Road to Evergreen | #Wattys2016

f o r t y - t w o

The tension in the room seems to dim by the end of the dinner. I can see from the way Bob looks at my mother that he indeed has eyes only for her. This drives an uncomfortable feeling toward him. I'm trying to get along with the idea, let it sink in, but the image of my father keeps showing up in my mind. However, Harry seems to be doing alright. Bob and him immediately bonded and now, they talk non-stop about basketball teams and players that I seem to have no interest in.

"Laura, the food is absolutely delicious. Thank you," Bob says to my mother as he shoves a spoonful of rice in his mouth.

"It's my absolute pleasure," she smiles warmly toward him. I feel my stomach tense. I get up resulting in a squeaking voice as the chair scratches the floor. All eyes turn on me as I clear my throat, "excuse me."

I head directly to my room and sit on the floor, leaning my back on the edge of the bed as I rest my mind. I sigh in defeat.

My phone vibrates in my back pocket. I reach for it and find a text from Adam. The moment I needed him the most is the moment he showed up.My saviour.

Adam: hey beautiful

A stupid smile creeps its way on my face.

Me: hey:)

Adam: you up to meeting later?

Me: yeh please. Take me away from this house

Adam: i'll sweep you off your feet in around an hour ;). Text you when I arrive.

I close my phone satisfied and head to the door.

I will see Adam today. All I have to do know is pass an hour. I can do this- I can survive.

I open my bedroom door to find Bob standing in front of it. His hand is in a form of a fist as if ready to knock.

"I'm sorry to creep up on you like this," he says. "I told your mother I'll come and check up on you."

I offer a smile, "it's alright. I was heading back just this instance."

"I could see that," he says. We stare at each other for some awkward seconds until he moves aside, allowing me to walk right pass him.

"Lesley," he calls out. I stop in my tracks and turn to face him, "yeh?"

"I know you might not trust me. I didn't give you a reason to," he strokes his hand through his hair. "This is quite early to say and I know I'll never be able to fill the image of your beloved father but I... I want your blessing."

"For what?" I ask.

"For you mother's hand."

I gasp. My mother's hand? I know this person, standing right in front of me for an hour or so and he has the courage to ask for my mother's hand? What the actual fuck.

"I know I shouldn't have said anything. I'm pretty sure you're scared of the idea now but I promise you that I will use my last breath to make your mother happy," his hands waver all over the place. "I want to be your friend and not more. I don't expect you to give me your blessings just yet but when the time comes, I would love to have them," he explains as he exhales.

I stand there, totally frozen by what he said. Why should I believe him? He is a drunk as well. I still didn't forgive my mother of her drugs abuse period so what makes him better?

I point in the direction of the dinning room, "what makes you better than her?"

"Or him?" my voice comes out shaky as a lump forms in my throat. I shake the feeling off.

He parts his mouth to speak but no words seem to come out as he shuts it close. He seems to have gone speechless. He eyes me curiously, waiting for a hint of sarcasm. But I'm dead serious. And just because he had the courage to come to my house and tell me what he said, doesn't mean he will get what he wants.

I am furious.

"When you have the answer for that," I take a step closer, "then you will have my blessings."

He gulps down. Good. I'm scaring him. He isn't ready for any of this.

"Lesley, I may not have an answer to that question but one day I will. And when I do, I'll be ready," he offers a warm smile.

"Only time can tell," I smile back.

He nods. "Shall we?" He offers his hand, pointing toward the dinning room, being the gentleman he is. I sigh as my shoulders relax and take his hand, "Of course."

We re-enter the dinning room to find Harry  hungrier than ever as he shoves food in his mouth but mom seems to have lost her appetite as she stares at her plate, playing around with the food.

I take my seat and lean in to whisper, "Mom, are you okay?"

My voice seem to break her thoughts as she startles, "yes, honey. Don't worry about it," she fakes a smile and slightly squeezes my hand. I sigh in defeat, deciding not to push this matter further. For now.

Fifteen minutes later, everyone is rubbing their bellies with satisfaction. I can't remember the last time I had a meal this big and especially cooked by my mother.

"Let me help you with that," I offer as I take some plates away from her hands and head to the kitchen. Few seconds later, my mother follows. She seems to be taken off guard yet again. She's frowning unconditionally and her shoulders are tense.

"Mom?" I ask. She immediately looks up as if searching for the voice who said that.

"What's wrong?" I take few steps closer and place my hand around her shoulders.

"It's hard to explain," her voice comes out broken.

"Try me," I encourage her to speak.

She takes a deep breath, "I can't seem to digest the idea of another man in this house."

I can't either. I need to choose my words carefully. I don't want her to cry or get angry.

"Do you want to, though?" I push further.

She shakes her head, "I don't know."

"Dad is gone. It's hard to accept the idea of it but eventually you will," I take her hand into mine. "Don't rush things and let them be. You just got to know Bob so give it a few more months before deciding anything. What you guys have might be going on a fast lane but you can always slow it down."

Her blue eyes meet mine, "it's easier said than done."

I ignore her last remark and say, "you guys are adults. Talk this through and figure it out."

She let's out a huff, "okay." She rubs my hands and warmly smiles. I return the smile.

"Now, let me help you with the dishes. I have some place to be in a while," I say. To that, my phone vibrates indicating I got a text.