Set Her Free

5.

Liz Anne's POV

The keys wiggled through the ceiling-to-ground door before unlocking it to welcome the silence. It seemed like no one was home because by now there would be newspapers on the center table in the living room and music coming from the kitchen as my mother would prepare dinner.

"Mom?"

Yesterday was harsh. I don't think I could forgive myself for speaking harshly to her but at some point, one must vent out. And on the other hand, she was also wrong.

I toss the keys on the entry table causing a few objects to fall but I couldn't care less. My mother would later annoy me about this but well two slaps from yesterday could be worse. When I enter my room, I am caught of guard as her long figure is stretched across my bed with my favorite Louis Vuitton scarf wrapped around her arms and close to her nose. My heart softened at the sight and I couldn't bare to wake her up as she looked very much at peace. I quietly rest my bag on the floor and make my way out of the room but jump dead in my tracks when my mother calls for me from behind.

"Mother!" I whine from the sudden scare, "don't you ever do that!" I scream at her and she gives me a stern yet soft look, " sorry I didn't mean to let my words out in a harsh tone but you just scared me."

"Sorry, I dozed off a little, was up all night thinking. Come and sit by me," she gestures for me to sit next to her and it takes me two minutes to break the stubborn act and head to my mother. "Maybe you were right about the whole independent decision making."

"Pardon?" Is this my mother here or an alien in disguise?

"You're old enough to think and act for yourself. I was just not expecting you to change your mind about Harvard and you know I just want the best for you. I want you to feel so confident as you walk into any firm with your Harvard certificate,anyone would want you." My tears threaten to come down but I forced them in or my mom would join my breakdown and won't finish what she has to say.

"Moving here was never planned, it just happened and you know it. I fell in love with him and he offered to help with everything. I couldn't let that chance slip from my hand before it was too late. Try and understand me please , it's been hard for me as much as you and I'm happy that at least you're able to get along and socialize with people here and you're not sad and friendless. I believe in you, always," my mother continued to talk as my tears broke free, I couldn't hold them back anymore, "You can apply to Yale tonight if you want before it's too late. Last night was a nightmare but I want to turn over that leaf like it never happened, can we?"

"Of course mum," I leaned into my mother's arms and let go of my tears. She has been through a lot and I can't hold that grudge against her forever. She got married to someone who takes good care of us and is always ready to invest in us and help, my only problem was moving across the world and leaving my friends behind. I have Ariana now, so it's not bad, "I'm sorry for being harsh yesterday mum, I really didn't mean to say all that to you."

"It's okay mija , we all make mistakes. Now get washed and do whatever you have to do before dinner is ready."

"Okay," I kiss her cheek as I get up to wash my face and call Ariana, maybe she can come over. At the second ring, she picks up, "Hola shawty!"

"Ari can you make it over to my house?" I sniff my runny nose to prevent it from coming down.

"Are you crying???Lizzy what's wrong? I'll be there in five!"

"Ariana chill I'm okay, just get here fast."

"Will be there soon, bye." She cut the call and I opened my closet to get changed into something less suffocating.