Game Over: Life's Over

Chores

I forgot how much fun it was to spend time with Mom. We didn't do it often since she was so busy with work and I had football in the fall. Our schedules didn't align on most days. But it was nice knowing things were going to change.

Eric and Theo seemed okay with letting Mom visit me whenever she wanted. Or whenever I wanted her to come. I knew adjusting to all the new changes that were bound to come would be difficult but it was easier knowing I'd have nicer caregivers to take care of me. I knew Mom liked that, too.

I didn't know if there were caregivers who took the people they were taking care of away from their parents. I knew that was how kids lost in the system were treated. Sometimes the parents never got to see their kid or kids again. I hated to think that something so drastic could happen to someone, especially someone in such a vulnerable situation as mine.

But Eric and Theo didn't seem like people who would keep me away from Mom. They wanted her to be a part of my life and the decisions that were made about me. They still had rules to follow and people to report back to but they were willing to let Mom help make any other decisions. At least I didn't have to give up on everything from my old life.

My time with Mom was over faster than I had expected. She couldn't take much time off because of work so she could only stay until the day after my birthday. Then she had to go back home and I'd have to deal with not having her around all the time.

I didn't want to seem clingy or immature but it was hard for me to let her leave. I hated saying goodbye, knowing it would be over a week before I could see her again.

"Try to be good for Eric and Theo." Mom was already hugging me but she squeezed me even tighter. I could smell the rose perfume she was wearing. As a kid, I always hated it but I knew it would be different now that we wouldn't be around each other as often.

I pulled away from her as I rolled my eyes. "I hope you didn't tell them anything bad about me."

She shook her head. "I said no such thing."

I wasn't sure I believed her.

She grabbed her bag and slung the strap over her right shoulder. "You know I always have my phone on me if you need anything. When I'm in court, I won't have it turned on but I'll respond to you when I can."

I nodded. That was what Mom always told me. I usually never bothered to text or call her since she was always too busy. Maybe things would change now that I was away from her.

"I love you, sweetie."

"I love you, too, Mom."

She kissed the top of my head and opened the front door. "Bye, honey."

I stood in the doorway and watched as she walked to her car. She set her bags in the backseat before getting into the driver's seat. She waved as she drove past.

I stayed where I was for a while. I hated seeing Mom go when it felt like I barely had any time with her. She was only able to stay for a few days because her work never stopped and all of her clients needed her. She was important in more ways than one. It only took me eighteen years to realize that.

I shut the door and immediately headed for my room. I wasn't sure what I was supposed to do now that Mom was gone. I didn't have any responsibilities, so far, so there wasn't much for me to do. Video games would have to do.

I climbed over the baby gate and went to my room. I shut the door behind me and turned on my PlayStation. I spent the next several hours gaming until I eventually fell asleep.

—

Theo was up early the next day cleaning and vacuuming all over the house. I wasn't expecting them to take such good care of their home. Typically, having multiple guys live together meant the place was a pig sty and it rarely got cleaned. But Theo seemed to want his home to be immaculate at all times.

I was curled up in my bed as the vacuum approached my door. I opened one eye to watch as Theo shut off the vacuum and opened my door. He glanced inside and his eyes met mine.

"Did I wake you?"

"Do you always vacuum so early in the morning?"

"It's almost nine. That's not early."

"To me, it is."

He shook his head. "Well, I like to get things done before the mess can pile up. Either I can vacuum in here now or you can do it later."

"You're making me do chores?"

"You have to earn your keep around here somehow."

"Isn't my monthly inheritance from the government enough? You get some money just for having me here."

"That money is supposed to go toward things you need. It's technically yours."

"So I can spend it on whatever I want?"

He sighed. "That's not what I said. The vacuum will be in the closet off of the kitchen when you're ready for it."

I groaned. "No, please don't make me vacuum."

"Too late now. I'll add that to your chore list."

"There's a list now?"

"Better get started. It's a long one."

I groaned and threw my blanket over my head. Why did I have to pick them?

---

I really like the relationship Jacob is building with Theo and Eric. Three guys living in a house together. What could go wrong?