More Than A Game

Chapter 12

Awaiting outside the front door, my heart pounded rapidly, fearing how the conversation with mum was going to go.

I knew Brayden would currently be sulking in the room and even if he wasn't, he wouldn't be willing to put up with me. I hesitated and tried to stall for as long as I could when my phone started ringing. I looked at the caller id to find it was Chad, gulping nervously.

I ignored the phonecall, knowing Chad was looking for some way to blow off some steam. Pushing away my attention from my phone, I cautiously opened the door and made my way through the living room to find my mother talking on the phone, curiously watching my every step.

"I don't know what happened. One minute it was all happy families, then the next it was a massive argument. What if it was something I done?" her anxious tone made my heart sink.

I looked up to find my mother looking worried. I felt so pathetic, pushing away the people I loved just for a guy. Now my mother probably thought I hated her for some unknown reason.

"I guess you're right Lauren. Please give my love to Jessica. Alright, thank you, goodbye."

Silently, I watched her put done the phone before she made her way closer towards me on the couch. She grabbed my hand as she looked me in the eye. I could clearly see the confusion in her eyes as she began talking.

"Listen honey, the reason why I let you walk out that door is because I wanted to let whatever it is off your chest but now I think it's important to talk. Now I don't know what happened before between you and Brayden but I'm not going to bother you about it but please, tell me what's changed?"

I looked down too embarrassed to speak. The idea of pushing away everyone is hard but actually doing it, is a whole different story. I sighed, as cold shiver ran down my back.

"No. I think it's time I told you the whole story. I spent far too long pushing aside everyone, I don't want to lose any of my loved ones."

She looked at me in confusion, removing her reading glasses away from her eyes before speaking.

"Oh sweetheart, don't think like that. I'm sure whatever you have done can't be that bad. It's probably a big overreaction, there's no need to stress."

"Well long story short, there's this guy I've been seeing and well I don't even know what's going on. But there's something about his charm that keeps dragging me to him..." I paused, noticing the look on mothers face. I could see the frown on her face transform into a sparkling smile as she sniffled, giving me a hug.

"My baby girl is growing up. If you don't mind me asking but what's his name? How long have you two, you know?"

I could feel myself blushing as she asked me this. Shyly, I released from the hug and began explaining this to my mother as every awe became louder than the other.

"So basically, that's the whole story of how we met. I know I should've told you from the start but I didn't want to rush into anything."

"Darling, it doesn't even matter. I'm just so proud of you. You finally found someone who makes you happy. That's all that really matters Carmen, you know that?"

"But, you're not mad? I mean Brayden's already mad with me!"

"Nonsense, Brayden's just being sour as always. He's a good son but his constant attitude sometimes drives me up the walls."

I gave a sly snicker giving mum one last hug before sitting up properly on the couch. I was still smiling when mum mentioned something I wouldn't have expected.

"I know this might be too soon but I can see you are deeply in love and think that a dinner might be good, you know so we can all get to know each other, if that's alright with you?"