What It's Like To Be Liked

19. Hi, I'm Kaylee Dilt And I'll Be Your Psychotherapist For Today

What's going on: Kaylee and her friends have gone for their Geography fieldtrip. However, on the way, Jake faked a headache and got Kaylee and himself a Sick Pass. Annalese and Linda are taking their kids on a picnic this weekend. Robert, Kaylee's father, has been trying to keep in contact with his family but the last thing Kaylee wants is to talk to him.

Chapter 19 - Hi, I'm Kaylee Dilt And I'll Be Your Psychotherapist For Today

 Going on a date with Jake was not exactly how I had planned to spend the field trip. It was supposed to be educational and romance-free. Educational it was, indeed, just not about anything related to Geography. And about the romance-free part, with Jake around, I would have to work on that.

However, one thing I did learn from today was that the almighty Jacob South had a vulnerable side. And I was one of the lucky peasants to whom he displayed this side, voluntarily.

After waving goodbye to Jake, I entered my house, thoughts of today running through my head. Someone I didn't expect to see so early was seated on the blue comforter in the living room - MY blue comforter to be more specific.

"Mom, aren't you supposed to be at work?" I asked her, tossing my backpack on to the empty couch.

"Yeah, honey, I am. I've just taken a teeny-tiny lunch break." She paused. "You remember Brad? My boss?" She asked, then continued delightfully without waiting for my reply, "Well.. he's taking Linda and me out for lunch!"

I sat down opposite her with a frown. Great, now this Brad guy was her boss too?

"Um, doesn't Linda have to manage her boutique?" I confronted her.

I came to know through Jake about his mom's business. He usually kept his personal life concealed at school, which was pretty strange considering his herd of fangirls had his private stuff posted all over Blooms & Wilts. Besides, Brad and Mom better not be alone on this date. I didn't get a very good vibe from him. And if Dad were here..

"Oh, she has left some of the staff in charge. Don't worry about Lin," said Mom as she waved her hand.

"You're right." I paused before continuing, "I should be worrying about you. What's up with all the Brad talks and the Brad dates, Mom? Who is this guy?"

She shifted awkwardly on the comforter, chewing on her lower lip - a habit I had picked up from her. "Ahh, that's kind of why I wanted to speak with you first." She looked straight into my eyes. "Do you think I'm moving on too fast? I mean, if you're uncomfortable with Brad around, I'll ignore him or something. I mean, honey, are you okay with me going out so often?"

"Um... "

I didn't know what to say. Of course I wasn't fine with Brad. Anyone whose parents spilt up would be against their mom's new man. But then again, I did want Mom to be happy. And with Brad, she seemed to forget all about the divorce. And of, well.. Dad.

As if reading my mind she said, "Don't think I don't miss Robert. Because I do. I really do, honey. But it's not guaranteed that he's coming back so, we've got to get over him,"

I didn't say anything.

Thinking about Dad was fine. But actually talking about what he had done? I'd rather jump into a well full of tiny Arianas and spend the rest of the week there.

"Honey, you've got to look at the positive side of every situation," said Mom, her voice more motherly and wiser this time. "If your dad hadn't left us, we would never have learned to live independently."

Him again.

"Will you stop mentioning him in almost every conversation?" I stood up, frustrated. "You want to go on a bazillion dates? Fine. Go! You want to leave me home alone every other day? Great! Do it." My body fell back onto the soft leather of our couch. "I'm just so sick of constantly being reminded of what he did."