No Going Back

8 - 2

Hendrix

I massaged my temples, a throbbing headache beginning to erupt with my chest clenching as my Mom's muffled cries pulsed through the phone.

About a hellish of two days later I had just recounted the entire ordeal to my mother, from the moment the video evidence of Samara's infidelity had knocked my life, to the moment I'd mustered the strength to banish her from the place I thought was our home.

My family had always admired her strength and resilience. Her decision to leave her father's toxic influence behind and draw her own path had earned their deepest respect. So, when the news of her infidelity hit them, it sent shockwaves through our family and I've been attending calls all day since yesterday.

"Hendrix Halston!" my mom's voice pierced through the phone, the grilling tone penetrating through my eardrums.
"You're helping that woman after she cheated on you? Have you lost all sense, boy?" Despite her fury, I knew it stemmed from a place of love and motherly concern.

I let out a deep sigh,the frustration and exhaustion from sleepless night settling in deeper. "Mama, I was angry and I threw her out in the middle of the night - I believe that was impulsive on my part," I clarified gently, attempting to reason with her.

My mom's voice returned, angry but tempered with a hint of concern. "I know, sweetheart, but you two are done. And knowing how kind-hearted you are, she'll take advantage of that. You can't let that happen, Rix. There's a limit to humanity, and she's crossed it. She cheated on you, Hendrix! She shattered your trust and broke your heart. She's no longer your responsibility," Her anger flared up again, her voice rising in vexation before she sighed.

"No more talking about her," my mom muttered emotionally, her voice quivering as she fought to hold back tears, a sound I know very well because when I was leaving the ranch she used the exact same tone.

"How are you doing?" The concern in her tone was slamming in my guts I hated when my mom was anything but happy, I could sense her struggling to compose herself.

"I'm fine, Mama, and if I'm not, I will be," I reassured her, attempting to offer some comfort. She groans, frustration building into her voice.

"I was about to fly down there, but your father held me back." I could sense her longing to be with me, to offer her support in person, however I don't want to disrupt their life with my issues.

"I'm glad he did, Mama. I'm fine," I reassured her again, desperately yearning for her hugs that seems to make everything better once I am resting her in her embrace.

Her tone shifted and softened as she asked, "How's Floria and her daughter?" Her sympathy was genuine, and I knew she was still recovering from the flipping news. Earlier on I had filled her on her condition and my mother being a extremely empathetic person couldn't help but shed tears for Floria. Despite meeting her once on my engagement party a few months back, she was highly impressed how naturally kind and insightful Floria is.

"Tell me you're going to help that woman and her baby, Hendrix," she said sternly, her voice firm but carrying sympathetic emotions.

"Of course, Mama," I assured her, trying to reassure her that I would, most definitely!

"Good," she murmured settling back, relief seeping into her voice. A soft sigh escaped her lips before she whispered, "Poor thing," her emotions stirring to overwhelm her.

"I have to get back to a meeting, Mama. I'll call you later," I bid bleakly getting a grip of my wavering emotions and swaying focus, my job and other responsibilities beckoning me back.

"You take care of yourself Rix, I mean it," she sniffles and I exhaled as she says. "Love you son."

"Love you Mama."