Hey guys, this is a long chapter, so I apologize for that. It's also a major event in the story. Thanks to all who have read, voted and commented. I truly appreciate it. 😘
In the car on the way to the restaurant, Steven insisted on paying for my meal and I certainly wasn't going to argue, because if it was the place I was thinking of, it was much too expensive for my taste. Sitting in the backseat with the girls, things somehow seemed different. The conversation shifted to their memory of last year's school dance and how much shorter Lola's date was than her. They all giggled and Kim pulled up a photo on her phone, leaning back to show me. Lola's blue dress was gorgeous and I was willing to bet it was made specifically for her. She was so pretty and probably looked good in anything, but they were right, her date was tiny next to her. I smiled politely at the playful banter between Steven and Lola, but I guess it was one of those times you just had to be there. The lump in my throat was back and if I didn't get it together, tears would soon be welling up in my eyes.
"You guys looked like part of a circus freak show," Steven joked and all of them laughed. He was much more down to earth than Kim.
They were all teasing her, including Casey, and for once my sister seemed relaxed and carefree, like she used to be, before she turned into a self righteous bitch. "Alright dad, enough!" Lola insisted. "We get it, Jason was short. Let's talk about something else, please."
"As you can probably guess they never went out again." Kim pat Lola's knee. "My baby's focusing on school, not boys. Isn't that right Lo."
"How are your grades?" I asked, focusing on Lola and hoping we could change the subject.
Unfortunately, Lola couldn't even answer a question for herself. It must drive her crazy that her mother feels the need to be so controlling. "I'll have you know that our daughter is an honor roll student and we are very proud of her." Kim turned back to give Lola a quick wink. "Carrie, the girls attend a very exclusive and very expensive private school, one of the best in Portland. After she graduates, it's on to The university of Portland. My baby's gonna make me proud." 'My baby' ugh her tone made me want to throw up.
"That's not decided yet!" I could see Lola becoming annoyed with Kim's incessant pushing.
"What are you interested in?" I pushed a lock of her blonde hair behind her ear. Out the corner of my eye I saw Kim frown but I didn't care.
"She's going into the medical field, just like her father." Kim said matter of factly and I could feel the tension starting to roll down my back. I took a deep breath and stared out the window.
"I have no interest in becoming a doctor, mother." Lola insisted.
"You promised that we wouldn't argue today." I could hear my sisters voice change as she glared at Lola from the mirror on her sun visor. Clearly she wasn't happy with the response she received. "Anyway, I'll be happy with whatever she decides, just so long as she stays in Portland, forever. No moving out of state for you. I want my future grandchildren within driving distance."
"Right, like we are with grandma Marilyn?" It was hilarious because Kim purposely moved to Portland all those years ago, knowing that it wasn't within driving distance for my parents. They did visit but only when my sister allowed it. There was another eye roll from Lola and Casey snickered. Maybe things aren't so perfect after all.
"Not another word, Lola Marie, or instead of going to Disney tomorrow, I'll plan a mommy and me day. I know how much you love those." Wow, that would definitely shut me up. The remainder of the ride was in complete silence, I felt bad for Lola.
