Artifice of Love

Chapter 4

"You got in a what!"

"An accident."

Celine had forgotten that she was supposed to meet Jeffrey two weeks ago. His sudden call had reminded her.

"So that's why you weren't able to make it," he said, his voice full of understanding. "Which hospital are you at? I'll come visit you."

"My mom's coming today," said Celine. "I don't want her to see you and misunderstand."

"You don't want her to think we got back together?" Jeffrey asked.

"Of course not," said Celine. "I have no intention of getting back together with you."

Jeffrey was silent for a moment. "Are you sure about that?"

Celine's heart thudded against her chest. What did he mean? Of course she meant that. Jeffrey Ferolis had never caused anything but trouble in her life. She would be stupid to take him back.

"I'll take that as a no since you didn't answer."

Celine's mind returned to the conversation. "My life is kind of a mess right now. I don't think there's enough time for us to meet."

"Then I'll go to your house after you're discharged," said Jeffrey. "Send me the time and address."

He hung up before she could protest.
Celine sighed. Things were going to get even more rough.
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Her mother arrived a few hours later, carrying a large fruit basket and flowers. Cassandra Tierson was a short, petite woman, with a bubbly personality and a chronic case of nosiness. She wore a flower-printed dress with strappy brown sandals and carried a designer handbag which she flaunted like a young child showing off a new toy.

Elliot had excused himself so they could speak alone.

"Oh my god! What the hell happened to you?" was the first thing her mother said as she sat on the edge of the hospital  bed. "You look like you've been run over by a truck."

"I was," Celine replied, although she was sure that Elliot had already explained the situation.

Celine's mother set the basket and flowers down and shifted onto the chair beside her.

She propped her head up with a hand in a slightly dramatic fashion."Elliot said that you have something to tell me."

Celine bit her lip, already regretting her decision to voice her feelings. "Not really."

"You should let it out," her mother said. "Worrying too much will make you age. I can already see some wrinkles under your eyes."

She sighed. Celine wasn't sure how to word her emotions but decided to speak anyway. "I know you didn't mean it," she said, "but it felt as if you were ignoring me. You were always so focused on yourself and your new life that it felt like I was the only thing holding you back, reminding you of Dad. There were so many things I wanted to say but I was just too scared that you'd feel guilty and start to crumble again. I've already watched you break down once and I don't ever want to see it again..."

Her mother reached over and held her hand in hers. "I'm here now. You can tell me anything."

Celine studied the face that resembled hers, the gentle gaze and soft features.
"I was really hurt when you asked me to move out," she said.

She remembered the day she had vowed never to go back home; it was only two months after high school graduation. Her mother had sat her down at the kitchen table and spoke about her becoming independent. It felt like her mother didn't want her anymore and was telling her to go away.