Beneath The Rain (18+)

Chapter 19: Say it again.

    The Light

She was passed out in her mother's arms on the porch. Everything must have hit her at once. I scooped her up into my arms as her mother only stood by giving me a slight side eye.

"Bring her in. Lay her on the couch. I'll make her some homemade soup." She instructed while moving out of the way and farther into the home. Before she left into what I'm assuming is the kitchen she turned to me. The worry quickly rising within her.

"She's okay right? Has she been safe?" Her questions completely valid especially after Serena fainted immediately during a hug.

"I don't know what she wants me to tell you. I will say that no matter what.. I will protect her, the best I can. These past months have been a whirlwind for her. Any other questions? If so I'm all ears." I try to keep my voice softer while talking to her mother. After all this is our first interaction. That she knows of.

"With Serena, I know she has a hard time opening up to people. So whatever is between you two, don't let it go. That type of love doesn't come easily." She nods after her advice as a mom should.

"Love?" The question slipped out before I could even think. Which doesn't happen often. She pauses before turning around with the warmest smile I've ever seen.

"Her father was similar to you. Not in looks but, lifestyle. Sweetie I'm not naive. I don't hold anything against you. Whatever it is I know it's not awful considering the woman you're involved with is my daughter and she does not stand for anything that can hurt innocent lives." She states firmly as she continues into the kitchen.

I stay by Serena's side. Her mother is a lot like her more than she knows. Her mother's house screams nice and innocent but, her mom definitely knows what's going on. That's good though, just means no unnecessary explanations. Unless Serena's planning on bringing Ashley or Myia into the conversation. It wouldn't be ideal for more people to know but, I can't stop her.

"Owen? Mom?" My head snaps to Serena as she sits up on the couch. I rush to her side, putting my hand on her back to stabilize her.

"We're here. You've only been asleep for around an hour." I inform her. Her eyes finally meet mine and for a split second she looked calm. Like she had no recollection of what has happened recently. She immediately sprung up and went into the kitchen where her mother was. I join her when I realize what she's about to do. More like say.

"Momma, I need to tell you something." Her voice is smooth and clear but, if you look closer you'll notice that she likes to fidget her thumbs on her lap. Her little give away. Everyone has one. When they're scared, nervous, damn for any emotion really.

"Sweetie, if you say you're pregnant. I already assumed." Her mother speaks without acknowledging us behind her. Serena's eyes widen and her mouth now hanging open. Me on the other hand. I can't stop from smirking.

"Since your daughter is I believe in shock. No, she's not pregnant but, that doesn't mean an attempt wasn't made." I look away from her mother, before I could even lay my eyes on Serena again to see her reaction. Her palm collides with my face. She yanks me by my shirt till our noses are touching.

"You say anything like that to my mom again and I will cut your dick off. Are we clear?" I smile at her before giving her a nod.

"Oh sweetie. I know what sex is I'm not a child. Calm down. Owen, honey are you okay?" Her mother cups my face, turning it to the side to see the 'damage'. With my face turned to Serena I give her a wink.

"Momma, he is also not a child. I didn't slap him hard." She says, a scoff leaving as she turns away from us.

"Yes, I know. Yet, sometimes tells me he doesn't get cared for like this. What happened to your parents anyway?" I shake her hands off me as I stand.

"How would you know I don't have parents?" My tone is rude and a bit shaky. The only people that know are Brandon and Serena. Who is she truly?

"A mother always knows. It's simple. The way you speak towards me and the way you act." She explains nonchalantly. Like it was common knowledge.

"They passed, many years ago. Nothing to concern yourself with but, thank you for asking." I glance over to Serena, expecting her to chip in but, she only offers me a somber nod instead.

"I'm sorry to hear that hun." She reaches over gently squeezing my arm "So, Serena what did you want to tell me?" She turns away, before returning with two bowls of soup, placing them in front of us. 

"Thanks momma and I was going to say that we visited Ashley's parents earlier today. They asked how you were." Serena smiles brightly through her lie. While taking a bite of her food. 

"Oh, really? How are Enzo and Karen?" Serena's head whips over between her mom and me.

"Mom, we talked to Evelyn and Helmer." She speaks up, breaking the silence. "Ma'am, you know Enzo and Karen?" I question. 

"Evelyn and Helmer are her grandparents. Enzo and Karen are her parents. Lovely people." Her voice trails off. Her eyes searching us as if she doesn't have a clue why we're looking at her confused.

"How do you know them? How come you never corrected me when I spoke of Evelyn and Helmer being her parents? What is going on?" Serena interrogates. Which is a bit worrying because I know how much she adores her mom. 

"She moved in with them when she was young sweetheart. They're basically her parents and Helmer keeps me updated on certain situations due to your father and him being rather close before he passed." 

"If only you spoke up before I went all around the FUCKING world looking for someone. When the information was in front of me the whole damn time. I think I should leave." She turns away from her mother. I grab her hand, before she has a chance to stand.

"Wait" I demand Serena "Ma'am, Serena's father. His business with Ashley's family. What was it?" 

"I don't know much, he kept many details from me but, a few days before he passed he did mention that it would help us live comfortably." 

"Thank you for answering" I nod towards Serena, while letting go of her hand "I will follow your next decision." I say, not even a second passed as she stood up and lead me out of her mothers home.