Survive

Chapter Twenty One

Los Angeles, California, U.S.A.

October 15, 2022.

Madison Stone's Point Of View.

I take my car keys and go to my parents' room to see if my mom is ready.

I called my mom to come out, because she has been a little sad since she and my dad haven't stopped arguing since last month and mainly because I like it when we go out together.

"Are you ready?" I walk in and I don't even need her to answer me, because by the elegant way she is dressed, I know she is more than ready.

"I'm just going to put on some perfume," and she does as she said.

We leave the room and go downstairs, out of the house and into the garage. We get in the car and for the first time I sit in the driver's seat. Yes, this will be my first time driving.

"Careful Madison. I want us to get there alive," my mother says putting on her seat belt.

"Don't you trust my driving skills, mom?" I ironize.

"You're driving for the first time today, so not much," she replies in the same tone, causing me to giggle as I start the car and pull it out of the garage.

"Where are we going?" I ask as I stop at the end of the street and look at her.

"Let's go to that restaurant that's near the mall," she says and I agree, so I turn down the street and start on my way to one of my favorite eating establishments.

"I even know what I'm going to order already..." I speak and she stares at me.

"Mac and cheese?" and I shake my head positively, making her laugh.

"What? Their mac and cheese is the best."

"I know. It's just that since you were little, every time we go there, you always ask the same thing," she says and lightly squeezes my cheek, making me smile.

After a few minutes, I park the car and we get out of it, heading towards the entrance of the restaurant.

We enter the restaurant, the same one that does not require a reservation, and sat at a table facing each other, waiting for someone to come to serve us.

Some time later...

Our orders arrive and are placed on the table along with my natural orange juice and my mother's wine, so we start to eat.

I see my mother eats her dinner thoughtfully and this worries me, because no matter what happens, she always looks happy and well.

I admire my mother for her personality, she's a loving person, but she knows when to be tough. She's not the type to take orders from anyone, she's the one who gives the orders. She doesn't she's waiting for someone to do anything for her, if she wants something, she goes there and gets it on her own. She doesn't care what others think of her. She's a civilized and intelligent person.

"Is everything okay, mom?" I ask and she seems to wake up from her thoughts.

"What did you say?"

"I asked if everything is okay." I answer and put some of my noodles in my mouth, seeing that from her expression, she is going to be sincere in her answer.

"I think.. I think your father is cheating on me." And I even choke because of what I hear.

"W-what?"

"Your father hardly stops home anymore and like you, I can't believe it's because he has too many causes," she says really frustrated and I am speechless to respond.