If it's one thing I can't stand, it's hearing my mother cry. And this happens quite a lot. Thanks to the new jerk my mom has brought to the house, Mark. Although, he isn't exactly new. He used to work with my mom long ago.
"Emma Greene, open this door!" Mom bangs.
I shut my computer and unlock the door. "Emma Gellar-Greene." I open the door to find a mascara streaked, weeping ghost of a woman. I pull her inside and glare at her.
"What the hell were you thinking?"
She cowards onto my bed. Her eyes catch the attention of something else. "Did Uncle Joey give you another signed poster?"
I nod. My Uncle Joey gives me autographed things all the time, since he's a soap opera actor. If anyone comes into my room, they could mistake me for a DOOL fan.
"But that's not the point. You need to wake up, grow up, and find Dad. You were so great together. When Monica and Chandler moved, you fell out of love because of work. But you've been promoted. Now, you don't need to work as hard."
She shakes her head. "Mark will change."
I've heard her utter these words many times. But I'm not stupid. Nothing's changed. It kills me to see her like this. The only way I've coped with it is my fashion website. I want to be like my mom. I want to work in the world of fashion. I take articles of clothing I like, pair them together, put them on, and snap a picture that uploads to my blog. Not many people have taken much interest yet, but hey, you've got to start somewhere.
The call box outside buzzes. I run outside to get it. By the time I am out of the room, I am sure my mother has worn herself out to sleep.
"Who is it?"
"Ben." It's my 22 year old step-brother.
"Come in."
I open the door and he pulls me into a strong embrace.
"Fighting again?" He murmurs.
"Uh-huh. Why is it this complicated?" I sob.
He sighs. "They'll find each other. Eventually."
I break away. "How do you know that, Ben? They could be apart for the rest of time!"
He laughs. "They won't. You brought them together. You can bring them back."
"I also drove them apart."
"They're not as young and stupid anymore. You're also not as little and needy. Trust me, everything will work out. Guys like Mark, they don't last."
I hope Mark's expiration date was coming up soon. Because I couldn't do all my mom's dirty work forever.
