“Micky, I need you to tell me when you’re not coming home for dinner,” my mom scolds when I walk through the front door with Raquel.
Some might think that, based on her words and tone, my mom is worried about me. Don’t be fooled by her words.
“I’m twenty-two years old, Mom,” I remind her.
“Well, I didn’t eat because of you,” she says bitterly, her hands resting on her slim hips. “It would have been nice if you would’ve at least cooked my dinner before you left!” she complains.
Heidi frowns at me and tosses her balayage hair over her shoulder before she scowls at me.
I’m not gonna lie and say my mom is ugly. She’s beautiful actually, she’s svelte and has always taken care of her body. Yes, she uses Botox, but she doesn’t overdo it. No, my mother isn’t physically ugly.
“Mom, last I checked you were completely capable of making your own dinner,” Ianswer back. “You also have apps on your phone that can get you food if you want it.” I raise my eyebrows at her in challenge.
“I had a long day and had planned to go out with friends. Had I known you weren’t going to cook dinner, I could have planned around it.”
My mouth hangs open. I can’t believe her. What am I, Cinderella? Seriously? “How is that my fault?”
“You have responsibilities if you want to continue living here rent-free,” my mother says.
“I’m your child,” I defend, my mouth hanging open.
Rent free? Is she serious right now?
“You’re an adult,” she says. “I expect you to clean the house and make sure my dinner is prepared every night. These are the expectations for me to continue to allow you to live here.” My mother’s eyes bore into me.
“Let’s go,” Raquel says softly, taking my hand and pulling me toward my bedroom.
Once in my room, my friend goes off!
“That was insane.” Raquel shakes out her head. I shut the door behind her. “You’re not her personal servant.” Raquel’s voice shakes with anger. She purses her lips as she paces the floor of my bedroom.
The following morning, both Raquel and I stop short when we walk into the kitchen.
“Hey,” says a blonde guy I’ve never seen before. “Are you Heidi’s sister?” he asks with a malicious grin. Oh, and did I mention he’s only in boxers?
“Who are you?” Raquel asks, her voice low.
“I’m Otto.” He eyes her up and down.
“Where is my mom?” I ask worriedly.
Otto, who couldn’t be more than five years older than me at most, smiles at me as though he wants to eat me. I step closer to Raquel, and we clasp hands.
“She’s sleeping. Daughter, huh? I’ve never done a mother and daughter before,” he says with a salacious grin as he looks me up and down.
My face heats and I feel a moment of fear before I hear my mom.
“My daughter is a prude. But I’m game for another round,” she purrs from over my shoulder.
I cringe. What the fuck? Who is this woman?
Raquel and I just stand in the kitchen in shock as Otto walks back to my parents’ bedroom. The room shehad shared with my dad not two months ago!
I feel the dampness on my cheeks as Raquel holds me. And I pull my friend closer. I’m so grateful to her, having someone like her in my life. She means everything to me.
“I didn’t mean to make you cry!” she hollers when she pulls back. “Let’s get you a nice mani pedi, what do you say, doll?”
I nod and smile up at my friend through my tears.
