real 'love'. He's not just 'some guy'!?! I spent a large chunk of my life with him, and heck, I thought I was going to marry him!?” I admitted sourly.
“I'm not condoning my behaviour at all! I totally should be in the doghouse. I'm just saying,
sh*t got complicated, and I wanted to be honest with you.”
I looked into his beautiful blue eyes. Searching for any signs of life. Forgiveness? Light at the end of the tunnel?
After a lengthy silence, he finally spoke.
“Okay...”
“Okay?!”
“Okay, I understand, and I'm not mad anymore. I'm not saying I'm okay with it, and I sure am not saying it's okay that you did it—or for you to do it again.” He took a deep breath...then exhaled, “I'm just saying, I understand your reasons, and I know you weren't intentionally trying to be a dick.” He half-smiled at me.
“Of course not Micah. I would never intentionally try to hurt you.” I needed him to understand. “I just completely lost control of the situation—“
“—Let's not talk about it anymore.” He said uncomfortably, then shifting his weight in his chair.
Gosh those arms were delicious...shaking that thought out of my head I continued.
“Actually, that's why you came here.” I reminded him. “You asked me yesterday, if I was getting back with Drew. The reason why I took so long to answer was because, I didn't know—”
“—What?!” He interrupted.
“No, you wait your turn. It's my turn now.” I put him in his place.
He closed his trap.
“I meant, I was not planning on ever getting back with him. But I admit, the old dreams came back, temporarily, and so I could not say, in all honesty, that I hadn't considered getting back with him ever.” I concluded. After a split second I added, “'Ever' is a long time Micah.”
“Fine. I get it.” He grunted, “Can we not talk about it anymore?”
“Fine.” I agreed. “As long as you never bring it up again.” I bargained.
“Fine.” He agreed a little sullenly. After a short pause he looked at me. He looked a little unsure...
“What Micah?!” I took a sip of my iced coffee, “Spit it out.”
“I was just going to ask.” He looked down at his lap for a moment, then back at me, “Are we still...ya know, 'good'?”
“What?” —Oh no, wait...I got it! “Yeah, we're still 'good'.” I half-smiled.
“Good. Well, I gotta go—Got a staff meeting—so you want to meet up for that dinner you promised me, tonight?” He dimple-popped at me.
“Uh, actually I can't.” I said slowly.
What did that dude say? Something about the truth shall set ye free? It better...
“Oh. Sweet as. Another time I guess.” He half-smiled at me, as he took his brakes off, and started backing out.
“No, I mean...” frustrated, I blurted out, “My mom's here, in town, and we're going out for dinner...”
He stopped and looked at me. I didn't quite understand the look?
“So...I can't come to dinner?” He finished off for me. He didn't look that impressed with me.
Sheepishly I admitted, “I haven't exactly told her about you, yet!?”
He started wheeling closer to me. He had that familiar twinkle in his eye, “Well, how about you run home and tell her about me, and I'll meet you ladies at my restaurant at, say, 730pm? No, make that 7pm—just allowing time for your tardiness.” He smirked mischieviously at me.
“Your such an egg, Micah.” I pouted, There was no way I could say no, not after all that'd happened. “Fine. We'll meet you at 7:30. But! Not at your restaurant, it's too expensive. We'll meet at Alberto's. You know where that is?”
“No, we'll meet at my restaurant. It's my gift to your mom.” He said sternly.
“Geez Micah! Who are you trying to impress? Me, or my mom?” I said sarcastically. (Yeah, I can be a stubborn biarch sometimes)
“Actually, I'm trying to impress your mom. I've finished with you.” he smirked at me.
“Haha. Very funny.” I retorted.”So are we going to meet at Alberto's then?”
“Nope.” He leant in and gave me a peck on the lips, before resuming his reversing out again. “We're meeting at my restaurant, at 7.” And with that he swivelled away, and started wheeling the opposite direction he had just come from.
“No we're not!” I called after him.
I'm pretty sure I heard him say, “I can't hear you!”
Sighing, I gathered my things, and headed back to work.
…................................................................................
When I arrived home, I expected to see my mom perched somewhere like on the couch reading a book, or in the kitchen cooking (Hey, Im not being sexist, it's just things she likes to do)
I didn't expect her to be out the back on the verandah--smoking and drinking a glass of wine...
