Why Can't I Hate You?

CHAPTER 6

MICHELLE

The rest of the day passed by with no trace of Elijah, just his thoughts. Concentrating on the classes was getting wildly challenging. However, I did not forget to borrow the notes from my fellow classmates to make up for the classes I've missed. Once I reached home, Judy was sitting on the couch and absent-mindedly staring at the television. She had a deep frown on her face.

"Judy?" I called out breaking whatever trance she was in. She yelped and flung a thin hand on her chest.

"Oh, my God! You scared me." She exclaimed. That was exactly how I reacted today when Elijah caught me off guard. He was so quiet that I did not notice him sitting beside me until he spoke. He kept asking me about who I was on the call with. Why would he want to know that? I mean, that's too nosy and intrusive. I shook my head in an attempt to brush away my thoughts and concentrate on Judy.

"I am sorry, but what are you doing here? Aren't you supposed to be in the office?" I asked and her face fell again.

"Yeah, I took an early day today. Wasn't feeling very well." She answered not looking at me.

"What happened? Are you feeling fine now?"

She nodded, smiling, but her smile did not reach her eyes. There was something more to it. Either she was really not feeling well or she is lying about something. And, I have a feeling that it is the later. I'll talk to her about everything at dinner, because right now I am exhausted with my own awful and grueling day.

I returned Judy's smile and rushed to my room. After a quick shower, I opened my bag and began working on the classes I've missed. Drowning myself in work will keep my mind off things. The notes I've borrowed came to a great help. It made things easier and the concept became more clear to me. I was truly enjoying that I did not notice I've been reading for hours together. I closed my books and set them neatly in my bag.

I recalled the promise I made to Alex and dialed his number. He lifted my call on the second ring.

"Hey Mish!" Alex answered before yelling, "Dad, it's Michelle!" through the phone and I chuckled. "Mish, dad's here and you are on speaker phone."

"Hey Dominic!"

"Hey Mish! How's everything going?" Dominic asked.

"Every thing's great. How are you guys?" I asked, hoping my mother is not creating too much trouble for them.

"Oh, everything is fine here. Just that we miss you." Alex replied.

"I miss you guys, too."

"How's Judy?" Dominic asked. Judy did not look okay the last time I checked. Once more, I mentally resolved to talk to her at dinner and see if I can be of any help. But, there is no point in telling Dominic all that and worrying him for Judy.

"She is lovely. I enjoy being around her." I said.

We spoke for about an hour about my college and how my studies are going on. Dominic asked if I were able to catch the classes that I've missed. He was happy when I said that I have almost covered the missed month. Alex asked me about how hot and happening the girls are, earning a smack on the head from Dominic and a loud laugh out of me. Dominic said they were planning on coming to Seattle to visit Judy and me. It's not yet confirmed, but the talks are going on. I wish they visit. I really miss them.

After hanging up the call, I debated if it'll be a good idea to dial mom. I haven't heard from her since the day Dominic spoke with her about sending me to Seattle. I know she is angry with me, but I think I should call her. No matter how hard and stone-hearted she is, I cannot deny the fact that she is my mother. With that thought, I dialed mom.