Superstar in Training

Ch. 3

Superstar in Training- Ch. 3

My first, and almost automatic response to what was happening was “What did he do now?” He, which was referring to my asshole of a father. He has done nothing but try and sabotage his and my mother’s divorce.

My mother chuckled at my accusation and shook her head. It amazes me how my mom can still maintain such a pristine look although she was obviously just crying. “Nothing this time sweetie, this, well this is about you.”

My heart sunk to the deepest pit in my stomach. I’ve only made my mother cry once, and it was by yelling at the top of my lungs ‘I hate you!’ because for some dumb reason we were arguing. I forgot the reason, but I know I probably caused it, just like cause every other negative thing in my mom’s life.

“What did I do?” I begged for an answer, wanting the guilt off my shoulders. Wanting to know what I had done so I could attempt to console her.

“Nothing, nothing sweetie. For once you aren’t in trouble. It’s just… some news. Good news of course.”

Déjà vu. I nodded my head, insisting her to continue. She took one long drag of a breath before explaining.

“Well Mr. Simon called me in today. We had a nice long chit chat about my position on you relocating here. He made his own set of points and I stated mine. But this time was different. This man had a plan, and obviously had his heart set on sending you here. Every possible hole I tried to find in his plan, he had an answer.”

I really, really, really hope this is going where I think it is. I was giddy with excitement, my heart beating faster at the idea of relocating here permanently like I’d always planned. 

“And after a fair two hours of bickering, we came to an… agreement. You have three options. The first one is we continue your monthly commute from home to here.” She must have seen the disappoint and dislike in my eyes because she quickly continued, “But I know you would automatically decline that one. Your second is, well, if you are in such need of having me with you here to start your career, then I’ll move here with you, to London.” I almost hugged her for being willing to make such a great sacrifice, but when I saw look that just flashed across her face, I knew she didn’t want that one, so I tucked to the back of my mind. I still have one more choice.

“And your last choice,” She took a large inhale and slowly exhaled. It was taking all of her strength not to break down crying. I just knew it. “Simon and I talked with Jim, and he agreed to give up his visitation hours with you to allow you to move here. Alone.” She states and I choke on the air in my lungs. Alone? I’m only fourteen! I can’t live alone! For James it was a different story, you can easily take care of yourself a 17, but 14?

“Don’t worry, you won’t be living alone. Mrs. Abby and Simon have already convinced Alex to stay with you.  And in 1 month, when Mia’s lease is up on her current home, she has agreed to move in too.” When my mom’s eyes finally met mine, I could tell why she was crying. You’re growing up too fast. I’m not ready to let go of my last baby.

The initial excitement I got from all this new information was soon replaced by a hallow, empty feeling. Was I ready to do this? Sure, I had always planned on coming here to pursue my dream, but not this young.

But then my mom whispered softly, “You have till Friday to tell Mrs. Abby and Simon your decision. But let’s be honest, you and I both know the right choice. Just don’t be afraid, for yourself and me. I want you to do this. Really, I do.”

For some reason, the reassurance was exactly what I needed. I nodded, and she grabbed my knee to comfort me. I was finally staying in London. But alone.