“Mother, what the hell was that?” I scowled.
“You won't speak to me that way,” she commanded in hushed tones as she walked away towards the far railing.
I sat down at the round metal table furthest from the doorway and contemplated what I should say next. I heard the grinding of a metal flint and could smell something sweet burning in the air.
“Shit. You smoke too? That's a disgusting habit,” I declared, walking towards her. I leaned on the rail next to her and carefully took the lit handroll from her fingers. I took a deep exaggerated drag and instantly started to cough.
My mother dropped her head and started laughing.” Have you ever smoked before?”
“Grandma smoked mint tobacco and let me try it sometimes.” I coughed.
“She did not!” My mother squealed, banging the metal railing with her wedding ring.
“She didn't smoke that vile crap.”
“I guess there were things I didn't know about my mother.” She ran her fingers through my chopped hair. “The hair suits you. It's edgy and modern. You look well, bright, and healthy. Clara is a better nurse than I could hope to be.”
“It's makeup. I just had a very stylish man fix my face for me.”
My mother nodded and smiled. “His name is Brian,” she pointed towards the office with the red end of her cigarette. “He's one of the chemical engineers from the main plant. He and his wife are looking to join a quart. Their children are grown and gone like your father and me. But unlike your father and me, they have a government lease.”
“No children, no family-sized house?” I replied.
She nodded her head in agreement while taking another drag off her vile shit scented stick.
“You are happy with Jason?” she asked.
“Yes, I'm happy. I came back for him. I could have stayed like Blue Bell. Sent a message home for you and dad.” I covered my face with my hand and pulled at my shirt collar to dry my eyes.
“There was a boy there, a man really, a bit older than Jason, kind and good looking. He pleaded with me to stay, but I turned around and walked away from him. I only knew him for a few days, but it was so hard to do.”
“Oh, it doesn't get any easier.” I doubted my mother could understand, but the pain in her eyes told me she knew something. “Your choice to come back home to Jason and us. You need to resign your heart to this step completely, or you will always cling to what might have been with that other man.”
“Jason would have killed them all if I stayed. Or he would have tried until it ruined him. I couldn't live with so much death on my hands.”
My mother nodded her head in agreement. “Tell yourself that every day and after a few years, you might actually believe it's true. Are you off to see your sister next?” She asked, snuffing her cigarette out with her licked fingertips. “Beryl had the fertilization procedure early this morning. I bet she could use some company. All that medical intervention is dehumanizing.”
I nodded my head yes and pushed away from the railing.
“We don't need to bother your father with any of these things, do we?” she asked, straightening her lab coat.
“The awful smelling cigarettes you smoke, the man that had his mouth on you when I arrived, or the Red I left behind in the dirt? Which one?” I turned to face her as I waited for her answer.
“None of it,” she replied.
“Deal. Daddy shoulders enough burdens already. I'll have my room cleared out soon. You'll need the space.”
“It's wonderful the Fuller's have given you a room, but don't you want to come home until the wedding?”
“I'm in Jason's room with him. The staff keeps a room for me, but I only use the closet and the jetted tub. You can sign the papers or not. I honestly don't care anymore. I would love a big fancy wedding before the planet implodes, but I'll take what I can get.” My mother looked angry at first, but I could see the facts of my situation wash slowly over her face.
“You think this comet asteroid scare thing is real?” she asked.
“Yes, and so do others. Soon everyone will know, and I'm told there will be chaos.”
“Plan that big fancy wedding of yours. I'll do what I can to get the papers signed.” I nodded my head in agreement and left the office.
It took me a few more handshakes and quick hugs to get back out of the building. It was a bizarre yet fruitful visit with my mother.
PARTIES
Giving a public statement about my abduction wasn't half as bad as I expected. My new black pants and the burgundy silk shirt I borrowed from my sister made me feel powerful.
I stood in front of a room full of press, with two lawyers beside me and read the prepared statement. I was abducted, taken to a Red encampment, and released after the bombing run. Five minutes later, I was done. Since any public comment can get you sued, Dredge sent me with two of his best attorneys. Jason was pleased with my performance and congratulated me on sticking to the script.
I've watched my mother speak before large groups every time her team resurrected a long-lost fruit or vegetable. I did my best to copy her professional, even speaking tone. Though, in light of recent events, I feel like I barely know my mother anymore.
My birthday was next on the agenda. Clara ever vigilant kept the feeling in the house light and joyful. The party was the most significant thing in her mind. Everything else was just in the way. I knew Aqua could drum up a roomful of people at a moment's notice. I trusted her to
