The connection

Chapter eight - Family affair

Alex

"Mum! What are you doing back so early" I scrambled off of Chases lap and pulled at the hemline of my dress willing it to cover more of me? I'd never seen my mother look so furious.

"I got a call from the school about you being in some sort of accident, so I left early. I see you've been busy enjoying your freedom" she narrowed her gaze on Chase. Her expression becoming angrier if that was even possible.

"Honestly, Alexandra, I never expected you to be one for cheating on your boyfriend. You of all people should know better than that" her words stung me, but I knew she was right. When my dad had left us all those years ago, I knew it wasn't all as innocent as my mum tried to make out to our friends and Neighbours. I saw what it did to my mum and the thought that I could hurt someone that way made me sick.

"Mrs Morgan, I assure you it's not like that. Alex would never intentionally hurt someone" my heart could burst at Chase's attempt to stand up to my mother on my behalf, but I knew better than that. She took a step towards him and pointed her finger out, instantly judging him and giving no thought to listen to what he had to say.

"I don't know who you are young man but one things for sure, my Alexandra wouldn't be cheating on her loving boyfriend right now if you hadn't somehow tainted her mind" she wagged her accusing finger in his face but Chase remained calm and reached out for my hand as I found the courage to stand beside him.

"She isn't cheating on Josh. I'm her boyfriend" he spoke matter of factly. The words rendering my mother speechless.

"Mum please. I'm sorry I know this is a shock, but me and Josh broke up"

Her momentary loss of speech had passed, and her furious gaze was back focused on me.

"What and you decide to shack up with the first boy you laid eyes on. Have some respect for yourself Alex!" She shook her head in disgust at me

"It's not like that, Chase and I care about each other. He makes me happy"

"Yes, I can see that by the way you were throwing yourself at him on my sofa!"

Embarrassment filled my face at the thought of my mum seeing me straddled on top of Chase kissing him as though my life depended on it.

"I'm sorry mum I really am, you shouldn't have had to see us like that. But I'm not sorry it happened, me and Chase are together now and that's something you need to get used to. He's in my life"

She let out a sarcastic laugh. "Something I have to get used to. Oh, Alex I think you're forgetting which one of us is the parent here"

"Mrs Morgan please- "

"Oh, I think you've done enough young man. I think you ought to leave and give me some time with my daughter to straighten this mess out don't you" she spat at him; her words full of disapproval. His eyes searched mine for guidance.

I don't want to leave you here with her like this

I'd never been more thankful that we could somehow hear each other's thoughts privately away from the judging ears of my mother.

You should go, I need to talk to her alone. She'll come around I know she will but not with you here, she's too stubborn for that.

I hoped he understood I wasn't pushing him away, I mean things were far from okay between us but I was beginning to understand how he'd gotten himself in that situation with Miss Jenson and I appreciated his efforts to calm the situation with my mother but right now I needed him to leave.

He nodded at me giving my hand a gentle squeeze before speaking

"Okay, I'm sorry this is how you got to meet me Mrs Morgan. I assure you this wasn't the first impression I'd planned to make"