"Mom?" Oakley spoke hesitantly into the phone.
"What do you want, Oakley?" his mother replied, her voice cold and distant.
"I just wanted to talk to you," Oakley said softly, hoping to break the tension.
"I have nothing to say to you," his mother responded sharply.
"Mom, please. I know I made mistakes, but I'm trying to move forward," Oakley said, his voice shaking slightly.
"You made mistakes? You caused a boy's death, Oakley. You have ruined our family's reputation. I want nothing to do with you," his mother said harshly.
"I know what I did was wrong, and I take full responsibility for it. But I'm trying to change, Mom. I'm getting help, and I'm trying to make things right," Oakley said, desperation evident in his voice.
"Making things right? Nothing will ever bring back that boy, Oakley. You have no idea how much pain you've caused. I can't even look at you anymore," his mother replied, her voice cracking with emotion.
"I'm sorry, Mom. I'm so sorry," Oakley whispered, tears streaming down his face.
"It's too late for apologies, Oakley. I have to go now," his mother said, her voice cold and final.
"Wait, Mom, please. Just one more thing," Oakley pleaded.
"What is it, Oakley?" his mother asked, her voice tired and defeated.
"I love you, Mom. I know I messed up, but I still love you," Oakley said, his voice breaking.
There was a long pause on the other end of the phone, and Oakley feared that his mother had hung up. But then he heard her soft voice.
"I love you too, Oakley. But I can't forgive you for what you've done. Not yet," she said quietly before hanging up.
Oakley sat there, clutching the phone in his hand, tears streaming down his face. He knew that he had a long way to go before he could repair the damage he had caused, but he was determined to keep trying.
