Work Before Play

Mother Dearest

The airport intercom blared throughout the huge complex. I held close to my carry on, Mark and I already dropped off our shared suitcase.

I always hated airports, so many people in a little space, all trying to get to their destination. I got used to lots of people by living in LA, but some reason, I couldn't shake the uneasiness of airports.

Mark squeezed my shoulder and asked gently, "Hey, you okay?"

"Uh yeah. I just don't like airports. Some of the reason I don't go home, as well." I said taking a deep breath.

"It'll be okay. I am here with you, always." He smiled lovingly at me.

Mark stood up, ready to board the plane. He looked down at me and held his hand out for me. I smoothed my silk shirt and took his hand to follow him.

-

We grabbed our suitcase after we landed. Mark wandered around until he saw someone he recognized.

"Hey, bro!" Mark dropped his carry on and hugged the man. The man broke into a huge smile and hugged Mark back. He had long hair, black like Mark's. They also shared the same eyes, soft and caring.

Mark pulled back, "Where are my manners? Thomas, this is Lydia. Lydia, this is my brother, Thomas."

I leaned closer and held my hand out, but he wrapped me into a full hug. He whispered int my ear, "Before you meet my mother, I just want you to know, Mark loves you more than I ever thought he could love someone. I am glad you two have found each other."

I pulled back and smiled, "Mark has spoken very highly of you."

"Awe, well isn't that sweet. But please just call me Tom." He smirked at Mark. "Ready to go home?"

We piled on the car as my ball of anxiety and nerves grew in my stomach. Mark must have realized, because he grabbed my hand within minutes of being in the car. Tom drove what felt like all over Cincinnati until finally he pulled into a driveway.

We grabbed our suitcase and carry ons and walked to the front door. Mark pulled out his key and began to fiddle with the lock.

Suddenly, the door opened to be greeted by a shorter smiling woman. Her hair was the same dark color as Mark and Tom's but straight.

Mark grabbed me by the waist and pulled me next to him. "Mom, this is Lydia."

I was pulled forward into her warm embrace. While hugging me gently she spoke to me, "Oh, Lydia is a pleasure to finally meet you. You are even more beautiful in person."

We came into the gorgeous house to settle in. Mark's mom went to finish supper. Mark was unpacking and catching up with Tom. I went to the kitchen to help.

"Is there anything I could help with?" I asked politely.

"Only if you want, it's nice to have some help after all these years." She chuckled sweetly.

"Oh, I am surprised Mark doesn't help. He is an excellent cook, and I can only assume he learned from you." I smiled brightly at her.

"Mark helps when he can, but he usually spends first meal to catch up with Thomas. So it's usually just me cooking. And Mark learned most of his cooking from his father."

"Ah, I see. I heard he was a respectable man." I added not knowing what to fully say.

"But Mark has spoken very highly of you. How did you two meet?" His mother changed the subject.

"Oh, I was looking for another job after being let go from my babysitting gig. And Mark asked for an impromptu interview with his roommates, we hired me on the spot."

"What happened with babysitting?" She inquired.

"The Morgan's work schedule could not align with my class schedule, so they had to let me go. They were upset for it because I had been working for them almost three years." I explained.

"Well, at least you were not fired for something bad. How did you start living with Mark?" Man this woman was full of questions.

"Um, my identity was stolen so my autopay for my original apartment was not going through. But my landlord never bothered to tell me, so I assumed everything was okay until I got a call about being kicked out within a week. So, then I called the bank and that is how I found out that my bank is useless for protection. Mark happened to be there when I received the call and very graciously offered the spare bedroom to me." My words all spewed out of me.

"Interesting. It seems you have a great head on your shoulders according to Mark when he explained your field of study. What do you plan to do after graduating?"

I sighed trying to think of a good answer.

"Honestly, I am not for sure. I have had calls for different firms all over the Midwest but I really do not want to leave LA. Mark being the biggest reason for that, but I know if I tell him this, he would be upset that I am not following the dreams I had before I met him- he is a big part of my life now. I just do not think I could bare to be far away from him." I looked down at my hands that were holding plates ready to be served.

"Oh, honey. Do not fret, I know Mark will feel guilty for you changing your focus because of him, but I can already see that good things will unfold for you." She said calmly and sweetly after testing her hands on my shoulders.

"How do you know that, Mrs. Fischbach?"

"Oh, call me Mom." She smiled. "I know because I can see how gifted you are for being a go getter. You will figure something out. Oh, maybe Mark could employ you to manage him, because I know that boy needs it." She let go of my shoulders to start putting food on the table.

Quietly, I followed Mark's mother to the table to place the dinnerware. Setting silverware next to plates, napkins under silverware, and glasses behind the plates.

"What would you like, Mom?" I asked, slightly cringing at how awkward my voice sounded calling Mark's mother, Mom.

"There is red wine over on the rack, Lydia. Help yourself to any selection as well. Wait! How rude of me, do you drink Lydia?" Mark's mother checked herself before assuming.

"Yes, I drink. I understand Mark's health enzyme issue, so I completely understand your hesitation." I said with a smile.

Mark came from the living room with Thomas to help set the table.

I finished pouring wine for Mark's mother and I. Thomas and Mark indulged in water for their glasses.

Finally, with the boys help, everything ready. Hopefully, this dinner goes smoothly.