Flashcards On The Wall

Chapter 5: Phone Call

I talk to my mom on the phone usually every other day. We're close but don't usually see things the same way.

"We need to go over the calendar when you visit. When will that be?" Mom asks.

I turn on the speaker and set my phone down so I can finish getting ready.

"I don't know. Maybe in a few weeks," I answer.

"We miss you Millie."

"I miss you guys too," I say.

"Then try to make time please," she pleads.

"I know. You work too hard," Mom tells me.

"I'm managing," I say.

"Are you eating?" she starts her usual questioning.

Here we go.

"Yes, I'm eating."

"Getting enough sleep?" she continues.

Oh my God.

"Mom it's my third year away from home, don't worry."

And people wonder where I get it from?

"Amelia it's my job to worry."

The sad thing is, between us two, she's the calm one.

"Look I have class, but I will check my schedule and get back to you on when I can visit okay?" I offer.

"Don't study too much," she tells me.

"I'm pretty sure you're supposed to be telling me the opposite," I comment.

"Not my kid. Have you met you? You always stayed up long after I went to bed doing homework. I know exactly what I'm saying," she explains.

"Hey, hey, no judging me," I defend myself.

"All I'm saying is do something exciting every now and then. Break one of your rules. Or break them all. Get a good story to tell years from now," she tells me.

Yeah right.

Mom has good stories. The best, most thrilling ones. I heard them all as a child. She was carefree. Mom was someone that thought life was meant to be enjoyed every minute of every day. Then she ended up with me. I know Mom wishes I was like her; I've wished for that too. While we have similar taste in things, our personalities are pretty much opposites. I joke I switched as a baby. She jokes about finding an adorable baby she raised as her own. We don't always understand each other but have never let our differences get in the way of our relationship.

"I will try," I say.

"I almost forgot to tell you, guess who is not getting married after all?" Mom asks.

"I don't know. You know more people than I can keep track of," I respond.

"Preston," she answers.

"Oh. That's...unfortunate for him I suppose," I respond.

"Can you believe that? Weeks before the date and she changed her mind," Mom continues.

"Nobody can make you say, 'I do'," I answer.

"Maybe we can have Preston over when you finally decide to visit?" Mom asks.

"It's not your job to cheer him up," I say.

"You know Preston is family. He's family to Connor, so he's family to us to," she explains.

Technically he's not family to Connor, my stepfather. Preston's dad is friends with Connor and yes Connor is Preston's godfather, but Preston is not a relative.

"He's not my family," I insist.

"I bet he could use a friend right now," she's implying me of course.

"I'm sure he has some," I say.

"Can you try to be nice Amelia? At least think about reaching out to him. Please? I don't ask you for much? I know Connor would appreciate it," she says.

"Connor would never ask me for that kind of favor," I insist, "I really have to go now Mom."

"Okay, think about it. Love you," she says.

"Love you too," I end the call knowing I won't do what she asked.

I sort of dated Preston in high school, but I wasn't his girlfriend. I was the girl he saw after he dropped off whatever girlfriend he had at the time. If you're doing the math, I was the other girl. That was the one and only time I ever let what a guy talk me into settling. I lost respect for myself and him after that. So, no we aren't family and we most certainly are not friends.