As Long as I Got You

ch. 30

Bella sat at the small, sunlit café, her fingers drumming lightly against the table. She checked her phone, her reflection catching in the screen, noticing her tightened jaw. Lunch with her mother—this would be their first real conversation in years with simply them two alone. Ever since her mom had moved on after the divorce, starting a new family, Bella had never quite been able to close the distance between them. She barely recognized the person who was supposed to know her best, she sort of hated her for it but bella had been cordial with her. Bella talked to her occasionally when she called to ask if she needed anything but besides that her mom never quite made much of an effort besides the recent vacation bella was invited on, it was weird because bella went but it was very awkward almost as if they didn't even go together.

The door jingled as her mom walked in. Elegant, composed, always perfectly put together. Bella had once admired that about her. Now, it just felt...distant she was just a women she happened to look a lot like.

Mother: Bella, sweetie

her mother smiled, leaning in for a quick hug

Mother: You look wonderful
Bella: Thanks *she Bella muttered pulling out the chair for her*
Bella: You too....

The small talk stretched out—questions about her mom's life, her new family, her work. Bella answered, but her responses were clipped. Her mind wandered to the things she really wanted to say. Why now? Why did her mother care about her life now? Bella found it all a little frustrating about how all of a sudden her mom cared more than usual about what she was up to and how her life was. It began to seep into the way bella acted.... with her even realizing

Mom: So, tell me about the soccer tryouts *her mom said, leaning in*
Mom: You've always been so determined. I bet you'll make the team, you've loved that sport since i put you in it!

Bella shrugged
Bella: i guess.... but yeah We'll see

Her mom's eyes softened, a look of concern crossing her face

Mom: Bella, I feel like I don't really know you anymore. What's going on in your life? What are your plans? Are you seeing anyone? i wanna know tell me all of it

Bella's patience snapped

Bella: Mom honestly Why do you care?

Her voice came out sharper than she intended

Bella: i'm sorry it's just i can tell your trying really hard but- You haven't been around. You don't know anything about me because You left, started your new life, and now you want to act like you care? it just i don't get it

Her mother blinked, clearly taken aback

Mother: Bella, that's not—
Bella: No, really-

Bella cut in, her heart pounding now

Bella: You can't just show up and pretend like everything's normal. Like you've been there for me, because you haven't and now you some new found interest in getting to know me again because i'm making a name for myself now or?

Silence hung between them, heavy and uncomfortable. Bella saw the hurt flash in her mother's eyes, but she couldn't take the words back. And part of her didn't want to.

Bella: I'm sorry

Bella said, quieter now