Not knowing how I got here is driving me crazy. I tap on his name and type out my message.
Hey, I passed out yesterday. I wasn’t feeling well. I just woke up and wanted to let you know I missed you. Have a good day. Love you.
This will at least let him know he’s on my mind. I take a deep breath and close my eyes, enjoying the power running through me. There is a first time for everything.
The phone buzzes in my hands, breaking me out of trance. I glance down and there’s a text from Charlie flashing on the screen.
You were out! I stopped by and saw how out of it you were. I didn’t want to wake you. Hope you’re feeling better. Try to be awake tonight. I need cuddles. Love you.
How did I ever feel any sort of contempt towards this man? He's freaking amazing. I'm so lucky to have him. I wish we hadn't wasted all those years being at odds with one another. Of course, it didn't help how my parents acted.
Speaking of which, I should check in on them. It's been a little bit and the last time I saw them it didn't end that well. It worries me, though, that they would jump back at the chance of returning to their old lifestyle if given the opportunity. I'm not sure if they would, but at the same time, I wouldn't be surprised. Some things are so ingrained in us, but what if I'm wrong. We've come so far in the past month alone.
Not wanting to overthink it, I pick up the phone and dial their number. I don't want to end things on a bad note. The phone rings twice and then someone picks up.
"Hello?" My mom answers the phone.
"Hey." I'm not sure what to say. She could still be mad at me over the other day. There is no telling what kind of reaction I'm going to receive.
"Chris, is that you?" There is loud noise in the background, and it sounds as if something is covering the phone. "Frank, turn that down."
Who does she think it is? I want to laugh, but I bit my lip. "Yeah, it's me. I was just calling to check on you guys."
The line becomes clear again and the background noise has reduced a little. "Oh, we're good. I've been feeling bad about how things were left the other day. I didn't mean to make you feel that way."
Oh, this was not what I was expecting. "It's no big deal. I wanted you both to know where I stand."
"I don't blame you after how we acted." Her tone saddens and for a moment there is awkward silence. "So, how are you doing?"
That is a good question. I'm not even sure how to answer this to myself. "I'm okay. Just trying to figure everything out."
"Yeah, anything I can help you with?" There is a door shutting and the tv noise disappears.
"No, just trying to figure out what to do with these artifacts. It's just a little daunting with two swirling inside me and the council always wanting me for something." Sometimes I wish I were still invisible. It sure would make things a lot easier.
"Just remember that you are a Malone, and no one can take that away from you." She huffs and her tone gets a little raspy. "We always figure things out and never fail. I have faith in you."
Oh, wow. This conversation seems a little too familiar.
A loud yelp comes from the other line. Mom huffs. "Now, Peony, behave."
What the... "Is that a dog?"
"Yeah." She sounds happy. "We got her a few days ago. We were out at the store and they had these cute Pomskies for sale. I couldn't say no."
They wouldn't let me get a pet at the old house. "I thought you were against owning animals."
"Oh, honey, it's because we were so busy when we were working so close with the council, but now we have a lot more free time." There is some shuffling on the other side. "I just didn't feel right having an animal and never being home to take care of it." Her tone turns sugary sweet. "Isn't that right girl?" The dog barks and something makes a thud.
What is happening here? I don't understand. "So, you got one now?" What if she can redeem herself?
"Well, we don't have a lot going on now, and when I saw this precious girl, I had to get her." She giggles and lets out a sigh. "But I didn't realize how much work she'd be. She's peed in your dad's recliner twice now."
"In his recliner?" She must have been mistaken. It had to be underneath it.
"Yes." She cracks up laughing and it takes a minute for her to be able to speak. "He made her get down from his lap. So, when he got up, she jumped back up there and marked her territory. I think he's learned it's really her seat. He doesn't make her get down anymore."
Is this dog her twin incarnate? "It sounds like she was made for you."
"Yes, she fits like a glove." She clears her throat and sighs. "So, how are you really?"
Are we going there again? I'd hope I sidestepped that conversation when it shifted to the dog. "I'm fine. Just trying to figure it all out like I said."
"Now listen here." Her voice gets stern. "I may not be in the loop like I use to be, but I know that you’re not telling me everything. Is the council still giving you a hard time?"
This sounds more like the caring mother I've seen here of late, but I'm still not ready to open all the way out to them yet. Hell, for almost twenty years
