I threw my books on the floor as I walked into my room. my cat, Mr fresh, was waiting expectantly for me by the window.
"I know how you feel Freshie. the
weather is horrible"
I took out my iPhone and dialled Derek.
"Etta James"
"Derek Foster"
"To what do I owe this pleasure?"
"A tragedy my dear. I'd like to report a crime"
"Well... out with it girl!"
"I can't make lunch today. dad shot down my protests. maybe tomorrow after your test?"
"I don't understand why you live so far away from the city Miss James... you miss out on everything!"
"Dee, I think I know. and I'm miserable enough as it is. Call Tim and let him know will you?"
"Sure thing. bye love"
"Bye best friend"
I threw myself on my bed and screamed, loud, barely audible shrieks of annoyance and fell asleep.
The soft hammering of the afternoon rain woke me up. I stood up, stumbling, as I stood up too quickly. I trudged downstairs to find my parents and hopefully get them to change their minds about going out. Mom was in the kitchen, speaking to her producer about her show probably. I decided she would be too busy to say yes so I decided to bother dad instead. I found him in his study, his body bent over a newspaper article on genetic engineering.
"Wow pops, I didn't take you to be interested in that kind of thing"
"I find it quite intriguing, not interesting. there is a difference my dear"
"I'm sure it is... so is there any chance I can still make a late lunch with Dee and Tim?"
"I'm afraid not Etta.. the rain is too dangerous. I doubt anyone will come this wa..."
His fake monotonous speech was interrupted by a squeal, of joy I was guessing. I ran to the kitchen to find my mom in the air. of course she wasn't flying, my big god of a brother had lifted her up from the floor. the poor producer guy looked shocked that the famous Chef Helena Tilloné-James was human. I smiled at Brody as he made his way towards me and playfully hit him as he did the one thing I hoped he wouldn't do; he picked me up even after I warned him not to.
"Okay, okay mr excited. put me down"
"Oh, lil sis, I have missed you so
much!"
"Yeah, I know. how's america?"
"It's amazing, you should visit sometime"
"I'm sure your mother wou...."
"Where should I put this bag Brody?"
some model looking girl, with the most beautiful hair I has ever seen, walked in with a suitcase and shopping bags. She didn't really need an introduction because her ring spoke volumes.
"Family, meet my fiancé, Madison Greer. madison, meet the family"
Out of nowhere, the glass my mom was holding fell to the floor in a loud shatter. hectic. I ran my eyes over the ring, I decided It cost a lot and was probably non-refundable. I searched for signs of a baby bump but nothing. Brody was actually in love. ha! take that Helena James. my mother picked up the broken pieces of glass as our Butler, Fred, brought in the rest of the stuff.
"Where should I put this Brody?"
"In my room Fred. thanks "
He hurled the bags and stalked towards the stairs to Brody's bedroom.
"No! Madison is a guest and I'm sure you'd like to make good use of the guesthouse instead Brody. I mean, it's lovelier out there than in here"
Mom went out into the rain, to the guesthouse. I didn't want to be the one that followed after her but someone had to. I grabbed an umbrella and followed her out. the warm, dimly lit cottage or house as I called it, oozed love and the end of summer. I found her in the bedroom fluffing pillows.
"Are you angry mom?"
"No. why would you say that?"
"Well... you've been beating that pillow up since I walked in"
"Oh... it's nothing. I'm fine. just a lil shocked that's all. Madison seems nice doesn't she?"
"I would like to think so. she's the love of my life, a soul mate. she's an amazing woman and I would love it if my mom gave her a chance."
Brody's towering figure blocked the doorway so I could not escape. poor me was forced to listen to the exchange of words, mostly from mom's side.
"Brody you two are young, you have many years ahead of you! why rush for marriage now?"
"I love her mom! I love her and her family loves me too!"
I decided this would be too much for me so I ducked under Brody's arm and went outside to the stables. my dad stood with our oldest horse, Gretchen, preparing her for a ride. I fetched Dilly, her daughter, to take her for a therapeutic walk alongside her mom.
"So, a daughter-in-law huh dad?"
"She seems nice"
"Doesn't bother you that Brody is starting his own family?"
"Nah, I feel I've taught him all he needs to know. he's an adult, this is his decision to make ultimately "
I stared at my dad's face and saw a proud smile forming around his mouth. a good sign, unlike the thunderous state mom was in. poor Brody.
