Another Tomorrow

Chapter 11

Eleven

                “Good afternoon,” my mother greeted as I entered the kitchen. My step faltered and my eyes widened in surprise.

                “Hey, Mom. Is everything okay?”

                She looked up from her typing on her laptop. “Of course, why do you ask?”

                I slowly walked around the island counter, standing across from where she was sitting. “It’s Saturday afternoon. You’re usually at work by now.”

                “Yes, well, I thought I’d spend time with you today.”

                I was surprised yet again. My mother hasn’t taken time out of her busy work schedule to spend time with me in years. Maybe she was turning a new leaf today.

                “Until I have to leave for a court appearance,” she added.

                And there goes all the hope I was beginning to form.

                “As much as I’d love to be your source of entertainment while you wait to go to work, I have to get to my own job,” I told her, trying not to sound too bitter. Sometimes it was unavoidable around her.

                “Elyse, you know you mean much more to me than that. And what job? Since when have you had a job?”

                “I’ve been working as a waitress at Red’s Diner for about a week now,” I answered.

                “A week? Why am I just hearing about this now?” she replied in an aggravated tone.

                “You haven’t exactly been around much, Mom. I’m telling you now because it’s the first chance I’ve had.”

                She huffed and brushed her blonde hair out of her face. “Why do you even have a job? I’ve given you everything you’ve asked for. What, do you want a car? Fine, I’ll get you a car.”

                “What? You will?”

                She nodded and fixed her blazer in a businesslike way. “Yes, as soon as you quit your job as a waitress.”

                I immediately glared at her for that. “No, never mind then. I’m not quitting my job. I like working there.”

                “But why? Wouldn’t you rather work somewhere else? I’m sure my firm has a few open positions.”

                I shook my head. “Like I said, I’m not quitting. I’m an adult now and I can make my own decisions. I choose to work at Red’s Diner.”

                My mother’s eyes burned with anger as she abruptly stood up. “You are living under my roof, which means my word is final. You will quit that job, Elyse,” she demanded.

                “Then I’m moving out! I refuse to take orders from someone who has barely been in my life! You’re acting as if you know what’s best for me, but you really have no idea what that is. Don’t worry, you won’t have to concern yourself with my life anymore. I’ll make sure to find a new place to live by the end of this week.”

                “Elyse, don’t walk away from me! Elyse!”

                I ignored my mother’s shouts and continued walking away. I quickly slipped my shoes on, put my jacket on, grabbed my purse, and left the house. I couldn’t be happier to deal with whatever chaotic obstacles I’d face at work today. Nothing could top what just happened between my mother and me.