Blinded by Pity (boyxboy)

Chapter 4

"Oh honey, I haven't heard from you in forever!"

I sighed, "It has literally been less than 72 hours since we last spoke."

"You know my memory isn't what it used to be-"

"Oh my Lord, mom. You act like you're 80 years old. Should I remind you that you just turned 57?"

She laughed, "57...80 what's the difference. We all know I'm really only 29. Anyway, I called because I was planning on visiting this weekend. You're free right?"

Jackson had heard everything that she said through the phone and his eyes went wide. He started shaking his head and mouthing 'NO NO NO' over and over. The truth was I hadn't seen my mom in person for nearly 3 months. I was surprised that she had held off for this long.

"You know you can't keep doing this. You can't call to tell me you're coming over with less than a days notice."

"I kept meaning to call, but like I said my memory isn't what it used to be... or is it? I really can't remember." She died laughing at this. "Oh- do you get it?"

I rolled my eyes, but smiled slightly, "No, I don't get it all. Please further explain the corniest joke I've ever heard."

"You know I'm a damn funny girl."

"You a damn fool is what you are," I sighed, "let me ask Jackson about this weekend and I'll call you back."

All of the chuckling stopped. "Don't tell me you're asking permission to have your own mother over to visit."

She always needed to start something. "Yes, that's exactly what I'm doing. He always asks me whenever his family wants to visit."

"That's because his family is full of a bunch of crazy assholes."

"And you aren't crazy?"

"Point taken, but know that this is all just a formality. I'm coming whether he approves or not."

"Great, thanks again for the heads up."

We hung up.

So much for a weekend alone. So much for a happy Jackson.

I found him in the living room just staring straight ahead.

"You told her she could come, didn't you?"

I cringed. "I had no other choice. She would've had an aneurysm if I had told her no. You know arguing with her is like starting a world war."

I understood why he was upset. We were finally going to have some time alone. I also understood why my mother irked him.

Angela Smith, my mom, was one of the most pride-filled and motivated people I had ever known. She was also extremely stubborn. All of these qualities sounded very familiar, oh yeah, my husband was exactly the same way. They clashed on every single aspect of every single subject on the planet.

But the day that would forever seal the turmoil between them was the day that I decided to take Jackson's last name.

...

Steven Smith. I groaned. I hated the name Smith. So boring, so bland, so... middle class. When Jackson and I got married I knew that it was the perfect time to finally get rid of that stupid name.

It was about a week after our wedding that my mom and stepfather came over to the house to have lunch with Jackson and I. As my mother finished her salad I decided I should say something about changing names. I knew taking his name wasn't required of me by any means. Jackson had never once even mentioned it. Of course, he didn't have a problem with it, but I think everyone just expected it all to stay the same.