Playing The Risk - Book One in The WSU Series

- Chapter Thirty-Four -

"I'm not a fan of this color."

I'm standing in my mom's bedroom staring at her freshly painted walls, "why? I love the color." My mom stands with her hands on her hips also staring at her walls. "It's green." I point, "apple green." She corrects as if it's a better shade color, "it's still a form of green." I'm not the biggest fan of green if you couldn't tell. "It's a good job this isn't your bedroom." My mom smiles at me, "you miss living with me." She laughs, "honey you were a terrible roommate." I pretend to be wounded, "ouch."

She laughs before sitting on the edge of her bed, "I messed up mom." She pats the space next to her, I go to join her on the bed, "what did you do?" Her voice isn't full of judgment but rather understanding. My mom has always been there for me and in the past couple of months and now I'm going to be there for her. "I said some horrible things to Liv." I lean my head onto her shoulder, "have you apologized?"

"She hasn't spoken to me in two days." She's also been avoiding me, I know I messed up— I shouldn't have gotten involved. But I'm also hurt, by the things she said about me being a distraction and I'm being naive if I think I can be with Roma. It hurt. She knows how I feel for Roma and how he feels for me. From how she acts and what she says I don't get the impression she likes Hayden enough to go beyond just sex. Olivia has never had a boyfriend, Haydens never had a girlfriend— I just wish Liv would see my side to this, I understand where she's coming from. I shouldn't have gotten involved especially the way me and Roma did but this is Hayden's future. I don't want him to chase her, get feelings and then realize Liv might not like him as much as he likes her or vis versa.

"I think whatever you did she probably just needs time." I take in what my mom says, "give her space and when she's ready she'll want to talk."

"What if she doesn't want to talk?" I couldn't imagine not being friends with Liv, I'd be lost. "Mom I can't lose her." She smiles at me, "Ele, you'll never lose Liv, both of you care too much for that to happen." Knowing I've hurt Liv and Hayden, even though I haven't spoken to Hayden yet it breaks my heart— I did what I thought was right, I care about both of them so much but I don't think they're right together for now.

"Talk to her."

I sit up and wrap my arms around her shoulders, "thank you."

"I'll always be here for you."

"I know."

My mom cups my face to brush away my tears, "I will always be here for you, never forget that." I pause, confused by the kindness and the emotion she's showing me. "I'll always be there for you," I say and I will. She's the most important person in my life, she's my family. "Having you was the best decision I ever made," her smile grows as she brings me in for a hug, "I love you, Ele."

"I love you too mom," I say as I tighten my grip around her.