Cover Story

Opening Up

My eyes opened to an unfamiliar face. Groaning I lifted my head off the pavement and landed into the hands of what I believed to be an EMT.

"Ma'am are you alright?" The man asked assertively.

I try to mumble a few words before a light shined directly into my eyes. "I'm fine! I'm fine!" I sit up waving the light away from me.

Griff and the EMT help me to my feet and I dust myself off.

"What happened?" Griff asked. His eyes filled with concern, like a parent looks when their child hurts themselves.

My eyes shift hastily, almost searching the skies for an answer further from the truth. "I don't know... I must be working too hard. I didn't get a lot of sleep last night and all I had was that coffee.." I sigh, "I'm fine though, I'm just gonna go home and get some rest.." I add walking to my car.

"You sure you can drive?" Griff asked.

"Yeah I'll be fine. I'll see you tomorrow." I reply walking away.

Arriving home, I smell a peculiar smell coming from the hallway. There were 7 apartments on each floor so it could've came from anywhere but once I moved closer to my own door, I realized it was mine. It smelled like home, like the weekends I would stay with my parents and my brother would be home from a tour and she'd cook a big dinner.

I open the door to my mother in the kitchen and my father sitting on the couch. "I didn't know you guys were coming.." I grin.

"We were in town and it was spur of the moment. Your father and I decided we'd come over and cook for you.. as you can see I'm doing all the cooking." My mother chuckled.

"After the game baby, two more quarters!" My father replied.

I giggle flopping beside my father, "well I'm glad because I hadn't eaten today. You guys didn't happen to catch the broadcast today?" I ask almost embarrassed.

"No we were out the house all day today. How'd it go?"

"Ehhh.." I whine, "if you didn't see it, I'd rather not talk about it." I lean on my father's shoulder.

"Was it that bad Bianca?" My father asked.

I nod my head, a small pout pushing out my lips.

My doorbell rang, prompting my mother to answer. "Oh, hi Cory."

"Mrs. Rogers, it's been so long! How are you?" He hugs her. Cory has somehow convinced my parents he's the perfect man for me and they've been pushing for us to date since I started working for him.

"I'm just here to check on Ms Bianca, I heard she wasn't feeling to well.." he smiles at me, causing me to roll my eyes.

"Thanks Cory, I'm fine now. My parents are taking great care of me." I fake a smile back. "I'd hate to keep you here for no reason.."

"Nonsense, it's been a while since Cory and I have watched a game, come sit! Bulls and the Knicks are playing." My father insists.

"Why don't you just stay for dinner as well?" My mother smiles.

"I'm sure Cory has plenty food at his house.." I mutter.

"I do! But I'm always open to your mom's cooking." He grins sitting on the chair next to my father. He knew I didn't want him there and was using my parents as an advantage.

"Bianca is a phenomenal reporter. I don't plan on letting her go." Cory explained to my mother after dinner.

"When are you gonna date my daughter? I think you two would be perfect." My mother smiles, my cough covering my revolted facial expression.