I decide to wear a long sleeve Islanders t-shirt, black jeans, and converse to the game. I just finished my last curl in my hair when Ross knocks on the front door.
"Hey, come on in, and sorry just give me about ten more minutes, and I'll be ready to go." I say with bobby pins sticking out of my mouth, and I motion him to the kitchen island to sit down.
"Cool. I can't wait to see if Con will get to play tonight." he's making conversation and picking through the cookie jar.
"I don't think he's playing tonight, but it will be good to be there and support the team anyway." I yell down the hall now trying to gather up my night bag, and clothes. "So I talked to Scarlett last night, and she's not coming!"
"Why?!" Ross is yelling back. Instead of responding right then, I grab my bag and start running down stairs.
"Explain in the car. I'm ready. Let's go." I say, and he grabs one more cookie before we leave the house.
Ross waits on me to lock the door, then we walk down to his car together. "Here, let me put your bag in the trunk." He snatches up the bag from my shoulder, tossing it in his trunk.
"Thanks." I say before I get into the car to wait on him. Once he's in and we've got our seat belts on I continue. "So, Conner broke up with Scarlett." and when I tell him his mouth drops in shock.
"You're kidding!" he gasps, not believing my words.
"I guess not. I found out through text, because Scarlett refused to pick up my phone calls."
Ross squints his eyes at me. "That's weird. Why is she being so shady about it?"
"The question is, why are they being shady about it?" I focalize on the word they.
"So Conner didn't tell you?"
"No! Can you believe that? I mean, I can't even believe he didn't tell you." I'm getting upset just discussing it right now, and I don't want to because this day is about Conner.
"I'm just as boggled as you, but it's not our relationship Mora, and we can't get mad at them if their feelings changed for one another."
"Right Ross - I wouldn't get upset about that, but what I'm upset about is they didn't tell us. What's to hide?"
"I don't know. Are you going to ask Conner?"
"Yes. As soon as I see him."
"Well don't forget that no matter what happened, they are probably both going through a tough time right now." he's warning me to not make it about me, as he should.
"You're right. I guess I'm just worried how this will affect my friendship with Scarlett."
"I understand." he says, then changes the subject. "So, is Aiden cool that you're riding with me?" of course he would bring up Aiden.
"He's okay with it I guess." I answer, and he peers over at me.
"You guess?"
"Yeah, I don't know. He just asked if we were riding alone, and I told him that Scarlett was coming with us. At the time I thought she was, and I just haven't talked to him since."
"Mora, I doubt he's going to like that we're riding together alone for four hours. You might want to tell him before someone else does."
"I don't want to worry and stress about him while I'm trying to have a good time. He shouldn't be upset about it period because you are my friend, and one of my oldest friends at that. He needs to realize that there isn't anything between us." I answer him firm to make it clear that there isn't anything between us, and when I do he looks back at the road. "and you are dating Sophie." I add on.
"Yes, I'm dating his ex-girlfriend, so he might be bothered by that."
"I highly doubt that Ross. They were just a thing. He was never in a serious relationship with her.
"No, maybe not but either way, we have the same interest in girls Mora, and I know it's like a big elephant in the room when it comes to the two of us. I've been interested in you for a long time, past tense that is, and Aiden knows that." I can't believe he just admitted to liking me. He's bringing up his feelings, and I can't run away this time. I'm stuck in this car, and I don't know how to respond to him but with honesty.
"Ross, when I was little I had a crush on you, but we were young, and I haven't felt that way in a long time. I'm with Aiden, and I'm happy with him."
"Mora, you might not know that you have feelings for me." he says, and I'm completely speechless at his statement. How arrogant.
He glances over at me when we're stuck at a stop light. He's waiting on my response.
"I know my own feelings Ross. That's sort of a dumb thing for you to say." he's irritating me now because he's risking our friendship and it's making me mad. "and the only feelings I have right now are for Aiden." I'm firm with my tone, and I can tell it cut him sharp.
"Okay. I'm sorry I brought it up." he says.
