Alive (Phan)

TWENTY

"Mum?" I called, stepping into the warmth of my house from the cold March air. I had taken the very, very scenic route home in order to clear my head. This had resulted in what I was sure was frostbite nibbling away at my fingertips.

"Kitchen!" Mum called back. I dropped by bag and followed her voice to find her stirring a pot. "Dinner's nearly ready," she smiled at me, "I was just about to call you."

"Well I read your mind, I guess," I chuckled, kissing her forehead. "How was work?"

"Fine," she said, eyeing me suspiciously, "What's up?"

"What d'you mean, 'what's up'?" I asked, dropping my bag and leaning against the counter.

"You never ask about work," she laughed.

"Well what kind of manners do I have?" I joked, "How was it?"

"I'm far too old to waitress," she admitted, "You know what they said to me as I left? 'Keep the phone on, we may need you for the late shift!' Honestly?" she rolled her eyes, "Do yourself a favor Daniel and go to university. Get yourself a nice, grown up job."

"Waitressing is a grown up job," I said.

"Debatable," she retorted, "Now what's up? How was school?"

"Fine," I answered, "I ran into Chris."

"Little weasel, how was he? Terrible?" she scowled.

"He apologized."

"What?" she asked, nearly spilling her soup in shock.

"Yeah it was odd," I admitted, "He just sort of came up to me and... apologized."

"Weird," she said, "Did you tell him to fuck off?"

"Mum!" I exclaimed.

"What?" she raised her eyebrows. "I'm sorry, the boy deserves it if he's going to beat up my son!"

"I guess," I agreed.

"So what else?" she prodded, "How's Philip?" 

"He's good, I think," I answered.

"You think?" she asked, concerned.

"Yeah, I dunno. He seemed fine today, but... I dunno. Peej says he's been acting strange lately." I said.

"Hm, but you haven't noticed?" 

"No," I admitted, "But he could just be putting on an act for me, y'know?"

"I suppose," she said, "You could just ask him."

"I guess."

"You are his boyfriend right?" she queried.

"Yeah," I said.

"Well then it's kind of your job, isn't it?" She had a point.

"I'll talk to him," I resolved.

"Good," she smiled.

"There's something else," I said, shifting a little nervously, "Peej and Phil want me to move in."

"Really?" Mum quit stirring and turned to face me, "Are you thinking about it?"

"I guess. I mean, I don't know." I said.

"What don't you know?" she pressed.

"I just don't know if I should," I said.

"What?" she asked, surprised, "Why shouldn't you? Scared you'll give in to temptation?" she laughed.

"Mum!" I blushed furiously, "No, it's nothing like that!"

"I know it isn't," she teased, "You give into it already!"