It was later that night. I was sitting on the couch, curled up next to Conan while we watched Gilmore Girls. I could tell we were both pretty exhausted from the day, neither of us speaking very much. As we sat there, it became harder and harder for me to watch the show. I couldn't stop thinking about the text from my mom. 'Where are you? Come home now' . She hadn't texted me in over two months. It didn't add up...something wasn't right.
I heard the show pause, then felt Conan's fingers running through my hair. I tried to relax a little. "You okay babe?" he questioned softly. I wasn't really sure how to answer him. I mean, I think I'm okay. But...my mom...
"Yeah, just thinking about my mom" I say. I feel him tracing his hand along my arm, gently pulling me closer to him. "Mm" he hums. I don't understand why she would text me. She never cared about me. She kicked me out, and now she's wondering where I am? Just then a knock at the door interrupts my thoughts.
Conan stands up, his hand still holding on to mine. "Who's that?" I ask. He looks around, confused. "I don't know. I wasn't expecting anyone-" he replies. He guides me towards the bedroom door. "Stay here, okay? Just in case" He looks at me, eyes filled with worry. "Okay" I say as he kisses the top of my hand. He walks over towards the door, looking through the peep hole. Still looking confused, he opens the door.
"Can I help you m'am?" he says politely but questioningly. "Where is my daughter?!?" she asks angrily. That's when I recognize the voice. It was my mom. "I-I'm sorry?" Conan says. "My daughter! I know she's here, and with some guy apparently!" she yells. I glance at the door and see her start to come inside when Conan puts an arm out to stop her. "I'm sorry m'am, you can't do that"
"What? This is outrages! My daughter is in there!" she screams. "M'am, I'm afraid you can't come into my house without my consent. It's the law." She just looks at him, shock and anger filling her face. She tries to push past him again, looking over his arm to find me. I just barely avoid her gaze. "M'am, I will call the police" Conan says, his tone starting to get frustrated. She finally backs off, stepping into the hallway.
"Fine then! You can have her! She's worthless anyway, won't even help her own mother! After I raised her all her life! I hope you mess her up! Then maybe she'll realize she can't be out here sleeping with random men! I knew she was asking for it, the way she dresses. She's the worst daughter a mother could've asked for, and I didn't even ask for her!" she screams, stomping away down the hallway. Conan shuts the door, standing in shock.
I fall to the floor, my breathing getting faster. I feel the tears start to run down my face as I lean against the doorway. My mind starts to get hazy, thinking about everything. "She's worthless anyways" "I hope you mess her up" "She's the worst daughter a mother could've asked for"
The words rang in my ears, bouncing around in my head. I tried to put my hands down and feel the floor, but I couldn't. I brought them back up to my face. Burying my head in my hands I felt myself shaking. I saw a blurry figure running towards me, then felt arms around me. I heard a muffled voice, "Oh my God! Are you okay? Please...please answer me....please...she's gone now! Please-" he stuttered, his voice breaking and filled with tears. My hearing began to come clearer, my eyes gaining their vision. I felt the shaking and breathing slow as I brought my mind back.
He tilted my chin to look at him, his eyes filled with fear and worry. "Conan-" I stutter. I bury my face into his chest, feeling his arms around my torso. I wrap my arms around his neck, pulling myself closer to him. "Hey, hey...it's okay now. She's gone, it's just me now, okay?" he says, trying to calm me. "Okay-" I whisper.