Faded Memories | lp

Chapter Twenty-Six

I'm hesitant on telling everyone what the call was about, so I make something up and tell them my house sitter broke a plate of mine. I don't have a house sitter, but my mom's the only one who knows that. She looks at my quizzically but I ignore her prodding stare.
"You're one of my favorite writers, I've read both of your books. Perhaps I can get my hands on a signed copy of your next one..." Kelly leads on and I smile and assure her I can make that happen. I'm pissed off. My mom told them it would come out soon, when in reality the rough copy isn't even close to finished. I look at my mom and frown while everyone else is ordering.
Dylan is still watching me, but I avoid eye contact and order my salad.
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I got up and left when John started insulting his children. The dinner scene quickly escalated into a battle. I was personally verbally attacked, I was so done. Dylan didn't keep quiet. He butted in and added how self-absorbed and slutty I am. I wasn't having it, I exploded and left the table. My mother gaped after me when I left, but I didn't care.
I don't even know how we got to arguing, it just happened and snowballed from there. I sit on the curb outside the restaurant, questioning if what I did was right.
It was right. My mother and John just sat by and watched while I was attacked. They didn't lift a finger. I can tell you one thing: Kelly isn't getting a signed copy of my next book.
"Jo, I want you to go apologize." My mother's voice comes from above me. I stand up and set my jaw as I face her.
"I didn't do anyting wrong." I simply say, "I want to go home. Michigan, home."
"You have to go say you're sorry-"
I cut her off, "Yeah, I'm sorry John's son called me nasty things in front of you. I'm sorry for not being slutty enough for you. I'm sorry my mom lied to you. I'm sorry I'm not god-damned perfect." I raise my voice and inch closer to her face with every word. Her mask of a face stays the same.
Then, all at once, she explodes.
"I never wanted you! I dealt with you for eighteen years then said goodbye. you never did anything! Ever! You never helped around the House or got a job. You're lucky your first book had beginer's luck otherwise you'd be sitting on the curb somewhere begging for coins! Now you can't write another book and you're so dependent on your mommy to get you out of things!" Her face is bright red. I recoil, then charge.
"I didn't need you for anything! You came to me! You're the one who needs me! And it wasn't beginer's luck, I'm a good writer." I snap.
"Honey, you're second book sucked. You're lucky you met that famous boyfriend of yours because he's the only reason it sold more than one copy."
"Ah, yes. That's the reason I'm nominated for author of the year, because my boyfriend is famous!" Sarcasm and pure anger drip from my voice like molten lava.
"You're what?"
"You heard me, and I'm damn well sure I've got a good chance of winning the title. The show is tomorrow."
She presses her lips together and returns inside. I sit back down on the curb, feeling lonely. She returns a few minutes later.
"I'm taking you to the house to get your stuff, I'm taking you back to Michigan tonight."
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Sorry it's so short I just wanted to publish something before I forgot
HAPPY HALLOWEEN YALL!