“Uh, hey ma?”
Looking up and me, she quickly wiped her red-rimmed eyes, before plastering on a smile for me, “Hey honey. How was your day? Come sit.” She patted to the step next to her.
I sat down, “Yeah, it was good. I'm more concerned about you right now. What's up?”
“Oh nothing for you to be worried about.” She laughed awkwardly, dismissing it with her empty hand.
“No, I want to know Mom.—is it Frank? Did he hurt you?” I demanded.
“No—yes, well no. He didn't really. We have just been fighting, a lot, and I needed a break...” she trailed off, then took a sip of her wine.
“What does that mean? Your taking a break? Permanantly, or just a week?” I said softly.
She looked at me. I could see her eyes glistening, threatening to spill over.
“Aww, mom!” I reached over and hugged her as best as I could. Trying not to get my hair lit on fire on her ciggarette. “I'm soo sorry.”
I had a quick flashback of yesterday. Noting the irony of the situation. Your never to young—or old—to get your heart broken. The role reversal was interesting. It showed the change in the dynamic of our relationship. I kind of liked it...not the situations, but that we could really talk as friends now. Not just Mother and daughter.
“It's okay baby.” She pulled back, and took a drag of her ciggarette. Smiling through her tears, “It's been a long time coming. I just had a hard time letting go, that's all.”
I just nodded.
Sometimes it takes an outside perspective to see the errors of your own judgement. Not just the recognition of it, more the resolution.
I had resolved to not go back to Drew, no matter how tempting. No matter if he bought me a whole season pass to the Lakers games, no matter if he sent me a houseful of flowers with a million funny/cute notes.
No matter the deal, I was no dice.
I sighed and stood up, after our chat--and we had both consumed too many ciggarettes, and half a bottle of wine of course.
“Come on mom.” I waved her inside. “We're going to get dressed up, and have a lovely dinner...with my new boyfriend.” I added quickly.
“Oh darling. That sounds lovely—oh, wait!” She stopped me as I tried to shimmey past her. “You said, 'new boyfriend'?!?”
“No I didn't.” I smirked and ran inside...
…...................................................................
“Skye, open the bathroom door please!?!”
My mom was knocking repeatedly on the door like some sort of crazy lady.
“Sheesh mom, wait your turn! I'm on the crapper!” I called through the door, laughing.
(By the way, I wasn't. I was doing my makeup)
“Just bloody let me in please!” She yelled back.
Sighing, and rolling my eyes, I relented, “Fine.” I unlocked the door.
“Oh lovely daughter of mine?” She smiled sweetly.
“Yes?”
“I was wondering why the heck you ran away?! Are you not going to tell your mother about this new man in your life?” She was all sugar and spice and everything nice.
“Actually, no, I wasn't going to tell you. Because you'll give me the third degree. Grilling me on everything! We're meeting him in an hour anyway, so you can wait till then, eh?!. Mustn't be late!” I tapped her on the nose with my makeup brush, grinning.
She hrmphed at me, “Rubbish Skye! You know I'm not judgemental. I have loved every one of the boys that you've dated—Well apart from that Sam fellow. He was a bit odd.” She laughed at me, and stole my mascara from my hand. Pushing me out of the way, she started applying it in front of the mirror.
“You don't give me any credit these days. Your poor mother, left out in the cold.” She was in full guilt trip mode now.
Rolling my eyes to the heavens momentarily, “Mother. If I remember correctly, yes you did love everyone of those men I dated, bar Sam. But they all turned out to be goobers. So no, your not the best judge of characters sometimes.” I giggled a little.
“Don't worry, you'll love this guy. He's pretty awesome, even if I do say so myself!” I grinned at her.
“Fine Skye. I will be more rigorous with my judgements from now on!” She laughed.
I just groaned and left the room. Stopping at the doorway momentarily, “You've got five mins, mom. Five.” I held out my hand and showed her on my fingers how many minutes she had left.
Hahahaa!
…................................................................
We arrived at his restaurant at 7:21pm. All I could think in my head was, 'Haahaa Micah! Think you know me sooo well, Mr Smarmy-pants!'
