It Started With Lake (Book 1)

Chapter 23: Emani

"How did your little boyfriend take the news of you getting accepted to NYU?" My mother asked me on our morning run. Her long hair was in a high ponytail, and she had on a black sports bra, leggings, and Nike shoes.

Today was her day off, and we were finally spending time together. It felt nice. Well, until she brought Lake's name up. I knew she didn't like him, but I didn't care. She would have to get over it. Lake wasn't going anywhere.

"His name is Lake mom, and he was happy for me. We are going to try long distance."

She threw her head back, and laughter bubbled out of her. "Emani, those relationships never last. You might as well end it now. You will meet someone in college."

I huffed. "Lake and I will be fine, mom. You need to accept him. He might be your son in law one day."

She stopped jogging and gripped my arm. Her cold eyes sent chills down my spine. "Are you sleeping with that boy? You better not be pregnant, Emani."

My cheeks turned red. "I'm not pregnant, mom."

She cocked an eyebrow. "What about my first question Emani?"

"We did it once, mom," I blurted out without thinking, wishing I could take it back. "We used protection. I'm fine."

Her face was red, and I swear steam was coming out of her ears. "I can't believe you didn't wait until marriage, and with a boy, you barely know. I'm so disappointed in you, Emani. He is not allowed over anymore."

"Lake is a good person, mom." I paused for a brief moment. "I love him."

Silence.

"I think it's time to head back," she replied in a sharp tone.

The ride home was awkward as hell. As soon as we got home, I ran up to my room and called Sasha.

"Who is this?" She asked.

"Very funny, Sasha."

"Well, I haven't heard from you in forever, seems like. What's up?"

I filled her in about my acceptance letter to NYU and confessing my feelings about Lake to my mom.

"Your mom is something else," she said with a chuckle. "She will never think anyone is good enough for you." She had a point. "How does Lake feel about NYU?"

"He said he was happy for me, but I hope it doesn't ruin what we have."

"You guys seem like you have a solid relationship. I would kill to have what you have." She sounded so sad, and I wondered what was up with her. I knew she was dating some older guy named Mason. I met him once, and he seemed like a decent guy.

"Sasha, why do you sound so down?"

"We are going through a rough patch. Anyway, I have to finish this essay. Bye."

I could tell something was going on with her, but I decided to give her space. She will talk to me about it when she's ready.

A soft knock on my door pulled me out of my thoughts, and I stood up to answer it. It was Lake. I was surprised my mom let him inside. Maybe she was finally coming around. I hope so.

"Hey, what's up?" I asked, fidgeting nervously. It's crazy that I still get shy around him at times.

He grinned. "Nice legs. I forget why I came over here. You're so sexy, E."

I looked down at my shorts and sports bra. "You're so silly. I'm surprised my mom let you come up here."

"Seven, let me in. Your mom left goofball."