Happenstance (LGBTQ) [Editing]

Two

Repeating her instructions to breathe for her sake and mine, because If I were to have a panic attack right now it wouldn't do anyone good. I continue breathing in shallow breaths until I feel like myself again.

"I'm okay Mom. I'm okay."

I say standing up from the floor where I was sitting down. I brush my long bangs out of my face. Fingering my hair backward.

"Okay, that's good my baby."

"Where are you right now?" I question. At the same time leaving the building, I had class.

"I'm at work."

"Alright. I'm on my way."

"Okay, I'm sorry I called you while you were in class sweetheart," Mom says. She no longer sounds like she's crying. That's good.

I wipe my eyes as well.

"It's okay Mom. I'll go to my professor's office hours and explain it to him. Don't worry about it."

"Alright, I have to get going, Elliott. My boss must be wondering where I am."

"Okay go back. I'll call you when I get to your office."

"Hmm. I'll see you soon."

"Uhmm. See you soon. Bye."

The call ends. I place it in my jeans pocket. I feel like I'm still in shock about the whole thing. I can't believe this is happening.

During the journey to my mom's workplace, it's like I'm walking through a fog. I barely realize my surroundings as I get on the bus which goes downtown, to the area where she works.

I don't even know how I found a seat. What I do know is my entire being feels shackled with misfortune and panic and somehow I maintain enough calm to not experience a full-blown panic attack. Somehow I make it there in one piece even though my brain feels swollen.

....

"Mom I'm here. I'm in the lobby."

I hear her mutter something to someone before stepping away.

"Okay, I'm coming to get you. I'm waiting for the elevator. Be there soon."

She hangs up probably from stepping into the metal box. Since I regularly visit her at work the receptionist and security guard never bat an eye when I suddenly walk in. Today however as soon as Mr. Williams saw me he frowned. Asking how I was doing and saying I didn't look like my chipper self today.

I could only nod agreeing with him. I didn't have the heart to share my bad news, my home caught on fire today. I just tried offering the smallest of a smile and walked past him.

Now I sat in one of the seating areas in the lobby. There are a few of them all with comfortable black leather and steel sitting chairs that feel too nice to be in a workplace building. But most things about my mom's workplace never seem like they belonged in it.

She does work for a billionaire after all. I even met him twice. The first time was when she got the job as his personal secretary and another time was when I had to drop off a clean shirt for her as she spilled food on it and had an upcoming meeting.

Her boss is a nice enough man. But I don't know much about him. I wonder If mom told him about what happened.

"Elliott." She calls out.

I stand up meeting her in the middle of the lobby. We greet in our usual way a deep hug. She holds me rubbing my back. I squeeze her as tight as I can as well. Taking in her comforting perfume of vanilla and cherry blossoms smell.

When I feel sad and she hugs me this scent never fails to calm me down.

"Let's go upstairs so we talk more privately baby."

"Okay."

I know most twenty-five-year-Olds probably dislike their parent using such euphemisms but I love it. We break away and I wipe my eyes once I realize I started crying again.

I look over at my mom, seeing her doing the same. She takes my free hand leading us over to the elevators. She pressed the silver button to call for one that was going up.

Soon one arrives we step in as no one was inside it. She pressed for flour 44. I stand beside her. Pondering over everything that's happened.

"It's gonna be okay Elliott."

I only nod because even though I don't believe her I don't want to worry her further. We hold each other's hand all the way to the 44th floor.

When it opens mom leads us out. I'm familiar with this floor. She leads us to her office which is across from her bosses. Opening the door with her keys. The door opens and I head in first.

Taking a seat in one of the chairs by her desk. She sits beside me in the other one for going behind her desk. We turn to face each other. I stare back at my older twin. We share the same brown wavy hair, pale white porcelain skin, and green hazel eyes with flecks of brown within them. I even have the same nose and shape of lips as hers.

My mom is beautiful and usually looks youthful. Younger than her age of 45 but right now with the redness around her eyes and the sadness clouding them she looks her age.

This is when I knew with certainty, this is really happening. It's not a dream, your house did in fact catch on fire. It's only then did I finally believe it.

Let me know what you guys think.

Who do you guys picture for the characters?

Please like, comment & share.