BURNED

Chapter 10

"Church?" my sister asked more than amused.

"Yes, church. Yamina asked me to go with her and her mom is ill. I'd like to accompany her."

"She sure has you wrapped her finger. Church of all places, I thought you would never set foot in a church ever again."

"Just find me something to wear."

My annoying little sister had a way of saying things that made me question myself. I wasn't ready for that. The last few days with Yamina had been amazing. Her mother was adorable, to say the least. They laughed and ate as I recanted past memories. I watched her all night, although I am sure I was careful enough not to make it obvious.

I hadn't been to church in who knows when. All of the congregation loved to beat you over the head with a Bible, yet they still didn't even listen to it themselves. I arrived at the hotel, pulling into the pristine parking lot. My phone vibrated, the sound was amplified in my cup holder. I glance at my phone, I had almost forgotten about the blonde.

"Orion speaking, " I said.

"Hey babe I haven't heard from you. What are you up to?"

I sighed, I regretted to be me at this moment. "Look, we had a great time together but you need to stick to business. Do not call me while I'm away attending personal matters."

With that, I hung up the phone. A thought as clear as day occurred to me, and that thought was I would never hang up on Yamina. If anybody would be hanging up it would be her. I stepped out of the car and walked in to the hotel. I unlocked the door, glancing around to ensure no one was there. I almost beat my little sister to a pulp after she came out of the bathroom dry-cleaning in hand.

"Red or Black?" she asked.

*****

I must admit that spending the last few days with Orion was refreshing. Although he still had his hard, tough, and blunt exterior I could tell he had somewhat of a good time. The good thing was that mom was now out of bed, running all over the place. She had even enlisted the help of local businesses to get her home in good shape.

"What are you wearing to church?" she asked.

"Don't know yet mom. Most of my stuff is back in New York. My landlord is keeping an eye on it."

She paused, wiping her hand on her apron.

"It looks like you wish you were back there in New York. You know you don't have to stay out here trying to look after me. I can take care of myself, just like I took care of you for eighteen years."

"I know mom, you can take care of yourself. But I would rather be here with you. You're all I have."

     "And someday I'll be gone. You have to live for yourself too. If all is said and done you will see me again one day."

     "Don't talk like that mom!" I yelled.

     I ran down to my room, slamming the door and sliding to the floor. I didn't understand how she could casually talk about her death like it was a walk in the park. She did realize I cared right? Tears fell down my face and for a while I sat there angry like a teenager who had just been disciplined. I rubbed the tears away from my eyes when I heard a soft knock at the door.

     "Red?" She whispered.

      I hadn't heard that name in a very long time. I opened the door plastering on a smile.

      "I'm sorry I got so upset mom. Just with your recent health, it scares me more than anything that there is a possibility of losing you."

      She hugs me tight just like she did when I was a little girl. I rested in her arms for a moment savoring the feeling.