Everything is Better Now

Chapter 7

 The rest of breakfast I had family on my mind. It wouldn't be so bad but my family was shit. It had gotten so bad that Johanna noticed.

"What's wrong dear? You seem distracted." She asked after Laura left for the restroom.

"My uh dad and brother are coming for a visit. They need to stay at my place."

"Can they not acquire a room at a hotel nearby?"

"I asked the same thing. My dad said they don't have the money and Johnny needs to save his money. I know they make sure to look out for him and take care of him, but I don't know why they let him take advantage of them," I took a deep breath and played with the remainder of my pancakes on my plate. "They only ever call me when they need me."

She moved her hand from her crossed legs, to my hand anxiously fiddling with my fork.

"I'm sorry they are like that dear, you deserve more." Inside. Deep, deep inside I know I deserve better that what I had growing up, but hearing someone say it made it reality. My eyes watered and stung. I dropped the fork and grabbed the edge of the table as the first tear fell.

"Oh, darling." She reacted, pulling me into her and dragging my chair along.

"Stay with me while they are here. Do not put yourself through unnecessary stress."

This woman, this queen, this goddess. Offering me a path away from madness.

"I couldn't ask you for that." I mumbled. Invaders of my space gave me no right to invade hers.

"You did not ask. I offered. And I do not like being told no." Her voice lowered as her grip on my sides tightened. It was a wonderful feeling being cared for, knowing you were wanted and that someone thought you were worth it.

"I'd love to."

"Excellent, when do they arrive? I trust you would like to be there?"

I nodded. "They'll be here tomorrow by noon. They want me to treat them to lunch."

A chuckle reverberates through her chest. "Is this you asking your boss for the day off?"

"Just the first half?" I pull back to look her in the eye.

"Oh, of course dear. I could hardly say no to someone who tastes as good as you."

Laura returned before I could reply. Or combust.

--

After lunch we drove back to Johannas and I left for home. I spent the night cleaning. Making space for the people in my life that never made space for me. I was still cleaning at 2 A.M. when she called.

"H-hello?" My voice was raspy with exhaust.

"I was hoping you would not answer, dear, as alluring as you sound.

"Why wouldn't I? I kinda like you and stuff."

"And stuff dear. I really feel special now." Her sarcastic smile dripped through the phone.

"Hmm. Do you always call women so late at night?" I began walking the room aimlessly like a high schooler.

"Only when I think they will pick up and it is no longer evening dear. It is 2 AM."

"I-i've just been cleaning and getting things i-in order for them."

"Of course, dear but there should be a limit dear. Do not exhaust yourself in an effort to please them." She spoke wisely.