"It's okay. I'm sorry for snapping on you, I just don't want any drama. You're with Sophie now, and I'm with Aiden. If there was anything between us, it's history. We both have good things going on right now, and I'd hate for anything to come between that." It's true. I never knew he liked me, and he had plenty of chances to let me know but didn't. He can't just try to ruin everything I have going now because he's jealous.
We drive for about an hour stopping at a gas station when he finally speaks to me again. "I have to go in and use the bathroom, do you want me to grab you a drink or something?"
"No thank you." I give him a small smile as he gets out of the car. While I'm sitting there I decide to text Aiden. I'm going to have to sooner or later so I might as well do it now.
Hey. We're about an hour away from C.C. I just wanted to tell you that Scarlett chose to not come. I didn't know about it until late last night.
He responds quickly.
Is he staying at your moms?
No. My dad offered to get a hotel with him.
Are you riding back with him?
No, I don't think so. I'll probably ride back with my dad, and Lorene.
K
I hesitate a second before texting him back. I'm starting to get the feeling that he really is mad at me. He doesn't have a right though. I haven't done anything wrong.
Are you mad at me?
He doesn't respond until after Ross and I leave the gas station.
No.
Ok. Well I'll text you tonight. Have a good day.
You too.
About an hour later we make it to my moms condo. Dad and Lorene are at the hotel down the road checking in, so Ross is just going to drop me off then meet them.
"Thanks for the ride Ross, and again I'm sorry for being so snappy. I just don't want to worry this weekend."
"Andrews, it's cool. I promise. Sorry for making things awkward." and he gives me a light laugh, and I respond with a smile.
"You didn't. I promise."
"Cool. Well I guess I'll see you in a couple hours."
Mom is standing outside her home in the hallway waiting on me. "Baby girl. I've missed you so much!" she screeches and pulls me into a hug.
"Hey mom." I hug her back before we go inside. I actually miss her more than I thought I would. "Where's Ron?" I ask as she leads us to the kitchen table to sit down.
"He's on a fishing trip this weekend."
"So he's not going to Conner's game?"
"No, he got a paid trip from his work, and Conner promised him he wouldn't be mad. He's going to go to next weekend's game since you guys most likely won't be coming."
"Oh. Cool. So it's a girls night I guess?" I say, and her smile beams from across the table.
"Yes, I guess so."
"So will we get to see Conner before the game?" I ask her as I slide my phone across the table from hand to hand, and she pushes her chair back to walk to the fridge.
"No, not until after. I thought we could all go out to eat, and I think he wants to take you and Ross out with some of his college friends." She's back at the table with two bottled waters.
"Oh yeah. I wish he would have asked me if that's what I even want to do." I think she can tell my tone is off. She's actually used to this tone.
"Is everything okay?" she's now sitting back in the chair next to me.
"Yeah. Everything is actually great. I guess I just haven't talked to Conner in awhile. Just miss him I guess." I dont' bring up Scarlett because it's not my business to tell.
Mom grabs my hands holding them tightly. "Well you guys will get plenty of time to talk tonight." she smiles at me. "So how are you and Aiden doing?"
"We're actually doing really good..." I pause for a moment and look at her. She gives me a small smile, and raises one of her eyebrows at me; and suddenly I feel like opening up to her. "Mom, I like him so much."
"You two are really cute together. I'm glad you post a lot of photos. Keeps me in the loop. I just love all of them."
"Yeah, me too. He doesn't really like the social media stuff, but I told him it's his duty as my boyfriend." she laughs at that statement, and I find myself joining in.
"He's a lucky boy." she compliments.
I give her a small genuine smile "Thanks Mom."
I guess the older I get, the more I understand my mom. There's still things that I can't forget, but I'm learning to forgive her more. The thought of forgiveness puts me at ease, and I'm happy for that.
"Well honey, we only have a couple hours until the game. I went ahead and purchased parking passes for the season so we don't have to get there too early so I thought we could go get our nails done or grab lunch if you want?"
"Sure. I'm down with lunch. Nails aren't really my thing."
"I didn't think they were, but thought I would ask anyway."
