Chicago (GXG)

Part 19

Today is the day I get to see my mother for the first time in a long time. I get up from bed and get some hygiene stuff done like brushing my teeth and hair. I did some light makeup so I wouldn't look busted for this visitation.

I have school today but this is a lot more important. I've missed a couple of school days for Val related things but I've kept my teachers up to date by making excuses and still doing homework and assignments. So in reality I'm not that far behind.

I strolled to the kitchen where my dad was having his morning coffee. He has work today so he'll be leaving soon. I'll wait around here anxiously until the time is right for me to take a bus to the prison. I'm excited to get some intel but also scared of whether or not she's willing to give in. Last I heard she had some sort of grudge against me. For starters she doesn't like my gayness. Also, the fact that I don't approve of her addiction.

"Hey dad, today's the big day, huh?" I say to him sarcastically, knowing I dread this more than I want it. He chuckled a little bit before replying. "It'll be alright, I promise. You know why? Because even if she hasn't changed I know you can take her on and meet her at her level, that's the kind of person you are." He said proudly, encouraging me.

"Thanks dad. I just can't believe it's happening. I feel so many different things. Mostly fear. Fear of whether or not she'll cooperate..." I rambled a while until my dad stopped me. "Hey, don't overthink it. Go over there and do your best. In the end you'll realize that that's all you can do anyway. Val will appreciate you trying." He said with a slight smirk. Oh yeah, we haven't gotten to talk about her that much, and I'm literally doing this for her. "Arghhh dad, don't be like that. You know I hate talking about stuff like this." I groaned. He laughed and sipped his coffee. I took my moment to finally exit this conversation.

My phone made a noise a while after I left the kitchen. 'Hey, are we still on tonight?' Val wrote me.
'Of course we are, no reason we wouldn't be.' I texted back. That sounded a little suspicious but I'll let it slide, hoping she will too. She must have, since she only replied with a thumbs up emoji.

I decid to mope in my room until the time came.

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I am now standing at the bus stop, waiting for the bus that conveniently passes right by the prison.

It's pretty cold out here already, being that time of the year where winter is deciding on whether or not it wants to roll around yet. I have a jacket, gloves and a beanie though so I shouldn't freeze.

The bus saved me just in time, I see it in the horizon heading for this stop. I pull out my ticket and ready myself. The bus came to a halt infront of me and I stepped in, showing my ticket to the driver.
He nodded and I continued my waddle down the rows of seats. I settled on a decent window seat, near the back.

I took out my phone to pass the time, it's going to take like thirty minutes or so to get there, especially with the bus stopping on a lot of stops on the way. I put my earpods in and turned up some music, looking out the window.
I practiced what I'm going to say to mom to warm her up in my head. Ranging from apologies to accusations. Although the latter couldn't be smart in any way.

After watching the bus pass by a few stops and a long stretch of scenery, it dropped me off at my stop. I'm now stuck to the ground unable to move my feet, looking at the huge prison in front of me.

I took a breath and started walking towards the front door. I didn't see any prisoners so maybe they have a yard somewhere deeper and not here in the front. The front door is a heavy double door and I struggled a bit to pull it open. When I did, I walked inside and saw a lady with heavy makeup and long acryllic nails sitting on the computer at the front desk. She must be the reseptionist.