How to Love You

49

December 1st

Oh, how I love surprise visits from my parents.

Holding her cheap thrift store purse, like one of the rich girls from Beverley Hills, my mom paraded into my house, my dad lugging behind her with his hands uncomfortably in his pockets.

"To what do I owe the pleasure, mom?" I sarcastically, remarked, while embracing her in a hug.

"Can't a mother just visit her son when she pleases?" My mom replied, stepping passed me to examine the house. Jokes on her, though, I cleaned up the living room that previously displayed empty alcohol bottles, pizza boxes, and dirty blankets. Even though I hadn't cleaned my entire house, I was making small steps, and that's better than allowing mold to form everywhere.

"Of course," I paused," "but you don't usually visit unless there's a reason." My mom instantly turned around on her heels to face me.

"Where's Danielle?" My mom asked, pouting her lips in anguish.

"She's gone, she moved in with her new boyfriend." My mom scoffed, strutting away from me.

"Figures." She paused, momentarily, before sighing,"okay, I lied. I did come for a reason."

"Which is?" I folded my arms over my chest, a puzzling look evident on my face.

"The Harpers are throwing their anniversary party and invited us. I know the situation is a bit uncomfortable, but I feel it's only polite adequate to show up."

Ah, the annual anniversary party your parents loved to throw for themselves. While the party would only consist of a bunch of adults gossiping, plenty of drinking, and you, of course, my mom had a point. I've gone to this event for the past three years, so it would just seem wrong to not show up.

"Yeah, l'll go." I smiled at my mom, who just patted my shoulder in reply.

"I'm proud of you, I know this isn't easy for you, Chase. You look great though, show that girl what she's missing." She kissed my cheek, before exiting with my dad by her side.

Seeing you, all happy and in love, would for sure be difficult, but I don't care. In other words, I was going to celebrate your parents 26th anniversary together; I wasn't going to see you, so as a wise women once said, don't flatter yourself.