Under the Hollywood Sign (editing)

Chapter 7

My mom walked in my house.

"Hi, honey. I heard that you were sick, and I was just wondering how you were feeling. And who are all these men in your house?"

"Mom, meet my boyfriend, Shane. And those are his friends. Jesse, Matt, Damon, and Tyler."

"Hi Shane. I'm her mother."

"That's kind of obvious."

"Mom, he's not like this. He's just sick."

"And it's a coincidence that you are too?"

"I got him sick. I was sick first."

"What do you have?"

"The flu."

"Oh, I'm sorry honey. And these guys look familiar. Aren't they in that band... Phantom..."

"Eighty Four. Phantom Eighty Four."

"That changed her tone quite a lot."

"Well then. Honey, can I talk to you alone for a second?"

I tried to get up, but my knees just wouldn't support me. Shane's reflexes were as quick as lighting, and his arms wrapped around my waist before I fell to the ground. Mom wasn't happy.

"Don't touch my daughter!"

He slowly let go of me, and he started coughing again. Mom helped me into the kitchen.

"I don't want you involved with a rocker."

My head rested on the table. I was unable to answer.

"Honey, you're just going to get hurt in the end."

"That's every guy. You always take that chance, mom. It's not just with rockers."

"Delilah Rae, listen to me. I don't think you understand what I'm saying."

"Well, then, tell me already."

"Break up with him. This is not an option. I'm telling you to, or I will do it for you."

"You can't tell me what to do. I'm 23 years old, and I have my own job, my own house, and my own car. I am in control of my life."

"And I'm still your mother."

"Mom, please don't do this."

She didn't respond.

And as a final note, she said bitterly

"Feel better."

She left, and I heard the door slam. Jesse carried me, well, more like dragged me back to the couch, and I curled up next to Shane.

"What was that all about?"

"I think you know."

"Actually, no. I was coughing so loudly, I didn't hear a thing."

I retold the whole thing to him, and then I started crying.

"Baby, please don't cry. Please don't. I'm begging you. It's all going to sort itself out in the end. And I don't care what your mom says, I'm going to be with you, and that's the final line. I won't let her take you away from me. It's all going to be ok. And please, stop crying. You're going to make me cry."

"You don't know any of that."

"But if I don't, I know one thing for certain. I won't let her take you away from me."

I think that made me cry even harder. Then, I felt a hot tear land on the top of my head, and it ran down my cheek, and off my chin along with the others. Oh God. I made him cry.