Faded Memories | lp

Chapter Seven

September 2nd, 2014

I'm awakened by a rapping at the screen door. Leaving the lights off, I walk slowly to the door that leads to the front enclosed porch. I peek through the window. The woman that stands at the front door is wearing twenty pounds of makeup, has her hair in terrifying perm, and is wearing the skimpiest, most revealing clothing I've ever seen.

I recognize her as my mother.

I warily unlatch the door and say, "Mom? What are you doing here?"

She pulls me into a hug and replies, "I told you I'd be on the first flight out."

"But it's two in the morning! I was asleep!" I say.

"Well flying isn't instantaneous, you know." She replies. She pushes past me into the house and she drops her bag on my bed.

"My back is sore, honey, can I sleep on the bed and you take the sofa?" She bats her eyes at me and I nod without meaning to. She smiles and closes my bedroom door practically in my face. I turn and make myself comfy on the couch with a thin blanket and a throw pillow. Tiger snuggles up to my side. I stroke her fur until I hear little kitty snores.

I stare out the window for a while, but time must've escaped me, because next thing I know, the sky begins to brighten and the moon disappears. I exhale loudly and close my eyes, exhaustion finally kicking in.

That's when my mom decides to shower and blow dry her hair. She didn't even bother to shut the door. But, she is my mother, and I love her unconditionally. What has she ever done to me?

"Jo, darling, it's time to get up!" My mom rushes over to the couch and pulls the blanket, along with the cat, away from me. Tiger-lily lands on her feet and gives an awful hiss. She then goes and hides behind the TV stand.

"I didn't sleep at all last night, I think I'm just gonna go lay in my bed and-" I'm cut off.

"No time, we're going out for breakfast!" She cheers and claps her hands. I smile on the outside, but on the inside I'm complaining. My mother has done so much for me, it's the least I can do

"How long are you staying?" I ask, scratching my head and letting out a massive yawn.

"My plane home leaves tonight, I couldn't be away from the kids too long." She says.

Kids?

"Oh, right, you probably don't remember I was re-married. Well, his name's John and he has three daughters and a son. He's a very wealthy man and we're happy together." She puts an emphasis on wealthy and I smile and nod like it doesn't break my heart.

"I guess I'll go get dressed." I say. I put on a peach colored tank top and black shorts. I find a pair of old tennis shoes and I finish with the sunglasses Liam gave me.

I've hardly talked to him, I wonder what he's up to. I'll call him tonight.

Before exiting my room, I hear my mom talking to someone. She must be on the phone. The only words I pick up are Jo, breakfast, public, cameras, and the time. I think nothing of it, maybe she's just telling John what we're doing.

I push open the door and Mom hangs up her phone quickly, like she's afraid to be caught. I don't want it to sound like I was eavesdropping so I pretend not to notice. I get my phone and my mom seems to be in a hurry. Maybe she was making reservations on the phone.

"How did you get here?" I ask but my question is answered as soon as I see what's parked in my little dirt driveway.

A Mercedes. She rented a Mercedes.

Mom explains that it was the only option left that was suitable for her but I just nod like I understand.

"Do you know the local rock station?" I ask once in the car. I begin pushing buttons and tuning the radio but my mom shoos my hand away and puts it on the top 40 station.

"What is this crap?" I ask. The screen says that it's Summer by Calvin Harris. I search the satellite stations for any classic rock stations but my mom always turns it back to her wonderful top 40. I give up.

We drive through the peaceful town and down into the countryside. It seems like we've been driving for ages when we finally arrive in an even smaller town. But, it sure is busy. Dozens and dozens of cars are parked around a little restaurant at the end of the main drag.

"Is that where we're eating?" I ask, pointing to the busy restaurant.

"Yep, it's a good thing I made reservations for miss Jo Burgundy." She smiles and genuine smile but I don't return it. Maybe all those cars are parked around the place because I'm gonna be there.

We get out of the car and walk inside, and I swear I'm nearly blinded from the camera flashes that go off around us.

My mom gets the hostess to take us to a table but the cameras don't stop. A girl, probably about fourteen or fifteen comes up to the table once we're seated.

"Can you sign my book?" She twists her hands and brings a copy of Detached out of her backpack.

I'm about to respond when my mom says, "You're disgusting. Can't you let us be for just a few minutes?" My mouth is open in shock. The girl looks on the verge of tears.

"Mother! Of course I'll sign your book, sweetheart." I smile and take her pen and book. I sign my name with a heart.

"Thanks for reading it, have a good day." I smile and she walks away. I turn to my mother.

"What the hell was that about?" I demand.

"You're fans are too pushy, it's like you never have privacy anymore." She sighs and checks something on her phone. I'm so blown away by her behavior, my mother would've never done that two years ago. I just sit back in my seat and bite my tongue, I don't want to argue.

We place our orders and make small talk at the table. I realize that I find everything she says annoys me. I don't know if that's just a trait from the past two years that stayed, or if I just find her genuinely annoying.

She's in the middle of telling me about her plastic surgery when the foods comes. I'm thinking about sending an SOS to the waitress but I resist. I try to zone out of her gossip and exaggerated stories by shoving mouthfuls of food into my mouth. Every once in a while, I'll drop some pasta down unto my lap.

I almost cry when my pasta is gone and my mom is still running her jaw. I nod and add words like yeah, totally, agreed, and wow into the conversation to makes it seem like I'm paying attention. I don't know why I feel this way, last I knew, my mother and I were like best friends.

I guess a lot can change in two years.