BWWM | Oneshots & Short Stories

His - Part Nine

RYAN

"Mom..." I reached out to touch her shoulder but she shrugged me off. "You don't mean that."

She didn't say anything. I was simply glad she didn't reply that she did mean it. Aside from being her only child, I know I'm her best friend. She would never let me face anything alone.

"I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said what I said, I was disrespectful and I won't do it again. I feel like you aren't listening to me. Those are better words, right?"

"I am listening to you." She snapped. But finally, she turned to look at me. "I just...Eric? He's old enough to be your father, sweetie. That man knows better." Oh, she's pissed.

"I know how old he is mom." I nodded, acknowledging her main concern. I left out the part that his age was one of the things I loved about him the most. I was never interested in boys or men my own age. Not full-heartedly anyway. "But he loves me."

"But he loves you." She repeated then finished what was left in her cup. I grabbed her hands, pulling them to my lap, hoping that if the sincerity wasn't enough in my voice, she could feel it through my bones.

"And if there is any fault in falling in love, then it is as much mine as it is his. You can't be mad at him and not me." I told her, looking her in her eyes. "I thought that if anyone would understand, it would be you. You know I don't do anything half-assed."

"I just..." she sighed and shook her head. "Are you sure he's not taking advantage of you? Or has? Would you even know the signs? You're only twenty-five sweetheart. You have so much more to live for, to experience." I winced at her calling me sweetheart. Eric calls me that. It sounded too parental coming from her, not endearing the way he meant it.

"The only person who's ever taken advantage of me is Aaron. I was a low maintenance girlfriend and he gave me the bare minimum. I realized I deserve more and I deserve to be happy. Eric makes me happy. He spoils me with attention and time. He knows what I want before I even ask. Even if he doesn't, he figures it out." I paused, wondering if I should share our most intimate conversation with my mother. "We've talked about marriage, about kids..." I said, letting her fill in the blanks. "Things you and I would never put in the same sentence with his name." I said and was happy she gave me a smile at least. "The Eric you knew prior to this conversation has evolved."

My mother pulled her hands away from mine and placed her face in them then sighed deeply.

I decided to finish my little speech before she turned cold again. "As for me having more to live for, I'd much rather do that with Eric. I know in my heart that this is right, but even if it isn't, wanting this for myself should be enough."

"God, he's got his hooks in you." She said shaking her head. Tears were in her eyes but there was still a smile.

"It's really the other way around. The man can't sleep without me if you didn't notice. He's wrapped around all ten of my fingers." I shrugged.

My mother used the collar of her shirt to dab at her eyes. "I'm not saying I support this exactly but I do want you to be happy. You've made...a very compelling argument. You've grown up so much in these last few years. And you're right, you don't half-assed anything."

"I'm happy with someone who loves me and protects me. You should know that, if not anything else."

"The protection part, yes, I agree. As for the love part, well I'd have to hear that from him. I'd have to look him in his eyes to know his truth."

"He wants to talk to dad." I took her hands again. "And I know you probably don't want to be in it, but it would really mean a lot if you would support me. You don't have to support Eric per say, but supporting me would mean a lot."