BWWM | Oneshots & Short Stories

Lesson Learned - X

Ryleigh was thankful that she'd beat her parents to the frozen yogurt bar. Any arrival after her parents would likely result in a condescending remark from her mother — regardless if she were early or not.

Deciding to be patient, Ryleigh ordered water for everyone and took a seat at one of the tables on the patio.

The weather was overcast but there was a nice pace to the wind and it was warm. Surprisingly, the chance of rain today was little to none.

When Andrea and Ryan walked into the yogurt bar, Ryleigh could feel anxiety poking at her. Even still she stood up, greeted her parents with a smile and gave them both hugs. Her father's hug lingered a little long, causing Ryleigh to feel a little guilty of how distant she'd been. Even though she and her mother had their differences, both of her parents didn't have to suffer for it.

The waitress noticed their party was complete and came over to take their orders which eased the tension some.

Ryan asked Ryleigh about class, anything she was working on which got her talking. Ryleigh was praying their frozen treats arrived soon though for a buffer. She could tell her mother wasn't there for the pleasantries. Her eyes were watching but they were also distant.

Andrea was listening but wasn't really into the conversation. Knowing her mother, Ryleigh knew she was just looking for a way to get to the real conversation.

"So you're enjoying writing, huh?" Ryleigh's father asked her. His eyes were kind and he was listening intently.

"I actually am. I have two internships I'm in the process of applying for. One for a publishing house and the other for a magazine. I'm looking for more because I don't want to put all of my eggs in one basket."

"What exactly is your ultimate goal with this writing thing?" Ryleigh heard her mother ask. Ryleigh knew her mother's condescending tone, air quotes and choice of words were very intentional but she wasn't going to let it get to her. Not so soon. This was a not so gentle segue into the conversation they'd been needing to have.

"To be on the New York Times Best Seller's List, or an editor. Maybe even both. I'm picking up a minor in Investigative Journalism next semester."

"Hmm." Andrea reached for her frozen yogurt the server was handing out to her.

"Why are you like this?" Ryleigh blurted out before she could stop herself. "Why is nothing I do ever good enough for you? I'm sorry I don't want to co-own the daycare with you or join the military. I'm sorry I don't want to be a lawyer or a doctor like dad."

"You're sorry?" Andrea chuckled. "For what? It's not like you tried."

"Actually I'm not sorry. And what sense would it make for me to waste money and try something I know I don't want to. Do you not believe in me? Most parents tell their kids they can be anything they want to be. What kind of parent are you?"

"Ryleigh." Her father Ryan said in a warning tone.

"No dad, you just sit there and let her beat me up all the time, never mind the way she speaks to you. You never say anything. Do you think the same?"

"That's enough!" Andrea said in a tone that Ryleigh knew to shut her mouth. She knew but she didn't.

"Of course I don't." Ryan tried to reach for Ryleigh's hand but she pulled it back.

Shaking her head, Ryleigh pulled out her phone and requested an Uber. She was not about to sit here and be gaslit yet again by her own parents.

"You say I didn't try to be any of those things but you never tried to support me. So it sounds like the pot calling the kettle black." Ryleigh directed at her mother while pushing her yogurt away. Her sweet tooth was gone and she now had a bitter taste in her mouth. "I moved away because I couldn't stand to be under the pressure of your unsupportive parenting," Ryleigh said to her mother then looked at her father. "And you not standing up for either one of us."