Rebecca Downhill (Becca) has known nothing in her life but a strict father who is involved in businesses with the Italian mafia in NY, an absent mother who has taught her to be obedient and fulfill her duties towards the family, and a twelve years o...
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"Come on in, sweetheart, don't just stand there," my mom says, opening the way for us. "Mike, it's so nice to see you again," she says and gives him a short hug.
Again? I wonder. She sounds like she saw him yesterday.
We all walk into the living room, and I can't take my eyes off Mom. She looks so good, healthy, and not by far lost in a world where nobody is allowed. She's glowing with happiness and her eyes are shining with joy.
"When did you return to NY?" she asks, and I'm getting suspicious. I've thought that running away she'll never want to know anything about anybody from her past, but it seems I'm wrong.
We've lost contact after that awful night. All my life I've known her so phased out, never in touch with the present day, and yet, here she is, totally connected to reality, being the mother that I have always wished her to be.
But I guess the one that has lost connection with her past is me only.
"A couple of weeks ago. I... I didn't know you knew I was away," I told her.
"Mike called me when he found you. He also wanted me to give Lucas full control over the company. I did it without blinking. There was nobody else better than him for the job, so yeah, I had been informed about things," she smiles at me, and I can read the admiration for Lucas in her eyes.
I frown hearing his name and my heart stings at the memory of seeing him with another woman, which doesn't go unnoticed.
"Sweetheart, what is it?" she asks, worried.
"I... think I better go, Ms. Downhill," Mike says and stands up. "There are things to attend to, and I have a long way back," he continues, and I know he just wants to give me and mom time alone.
"So soon?" my mom replies, standing up to walk Mike to the door.
"Yeah. Rebecca will stay for a few days. Just let me know when to come back and pick you up," he tells me, and I nod.
I hear them whispering something when they reach the front door and Mike leaves.
I don't have any drop of power in me, so I don't bother to ask what all the whispering is about. I only want a shower and a good sleep.
Mom's hand lands on my right shoulder and I flinch at her touch, pulled out of my thoughts. I give her a small smile and she gives me one back.
"I... think I'll have a shower before dinner," I tell her.
"Of course, baby. Come, let me help you to your room, " she says, and I pick up my bag and purse and follow mom upstairs.
"My room is down the hall. You may come to me anytime if you need something," mom says as we stop in front of a door that supposedly is mine, walking past her into the room and she follows.
It's one astonishing room, I must say. Clearly, my grandparents have saved more than enough. The room is big and designed in shades of white and gray.
