MIXED EMOTIONS

10. BROKE

First thing I did as soon as I woke up, was fix myself up with a sweet and scrumptious stack of Belgium waffles, from our very efficient waffle maker. Scrambled eggs, and of course bacon. I guess that's what break-ups to do you, huh? 

As I finished the last bit of my savory breakfast, I heard the front door open and my mother's voice boomed through the living room. "We can't pay the bills, Charles! I can't keep doing this-" 

Charles interrupted, "I'm trying Kellie, just bare with me." Bills not being paid? Of course this is about Charles' unemployment issues. 

"This happens all the time, It's tired of this." My mother continued.

"I'm trying, Kellie. I am." Although I can't see them from the kitchen, I heard the embarrassment in Charles' voice, and tension in my mother's.

I can't help but creep into the entrance of the living room to get a better look at them. That's when my mother spots me trying eavesdrop. She stared me down and Charles looked even more embarrassed then he sounded. 

I know this is going to turn into an quarrel between my mother and I, but I do care if the bills are not being paid. 

I walked from the entrance and into the living room. "I think you should call dad and maybe-" 

"And maybe nothing!" My mother hollered. By now I know we're not getting anywhere with my idea of calling my dad for help. 

So I turned to Charles. "Charles, wouldn't you want some help paying the bills, while you're trying to get a job in the meantime?" He seems to really think about for a second, then my mother answered for him like she always does. 

"No, he wouldn't! Like I said, I don't want you father's money!" I ignored her and tried to convince Charles into dad helping. "I'm serious, Charles. We could use the little money."  

He nodded unsure then looked at my mother, "Kellie, maybe would should consider it." 

"No. Absolutely not." She disagreed. Again. 

"Yes. Absolutely yes. You and I, both know we need it." I snapped. How else could we be able to pay the bills on time? We all know Charles isn't going to magically be hired somewhere. So why not? 

She reared her head back and raised her voice, "Now you're calling all the shots? Please, I  pay the bills around here, and I  make decisions around here. Not you." 

I could feel myself getting heated and even more frustrated with this conversation. 

I shrugged, "Okay, that's fine. You pay the bills, You'll be on the streets. Not me." I know this sounds harsh and disrespectful, but I was only being real. 

I brushed past them, and my mother started ranting again but I didn't answer her. 

I went in the bathroom, turned the water on. The cold water made me jump. Now there's no hot water?

My life is crumbling right before my eyes. And I can't control it.