Forbidden Fruit

Chapter 22: Silly Me

Lily's POV
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I glanced up from my sketchbook every few moments to look back at Andrea. Just as I was finishing adding a few finishing touches, my phone dinged.

I grabbed it and saw the notification and stiffened.

Mom: Can we talk?

I glanced back up at Andrea once more time to see her still reading her book peacefully.

Lily: Yes, where?

As soon as it sent, she was already typing back. 

Mom: Come home.

I shut off my phone after reading it. I tapped my foot up and down and started fidgeting with my fingers. I got up from our bed and slipped my phone into my pocket.

"Babe, I'm gonna go and-" I stopped in my tracks as I realized what I had said. Andrea swiveled around in her chair to face me, shock evident in her face.

"What did you call me?" Excitement was clear in her voice.

"Never mind what I said, just forget about it." My eyes flickered around the room, not meeting her gaze.

She got up and stood in front of me, reaching for my forearms and her hands slid down to my wrists and intertwined our fingers.

"It's not nothing. Don't be embarrassed 'cause you called me that. Actually, I really like it." She smiled at me and I could see a tint of pink on her tanned cheeks.

"You do? I just didn't know if you did, but I do want to call you that, if you don't mind I mean." I started rambling.

She pecked my lips reassuringly, "I'm sure."

"Okay then, I'm going to my mom's house. She wants to talk to me." I told her.

"Do you want me to go with you?" She furrowed her brows.

"No, I need to talk to her on my own." I was talking mostly to myself, trying to assure myself.

She nodded, "Good luck."

I kissed her one more time before pulling away. I walked out our room and down the stairs. I drove down the familiar road, and after a short drive in silence, I parked in the driveway.

I didn't even have to use my key, since the door was already unlocked. My shoes clicked against the tile as I walked down the hallway. I turned around the corner to see my mom waiting nervously for me at the kitchen island.

"Sweetie, I didn't think you'd come." She rushed over to me and wrapped her arms around me.

"I wanted to hear what you had to say, so please, go ahead. Tell me." I pulled away from her slightly.

She furrowed her brows as she began to walk around the island, "This isn't something easy to say, but it's something that's needed to be said and done."

She drew in a sharp breath, "Your father and I are getting a divorce."

My eyes were wide in initial shock, but after letting it sink in for a moment I realized something.

"Okay." I nodded.

"You... aren't sad?" She seemed confused.

"I mean, I am for you. You two were together for over two decades. But, for me, not really. We were never really close and he kicked me out, Mom. I don't really have a reason to be sad about it." I shrugged.

"Oh. Well. Good then. That makes this all a bit easier then." She nodded.

She continued speaking, "This isn't a spur of the moment decision, and I honestly can't say I haven't thought about doing this these past few years. But what he did was the last straw that made me realize we're better off without him."