I go to my room to unpack my clothes, and then go to the bathroom to touch up my hair and makeup. Once I finish I decide to take a picture and send it to Aiden, and he responds quickly.
Damn girl. ;)
Lol. I'm glad you like it. Just wanted to let you know I'm at moms. Tomorrow morning I'll be heading back. Do you want to do something when I get home.
Hell yeah! Just text me and let me know.
Ok!! :)
After mom and I eat dinner we head to the game. The sun is bright, and the temperature is a comfortable high sixties. The traffic on the other hand is terrible. "Do you think we'll be late?" I ask.
"I didn't realize how bad it would be. We might be a few minutes late. Is your dad here yet?" she asks, and I shrug my shoulders.
"I'll call him and see." His phone rings until it goes to voicemail. "He's not answering. Let me try Lorene." When I start to pull up Lorene's number mom stares at me. "What?" I ask her and pause what I'm doing.
"Lorene is coming?" she asks me directly, and I'm taken back.
"Yes...why?"
Her eyes are big in shock for only a split second before her face goes back to ease. "Oh no reason. That's just a little weird. Why would she be here?"
"Umm... I'm not sure. She and dad have been hanging out a lot here lately."
"Are they dating?" she asks directly again... and it's making things awkward.
"I don't think so. All I know is they've been hanging out some. I tried to ask him one day, but he changed the subject. He didn't want to talk about it, so I haven't asked him again." I admit.
"That's just like your father. He's all about his privacy." She says it with a snip in her tone, and I'm a little surprised that she's talking about him with me. She's never done that.
"Yeah I guess." I agree with her hoping that she'll change the subject, but she doesn't.
"I haven't seen Lorene in years. This is going to be interesting."
"Not really. She's just the same as before." I feel like I need to defend her.
"I'm sure she is." She looks back at the road before changing the subject. "I can't wait to see Conner down on the field. I'm so proud of him." she brags.
"Me too."
"Have you thought about a school yet?"
"Actually, Scarlett and I are thinking about coming here." I answer slowly, and she darts her eyes at me in excitement as we're at a stand still.
"Really?" her eyes are singing. "I'm so happy to hear that! You could stay with me if you want to." she gets straight to the point, and I'm sure she knows my answer before I respond.
"Mom, if I do get in, I really want to stay in a dorm. Again, that's if I get in."
"I get it. The dorm life is an experience that you don't want to miss out on." she says as we finally get to the parking garage to go inside. I try to call dad again, but he doesn't answer so I call Ross.
"Hey!" he is yelling over the phone. "Where are you guys?"
"We just got here, are you guys in the stadium already?" and my mom glares at me because I'm yelling back at him. I'm not sure why I'm yelling, I feel like I should because he is. I just mouth "I'm sorry" to her.
"Yeah!" he's still yelling.
"Okay, we'll see you in a few." I hang up on him because I can barely hear him over all the noise.
It takes us about fifteen minutes to finally make it to our seats. "Dad, Lorene!" I screech as mom follows me down the aisle. "Hey kid." dad says to me, but doesn't acknowledge my mom, and neither does Lorene. She just gives me a short waive then looks down at the field. Ross is sitting between me and Dad, and mom is last. Ross hands me a drink as I put my purse down, and leans in.
"Awkward" he loudly whispers, and I nod in agreeance. Usually dad isn't so shut off around mom.
I lean over to look down at dad and Lorene. "When did you guys get here?"
"A little before you and Ross did. We checked into the hotel, then went out to eat." dad says but Lorene is just silent. I had a sudden feeling that Conner wasn't the only one lying to me about something. My mom and dad have never been this quiet around each other. I wonder what gives. I lean in over to mom now.
"What's going on?" I ask her, and she stares at me like she's confused about my question. "Seriously mom, what's going on with you and dad?"
"Oh honey, it's nothing." she answers, and I just stare at her waiting for a different response. "Mora, there's nothing going on, so let's drop it." She's stern with me, and I'm taken back. It's been years since she's been snappy with me like that. Since their divorce she's always been trying to win me over, but I could tell I pushed a button with her, and it was my dad... and Lorene.
