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“So, when did you meet my mother?” I asked.
“A few years ago at a movie premier,” said a female voice from behind me. “Hello, dear Madison.”
I turned to find my mother standing in the doorway, clad in a beautiful white suit wearing stilettos and holding a pocket poodle under her arm. The dog yapped.
“Hi, mom,” I said dryly, trying to smile.
It wasn’t an exciting moment, though you’d think it should have been.
“Come here,” she said holding out her free arm. “I haven’t seen you in so long!”
Because you abandoned me, I thought.
I gave her a side hug and took a step away, waiting for some instruction on how to behave. I wasn’t even sure what to say to her. Our chats before this moment were mostly brief and one-sided.
“Let me show you to your room,” she said while taking my hand. “I think you’ll love it.”
I already don’t. I said to myself, sarcastically.
Chapter Two
After my mother showed me to my room, she helped me unpack my bag for which I felt grateful. I didn’t stay mad for long. Although she had left me with my grandparents, I was glad she was trying to make a connection with me now. The truth was, I really didn’t have anybody else after they’d passed; at least no one who would really care if I lived or died. Friends were one thing, but family was another.
A little bit of indignation remained from all those years wondering why she had left me, and it seemed to be melting away as she laid my clothes on the large four-post bed. She held up a dingy plaid shirt.
“My goodness, have they been clothing you with thrift store items?” she asked with a small giggle. “I’m sure we can do better than that.”
“I don’t mind them,” I said. “It’s comfortable and it fits.”
“Well, you live with me now and we’ll make sure to get you an entirely new wardrobe. How’s that?” she asked, placing a few shorts in a drawer.
“I guess that’s alright,” I retorted.
I didn’t want to feel like a burden. She had already paid for my flight which was more money than I had ever spent on anything. It bothered me to think I might owe her if she spent any more.
“It’s no problem. I’ll give Dallas one of my cards and you two can hit the shops. I have to go back into work to settle some business, but I’ll be back later this evening,” she said, standing in front of me and holding my shoulders gently. “It’s good to have you here, Madison. I really hope we can reconnect.”
“I do, too,” I responded with a small smile.
My mother wrapped me into a tight hug, patted my shoulder, and then waved as she left my room, closing the door behind her. I looked around. This bedroom was massive. The curtains appeared to be made of silk and the comforter was practically a cloud melting between my fingers. Everything was white embroidered with gold patterns and I rolled over on to the bed while spreading out my arms. I felt like I was floating. These things were lovely, but I missed the sound of the cows mooing across the field and the horses whinnying in the stables. I missed my stallion, Buttercup. She was always my favorite to ride. Most of all, I missed my grandpa and mammy.
“Are you hungry?” asked a voice from the door.
Lost in my thoughts, I hadn’t noticed Dallas enter the room. He leaned against the door with one hand on his hip, appearing to have all the confidence in the world.
“Sure,” I replied from the bed.
I was afraid to move in his presence for fear my klutzy nature would knock me off the bed. Dallas waited in the doorway.
“What would you like?” he asked.
What did rich people eat? I thought.
“I’m not sure,” I replied, sitting up slowly.
“Well, let’s go look in the kitchen,” he said.
When he left my sight, I hopped off the bed and followed, my boots clunking against the ground. His smooth movements were nothing compared to my lanky legs and awkward arms. We made our way down the huge staircase and into the marble kitchen, my fingers running over the smooth surface and admiring the lush appliances.
