HAVEN

Chapter 25

Saturday.

 I sniffled as I picked up a jumper that lied on my bedroom floor and put it on, I trailed my hand through my hair; trying to make it somewhat presentable. Looking down at my phone, thirty minutes to get to downtown. I'm having the dreaded lunch with my mom, in any other situation, I would have never obliged but I had to purchase the tickets and still lacked the money. I picked up my scarf, wrapping it around as I headed for the subway.

Numbnessl. No tears were streaming, no pain. I felt nothing.
I dodged people solemnly as I exited the undergrounds and headed for the cafe.

"Haven!" I heard my mom's voice and I braced myself, turning around to face her, my eyes widened as I spotted Tim strolling by her.

"Haven, oh dear!" My mom gushed as she took me in a hug, I stayed still, gaping into space.

"Darling?" I was shaken back to reality and I hurriedly stepped away, squinting my eyes at her.

"Why is he here?" I muttered and she scoffed.

"Don't be rude, we miss you!" My mom smiled nervously and I rolled my eyes.

"I am going home, I didn't sign up for this shit" I spat harshly and started to walk away, my forearm was grabbed harshly and I was turned around by my mom. 

"You're not leaving." my mom said sternly, her eyes prickling with tears, contradicting her harsh tone.

"Mo_

"Please." She begged, her eyes softening.

I closed my eyes shut and lowered my head, I can't do this.

"Please love,"

"Fine." I mumbled and entered the cafe, leaving them behind. I heard my mom yelp in joy and I scrunched my face in annoyance.
I placed myself in the corner by the window, them joining shortly after.

"So Haven!" My mom smiled and I stared at her with a blank expression.

"Uh?"

"I am just so excited to have you here" she laughed awkwardly and elbowed Tim, motioning for him to say something.

"We missed you" he mumbled, startled. I rubbed my temple, My head pounding and body aching due to the lack of sleep and the suffocating stress.

"I wish I could say the same" I muttered under my breath, my mom scowled and opened her mouth to speak but was luckily interrupted by the waitress. After taking our orders, the cherry waitress strolled away and I sighed, tugging on my hair.

"Are you excited for Liam's engagement party?" My mom said nervously. I nodded and looked away, not bothering to answer before realization hit me.

"Uhh m..mom" I stuttered, hating this already. I never wanted her help and doing this was mentally and physically exhausting. Liam is worth it, I reminded myself.
"I was wondering if I could borrow some money for uhh the uhh ticket. I will pay you back very soon and_

"Okay." I looked up, eyebrows farrowed.Yes?

"Okay" Tim repeated and I scowled.

"How much do you need?" He continued taking out his checkbook  as I gulped, closing my eyes shut

"Tim, shouldn't we discuss this?" My mom interjected

"What is there to discuss? She needs the money and we're her parents" I grimaced, my body slightly shaking. I hate myself for this.

"The only reason she's out of money is because she keeps perusing a stupid dream instead of investing in her education!" My mom seethed, I could feel her glare burning my skin, eyes still closed, I lowered my head and covered my face. This is not how it's suppose to go.