The Divided House

Chapter Four - Family Knows Best

Chapter Four - Family Knows Best

Tiffany goes back to scribbling some stuff as she gets comfy and snuggles up the pillows on the couch. She wore her hair in a bun and wore Jack's Columbia University sweater and shorts.

She falls asleep on the couch eventually until the phone rings.

"You've reached Jack and Tiffany Parker's residence, please leave a message after the beep!"

"Tiffany, I know you're in there. Pick up, hon." A mysterious woman said.

Tiffany sprung up as soon as she heard the voice. "It can't be!" She yelled. "Mom?!" She exclaimed. She quickly got the phone and picked it up.

"Mom?" She asked. "Honey! Sweetie! Did you forget?" She asked. "Did I forget what?" Tiffany asked as if she forgot something. "You forgot to pick me up at the airport. Thanks for being a good daughter." She said sarcastically. "I totally forgot you were coming mom. Where are you now?" Tiffany asked as she panics and gets her stuff from her room and impatiently clicks on the elevator button repeatedly.

Ding!

"Honey! You look great." Her mom pops out of the elevator and hugs her. "Mom! I'm so sorry I didn't get to pick you up on time." Tiffany said and helps her mother settle in the living room as she brings the luggage. "It's okay honey." Her mom, Bella said. She was brunette - little streaks of white hair here and there, still looking young and still has a nice body. Bella Andrina Oakley used to be one of the Editors for New York Times and now she has written two books - "Being A Mother" and "Moms Know Best" who made it on the best sellers list in the world.

"How is daddy and Xavi?" Tiffany asked as she looks for something in the kitchen. "Well, Xavi and your father are looking at some colleges in North Carolina, if you know what I mean." Her mom said. "Xavi's going to Duke?" She asks.

Xavier "Xavi" Daniel Oakley is a promising and rising football star who was scouted by Duke University. He was not only good at the sport but is also academically inclined.

"Most probably, he got in and he's trying out for the Blue Devils." Her mom replied. "Football? He's really pursuing that?" She asked. "Well of course! You followed your dream, why can't he? And you know your father." Her mom replied. "Yeah, yeah. So how was France?" She asked. "France was alright. Wished your dad would've spent it with me though." She replied. "Awe but you got to spend it with Aunt Carol, right? Oh and where is she by the way?" Tiffany asked. "Yes and it was lovely. She's on her way back to Philadelphia, back to her family." Her mom replied. "Ahhh I see. How long are you gonna be staying here, mom?" She asked. "About a week, cause your father's not coming back til Sunday so it looks like I'll be here for a while." Her mom said. "Oh alright, you could stay in the guest bedroom. I'll have it cleaned before you can go rest up mom." "Okay."

Tiffany's dad, Charlie Garett Oakley used to be a Line Backer for the Giants back in the day. Then he became the Coach and is now retired and living happily with his family.

Tiffany brings her some coffee and they catch up in the living room.

"So how are you and Jack?" Bella asked.

"We're fine, mom." Tiffany replied.

"You don't sound fine. Are you still fighting with Jack?"

"Mom, it's been three years now that we haven't slept in the same bed, and we haven't had sex for a year now!" Tiffany shouted and broke down in tears.

Her mom lets her lean on her shoulder and cuddles with her. "Oh honey, everything's gonna be okay."

"I miss him mom."