Forlot: A Girl Who Needs Her Space - Book Thirty-Two

Chapter Four

When our mom says something in an expressionless tone, you know that you do not want to mess around with her. Speaking of messing around, my obnoxious brothers never play pranks on Mom or Aunt Elore. I am sure that you readers already knew that. I mean, who would want to prank their own mother? Unless that they want to get in trouble.

Karma smiled at Mom and waved. "A good morning to you, ma'am." She calls my mother ma'am instead of her last name. I have no idea why. "I do hope that you do not mind me being here. I am supporting my friend." She put an arm around my shoulders. "But I can always leave if you want."

See how sweet Karma is?

Mom flashed Karma a small smile and said, "That is not necessary."

"So would you like me to leave? I promise that I will not eavesdrop."

Mom patted her head. "I meant that there is no need for you to leave the kitchen. I want you to stay. After all, you are my daughter's best friend, so you are part of our family."

"I am? Awe. Thank you, ma'am. If I were a cow, then I would jump over the moon!"

If Mom was not in the same room, my idiot brothers would have a field day with Karma. They would have called her a cow and all kinds of names. I would have to restrain her from punching their teeth out of their mouths because I did not want her to suddenly be on bad terms with Mom. Otherwise, Mom would not let me hang out with her again.

I am Karma's best - and only - friend. I did not want to lose her. I could not lose her, and Karma could not lose me. She already has it rough with her family.

Mom joined us at the kitchen table. She had a paper in one hand and a cup of tea in the other. She set the cup in front of her and cleared her throat. But before she could begin, William pointed a finger at Karma.

"Mom, this obviously is a family matter. So I believe that Karma should leave."

Mom looked at her son as if he were an alien. "Want to know something, William? I do not care what you believe."

"But Mom—"

"Do not interrupt me when I am talking to you. I am your mother, so you need to listen to me."

He let out a whoosh of air and laid back in his chair.

I felt Karma wrapping her hand around mine. And in case that you all are curious - I have no clue why - we are not a couple. We are friends and nothing more. If you write fanfictions or draw art shipping us and not with boys...do not be surprised if Karma comes by to give you a piece of our minds.

"That goes for all of you," Mom continued. "I frankly do not care what you believe. You are living with me, and seeing that you are living in my walls and eating my food and sleeping in my beds—"

"We are not living in the walls or eating your food or sleeping in your bed," Henry cut in. "None of us have slept in your bed."

She leaned forward and glared at him. "Henry. What did I just say?"

Now he was nervous. "Uh...you said lots of things."

"What did I tell your brother?"

"Uh...that William should not interrupt you because you are the boss around here?"

"You got that right, young man. The rules do not just apply to him, you know."

Jeffrey raised his hand.

"Yes, Jeffrey?"

"Do those apply to Carmen and Karma too?"

"They absolutely do. Whoever is the oldest - which is me and Elore - in this house is the boss. The others - also known as the children - must listen and follow."

It was Aztec's turn to raise his hand.

"Yes, Aztec?"

"What if you and Aunt Elore left for a while?"

"You mean left the house?"

"Yeah. If you and Aunt Elore left for two hours or so, would I be in charge?"

"Since that you are the oldest sibling, yes. But that is only when you and your siblings are on your own."

Aztec massaged the back of his neck. "I have another question. Can I ask it?"

"I do not know. Can you?"

"Only if you want me to."

She waved the paper high in the air. "I want to read this letter to you, so no more questions until after I read it." She paused. "Unless that none of you care."

William huffed and crossed his arms. "Depends."

She lowered the document and rested her elbows on the table. "It is not just any letter. It is your grandma and grandpa's will."

She had our full attentions now.

"A will?" Karma questioned. "But that means that..." Her voice trailed off.

"This paper is important. Extremely important. So it is best that we do not misplace it if we want the stuff mentioned in the will."

Rodney slammed his hands on the kitchen table. "So what are you waiting for, woman? An invitation? Go ahead and read the will!"

She glared at him. Her glares give me and Karma the creeps. Trust me. You do not want to tick her off.

Rodney covered his eyes. "What did I do, Mom?" he whined.

"Uncover your eyes, young man."

"But—"

"Uncover your eyes and look at me."

He slowly uncovered his eyes and finally faced her.

"Rodney. What have I told you about calling me and your Aunt Elore a woman?"

"But you and Aunt Elore are women."

"Yes, but you are to not address us like that. It is not being respectful."

He groaned. "Okay."

"Okay what?"

"Okay, Mom."

"Good." She wiped sweat off her forehead. "You boys sure know how to waste a chapter."

Then we heard a loud knock.