Once Upon A Push

Chapter 6: Denial, it's the first sign

Chapter 6

"All you have to do is ask what he wants done to his room! Paint, rug, comforter, plants, tables, wood!" My mother said, throwing her hands up in frustration.

"Can you write it down?" I asked, staring at the table. I heard a pen tearing its way across a piece of paper.

"Here, take it." She said, handing me the paper. I nodded, taking it and examining it.

"Please, be polite." My mother said, rubbing her temples. I rolled my eyes.

"Of course. I love you, see you at 9?" I asked, looking at the floor.

"Yes. I'll be home around then. Order a pizza. Love you, too." My mother said, placing money on the kitchen island. I nodded as she stepped outside of our home. I had my keys in my hand and was dressed semiprofessional, similar as yesterday. We got into our separate cars, and I drove off.

___

"Hey Maverly!" Oliver says as I enter the large house.

"Hey, Mr. Oliver."

"Patty had an emergency so she can't make it. But just go upstairs and take a right; it'll be the 5th room on your left."

I nod and follow his directions. I knock lightly on the door with my clipboard clutched tightly in my hands. I hear a loud video game from the inside. He must be playing Call of Duty or something. I knock again, a little louder this time. I hear the game pause and I use this to my advantage, knocking the loudest my little knuckles can manage.

"It's open," the somewhat muffled voice says.

I slowly push open the door, slipping inside. I look to the far right corner, seeing my interviewee sitting on a black couch, in front of a T.V with a variety of game systems surrounding him.

"Yes, mom?" His voice sounds familiar, but the words throw me off completely. Mom? Gross.

"I didn't sign up for that job," I joke. Real professional!

"Who are you?" he asks again.

"Not your Mom," I reply awkwardly. Who am I? My mom's assistant? I don't exactly have a title. This is my second day on the job. The game pauses and he turns around, trying to find me in his large, dimly lit room. I just stand there awkwardly.

"Are you the designer lady?" he asks as I stare at his carpet.

"Sure," I mutter. I quickly glance up and see his back facing me, with a headset propped on his head. He clicks a few buttons on his controller to end his game so I move my gaze back to my feet. I wish Patty was here to make things less awkward.

"You gonna interview me or my carpet?" He seems amused. Still not looking at him, I slowly walked in the direction of the couch.

"You can sit down, you know," He says, amused. That voice! I recognize his voice. My head darts up.

"Cy...rus?" I ask, unsure. He turns his head towards me.

"Maverly," a moment of recognition, "are you stalking me?"

"What? No!" I reply quickly.

"Where is the interior designer lady? Did you tie her up and stuff her in a closet?" He asks, glancing around his room. Would he not have noticed me tying someone up and stuffing them in one of his closets?

"I'm right here. Well, I'm not an 'interior designer lady;' I'm her daughter. She couldn't make it today, so I'm here" I explain awkwardly.

"Okay then." He accepts quickly and motions for me to sit. So I do. Not because he said so or anything, but because I simply want to. He gives me a suspicious look.