Another Cliché Love Story

The Date

I open the door to my house. It feels good to be home.

I rush to my room and throw my bags down and go to my bookcase and grab a book.

I hop on my bed and open up the book to where I left off.

I read Stephen King's Pet Cemetery for hours until I hear the doorbell ring.

I know the maids are supposed to get out, but it's my house I want to get it.

I go downstairs and open the door and see my mother.

She's crying and wraps me in her arms.

"Where is your sister?" She whispers in my ear.

"She awaiting bail. I know she was the one who intentionally hit me with her car."

Mother groans. "You shouldn't have done that. Elizabeth needs help, not to be locked up."

I let go of her and turn to walk away.

She grabs my wrist. "I have news."

My stomach drops.

She guides me to the couch and we sit. She studies me for a few moments.

"Remember when I was telling you about your father's debt?"

I nod.

"I, uh, fixed it. The company is strong, I just have one request."

"Yes."

"You stay away from Jamal. He is a horrible man. And just know that I did things so we could be safe." She declares sobbing.

"Mother what happened?" I ask, holding her.

"Just stay away! I have given up too much for this company. Stay away from him and his family!"

"Mom tell me."

"I have stage two Breast Cancer."

No no no. Why does this disease continue to plague my family?

Tears swell up in my eyes. I will be a orphan.

"What?!"

She hugs me tight. "In case I die. I leave my company to you. Elizabeth is not mentally fit for it. You will run the company. Have it grow!"

That's everything I've ever wanted.

"You're not going to die, before you get right with the Lord. Mom, you were kinda evil to me. I have forgiven you, but you need to come to church with me so we can fix your soul."

She frowns thinking about it. "Fine." She declares.

The doorbell rings.

I'm already feeling drained and I just got back.

I go to the door and see Emanuel.

He is in a T-shirt and dark black jeans. He has his guitar strapped to his back. And I just noticed he has his right ear pierced.

"Hey." He greets with a smile, showing his deep dimples.

"Hi." I offer.

"Umm, I usually don't barge in like this, but do you want to go a date?"

"It's a thousand degrees outside."

"Trust me when I say I know the perfect place to go." He counters.

I look back at my mother who was clearly ease dropping.

"That's fine Eliza, I was going to call Winona and tell her to meet me at her church." Mother says, with a wink.