Outwardly I just smiled to myself as I finished off my ciggarette
“Come on Skye! Hurry up. I wish you wouldn't smoke in public.” Sigh. “It's not lady-like.”
I just grinned, and exaggerated my blowing of smoke in the air.
“Hurry up and put that out!” She tsked me.(Okay, so maybe sometimes my mother is still just my mother..).
“I'm coming, I'm coming. Sheesh Mom!” I stubbed the ciggie out with my foot.”Let's go.”
I led the way inside. Stopping at the Maitre'ds counter.
“Uh..um...Mr Matthews table for 7:30pm?” sh*t it was awkward!?!
She just smiled, “Right this way please.”
We followed her. Not to the fancy secret room, with the Magic Mahogany Doors, but to a private corner of the restaurant. Less noise, more intimate.
“Here you go. Mr Matthews will be over shortly.” She smiled, and then walked away.
I took off my coat, before pulling out and sitting down on the elegant and heavy looking seat.
“Um, mom?” I was nervous. I really should have said something earlier?
“Yes baby?” She had her glasses perched toward the end of her nose as she read the wine list.
“Uh, I wanted to tell you something about Micah.” I was almost sweating.
Micah could turn up at any time!?! And I had agreed that I would tell my mom “about Micah”. Which we both knew what that meant. I just didn't know when was the right time, or a good time, or just really any sort of timeframe...yeah, I'm making excuses. My bad.
“It's not really a big deal...” I started.
That got her attention. “What Skye?” She had stopped looking at the menu and was giving me the 'Stare of Adult Apprehension'.
“Uh, it's not important.” I dismissed with a flick of the hand.
“Okaayy.. if you say so darlin.” She went back to the menu.
“Uh...Micah....owns this restaurant!” I blurted out.
“Oh, that's lovely honey. It's a beautiful place.” She looked around admiring the décor fully. “I like the color palette. It's refreshing, yet elegant—”
“—Micah's in a—“ I got cut off.
“Hello ladies.” A smooth deep voice interrupted my blurtage.
My eyes flew over to see Micah grinning at us, as he was wheeling closer.
“Oh, hi hun!” I was beet-red. I hope to heck he hadn't heard me!?!
He stopped in front of me, and leant over to give me a peck on the cheek and a hug.
Mmm...it was a nice hug...then I remembered my mom.
….........................................................
I looked over to see my mother's face. It had lost a little color in the last few seconds...
“Um, hey Mom. This is Micah—my boyfriend. Micah this is my Mom, Sandy.” I said quickly. Giving my mom the pleading eyes of 'Don't say anything rude please!!'
She was ever the lady. Composing her face to be nothing but welcoming and friendly.
“Uh, hello dear!” She smiled and held out her hand. “Nice to meet you Micah. I would like to say I've heard a lot about you, but my darling Skye has been a little shy on the information side of things.” She grinned as they shook hands, then both looked at me.
Oh crappadoodle!
I looked at Micah, he was nothing but smiles, “Yes, same here.” He laughed, “I'm glad to know that someone else gets the same treatment I get from her!”
“Yes, I understand what your saying!” My mother had that cheeky glint in her eye as she winked at Micah.
“Hey guys! I'm sitting right here!?! So shut it, you two!” I commanded. Smiling a wee bit.
My mom was pretty good at putting people at ease—actually, so was Micah!? Huh. Weird?
“Don't mind her.” my mother waved her hand in my direction, while still facing Micah. “She gets like this when she hasn't eaten.” she laughed, and reached over to pat me on the arm. “Don't you darling?”
Micah just joined in laughing. Looking back and forth from my annoyed stare, to my mothers cheeky glint...annoying. Now he was getting a kick out of my mother embarrassing me!
“I'll have to remember that in the future.” He grinned and winked at me.
I just gave him a look, “Haha. Very funny.” I replied sarcastically. “Now that the 'Embarrass Skye' portion of the evening is over, can we please just order?!”
Micah just grinned at me, and rolled into the empty space at the table.
“So Micah, I hear this is your place. It's lovely by the way. What do you recommend?” (My mother is such a greaser...)
“Uh, yeah. Thanks Sandy.” He grinned and looked at me before replying. “Well...it depends on your taste. We have a wide selection of dishes—“ and he gave us a breakdown of the entire menu...