The early morning light was streaming through the windows as Jade prepared for her day. She'd settled into a comforting routine since the Vogue cover, balancing work, time with Emma, and quiet moments with Brandon. Life was good, steady even if questions about their future still lingered. But today, as she sipped her coffee, her phone buzzed unexpectedly.
Mom calling...
Jade's heart skipped. Her parents didn't call often. They'd been distant ever since she moved to the city and dived into modeling. While they supported her, they'd had reservations about the career choice and about the life she'd chosen for herself, especially with Brandon and Emma. But here was her mother, reaching out.
Taking a breath, Jade swiped to answer. "Hey, Mom."
"Hi, Jade," her mom's voice was soft, a bit tentative, as if she wasn't sure how Jade would react to the call. "How are you, honey?"
"I'm good. Just... you know, life is busy," Jade replied, trying to keep her tone light, though curiosity was bubbling beneath her calm demeanor. "Is everything alright?"
"Oh, yes, yes. Everything's fine," her mother assured her. "We just—your dad and I—we saw the Vogue cover." There was a pause. "It's beautiful, Jade. We're really proud of you."
A warmth flooded through her. "Thank you, Mom. That... that really means a lot."
Jade heard a murmur in the background, and her dad's voice chimed in, a bit muffled but clear enough. "We always knew you'd make it, kiddo. You worked hard."
Jade's heart swelled. This was more than just a congratulations; it was a connection she'd missed. Her parents had always been supportive in their way, but they'd never fully understood the world she was a part of, the sacrifices she made, or the paths she'd taken to get here.
"I wish you both could visit sometime. See the life I have here," she said gently, hoping to bridge the distance that had grown between them.
Her mother paused for a moment before replying. "Maybe we will, honey. We'd love to see you... and Brandon, of course."
Jade felt a hint of surprise at her mother's words. Her parents hadn't met Brandon yet, and there was an unspoken tension around her relationship with him, especially given the age gap and their unconventional start. But the acknowledgment felt like an invitation, a way forward.
"I'd love that," Jade replied, her voice thick with emotion. "And Emma would love to meet you both, too. She's amazing."
"We'd like that, too," her father's voice added, a quiet reassurance. "Just keep doing what you're doing, Jade. We're here, and we're proud."
After a few more minutes of catching up and exchanging small promises to visit, the call ended, leaving Jade with a lingering sense of warmth. It wasn't a perfect reconciliation, but it was a start. A small piece of home reaching out, reminding her of where she came from and where she was going.
