Five Words

Chapter 41

~Cher

I shake my head for the millionth time as we step into the house.

"I can't believe you've known her this long and you didn't mention anything to me."

He closes the front door behind him and follows me to the kitchen.

"And since when was I ever so open with whatever happens with me?" He counters.

He's right. Still, I feel sad that he still doesn't tell me anything, keeping everything about himself for himself.

"True." I hope I sound unaffected as I wish to.

"Cher, what the hell?" My mother slams her phone against the counter and stares at me with anger, "Where the hell were you?"

"I told you she was with Ace. She's fine as you can see."

"Yeah." I say and look back to Ace with an 'I-told-you-so' look. "I went for a jog with Ace and he insisted that I don't take my phone."

She lets out a breath she was holding for a long time.

"Did anyone see--"

Paulina cuts her off, "Adele, Cher is an adult. You don't have to track her every move."

My mom massages her temple a few times then turns to me.

"Did something happen that I'm unaware of? Is it something that has to do with that man?"

My mother's eyes go round and I'm sure that everyone in the kitchen heard her sharp intake of breath.

"What man?"

"The man you told me about last night. The one you...you know.." I try to refresh her memory.

It's barely unnoticeable, but I don't let it pass me. I see her lose it for a second. But she quickly regains her composure and shakes her head.

"I was just worried about you that's all."

She is lying and that is all she has been doing lately.

"What are you hiding from me, mom? What is it that you don't want me to know?"

I know that I shouldn't be questioning her in front of everyone like this, but I need answers, and who knows, maybe I will be able to break her in front of them.

"I'm not hiding anything from you."

"Yes, you are and I think that it is time you tell me what it is that you're trying so hard to keep hidden."

"Ace, let's go upstairs and let them talk." Paulina pushes her chair back and disappears behind me.

I feel a hand on my shoulder and I immediately know that its Ace's by the way electricity shoots through me. His gesture warms my heart but I don't look back so that I won't lose my mother's focus.

"Cher, I told you that when I am ready I will tell you."

"This is how you will justify the situation? Why can't you just tell me that you are in love, mom?"

"Don't be ridiculous, Cher. I'm not in love." She sounds incredulous.

"So the man you kissed last night at the bar was a random stranger that you happened to fall in love with instantly? Or the-I suppose-love letters that you get every day and there are more right here on the table." I point at the stack of envelopes and she knows which one I am talking about.

"This is not a love letter." She denies, "And that man was just someone--"

I interrupt her bullshit and I reach for the white envelope.