I quickly drop it once the announcers come on over the speakers. Conner isn't playing, but I can see the back of his head down on the sideline. Dad, Lorene, and Ross are screaming at every play, while Mom and I take selfies. I take a picture of Dad and Ross too, and post them online, tagging Conner, and Ross.
When it's half time my dad pipes up. "I'm going to go get everyone drinks. What do you want?" he asks us.
"I'll take a coke." Ross answers him, and I follow. "Coke is fine."
"Deb, do you want anything to drink?" he asks my mom, and she glares at him. That's when I realize she's actually mad.
"I'm fine." she answers, and dad acts like he doesn't notice how she's acting.
"Are you sure?" he offers a second time.
"I'm sure." she snaps and takes out her phone to put her focus elsewhere.
Dad walks past us. "Be back in a few." he says, and after a minute or two mom leans in to me.
"I'll be right back." and she quickly jumps up, and goes the same direction as my dad. Usually I wouldn't say anything, but I can't seem to help myself lately. I think Aiden is rubbing off on me.
"Lorene." I call her name passed Ross, and his eyes dart at me as a warning to stop, but I don't.
"What's going on with you and dad?" I've always favored Lorene over my mother. She and I have a lot in common, and over the years she's been the female role model in my life, but a part of me feels sad for my mom right now; and I need to understand why.
"I'm sorry, what?" Lorene is shocked by my question, and I know she's not going to give me an honest answer while my dad isn't around, so I pivot.
"I mean, what's going on with dad, and my mom?" I'm direct with her, and she tries to look away, but I keep her attention as I widen my eyes.
"Nothing - not that I know of anyway." and I know she's lying. Her knees are bouncing, and she's uncomfortable. Suddenly I start to feel bad for making her feel this way, and so does Ross because he kicks my shin.
"Ouch!" I screech at him, and he widens his eyes at me and mouths silently "Shut up!" I just roll my eyes, then look back over at Lorene.
"I'm sorry Lorene. I didn't mean to make anyone feel uncomfortable. Mom was just acting upset about something. It was wrong for me to assume it had something to do with you."
"It's okay honey. I understand."
"Okay. By the way, I'm happy you're here." I say hoping it makes her feel better, and I can tell it does.
"Thanks kiddo. I'm happy I'm here too." Once Lorene moves her gaze back to the field I look over at Ross and give him a mocking face.
About the same time dad starts to walk up with a cup holder full of drinks.
"They only have pepsi products, so I got you kids pepsi. Lorene, I got you a mountain dew."
"Where's mom?" I look up at him as he walks past me.
"I'm not sure." he answers, and soon after she's walking up.
"Are you okay?" I whisper to her as she sits down.
"Yes. Sorry. I wanted to get us some hot dogs."
"Ahh awesome!!" Ross speaks up before I do, and leans over me and snatches up a hot dog. "Thanks Mrs. Henson!"
"Hey!" I yell, and he just grins really big at me.
"You're welcome hun." Mom smiles at him. She's always liked Ross. She used to always brag about him to me, like there was some big secret about him that I didn't know.
"Thanks Mrs. Henson!" I mock him in a low voice, and he elbows me.
The game lasts for another couple hours, and we win by seventeen points.
"When are we meeting up with Conner?" I ask Ross as we all walk out of the stadium.
"I think in an hour or two." he answers, and my mom interferes.
"Do you kiddos want to get dinner?" she offers, and Ross answers first. "Sure." and I agree with his response. I tell dad my plans before we leave.
"Okay, well we're leaving around nine or ten in the morning. So please be safe, and let me know if I need to pick you up from your mom's in the morning." he says and leans in kissing my forehead.
"Will do."
"Oh Mora." he says loudly behind me as I'm skipping away.
"Yeah." I stop and turn around to look at him.
"Give Conner a big hug from me tonight when you see him, and tell him I'm so proud of him." his face is gleaming. It's been a long time since I've seen my dad this happy.
"Will do!" I yell back before running to my moms car.