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Crap.
Double crap.
“How about we do this later? I’m supposed to meet Kristine—”
“What’s his name and age, London.”
“What are you talking about?” Avoidance is key in this situation. Last thing I need is for her to tell Dad, who will tell Alton, and then I am left to deal with his wrath. He hates all of my friends—forbids me from ever dating anyone. “It’s just a simple hairstyle.”
Mom purses her lips. “And I was born yesterday.”
“More like a hundred years, but…”
“Funny.” Wrapping her arm around my shoulders, she pulls us back so we’re lying down with our legs over the edge of the mattress. For a few minutes we stay silent, just looking up toward the ceiling, when she lets out a long and tired sigh. “I’ve let that crap with your brother go on for far too long. I’ve always chalked up your bickering to sibling antics and paid no mind because once he got older, his attention would shift. Marcus says it’s nothing when I bring it up, that with age he’ll stop picking on you, but you’re hiding things from me because you’re worried—”
“I’m not, Mom. I swear.”
“Then tell me what’s going on? Why the sudden swoony smiles when you get a text or—”
“His name is Santiago, and he moved here from Spain a month ago,” I whisper while my face heats up, eyes refusing to meet hers. “He’s cute and all the girls are crushing hard. We’ve never spoken until last week when he invited me to sit with him at lunch. That’s it.”
“And…”
Turning my head, I scrunch up my nose. “And what? Not following.”
“Child, I swear to God.” Mom mutters something under her breath that I don’t hear before grabbing my hand and giving it a squeeze. “Did you have lunch with him or not?”
“Once. Yeah.”
“Did you have fun?”
“He’s pretty awesome.”
“Then that’s all that matters,” she deadpans; the look she’s giving me all knowing. Aware of my worry when it comes to Dad saying I’m too young to date and Alton being an even bigger jerk. “One day, baby, a man is going to come into your life and sweep you off your feet. He will become the center of your world, as you will be his. Don’t hold back because of fear or what someone will say. When that moment comes, years from now, you promise me to hold onto it with both hands and never let go. Savor each moment you have together because tomorrow is never promised.”
“Mom, I’m only fifteen and it was just lunch. Not that serious.”
“I’m not talking about today, Lola. But one day it will happen…trust me.”
Present…
“…hold onto it with both hands and never let go. Savor each moment you have together because tomorrow is never promised.”
I awake with a start, but don’t move. Her words come back, and I can’t help but question if this is what she was talking about. Is Malcolm my person?
However, that question will have to wait since I notice something else…
There’s a weight against my back, yet it’s not crushing.
A warmth surrounding me, yet it’s comforting.
I’ve never slept so at peace. Happily. Completely letting my guard down with not a single bit of fear over what could happen when my defenses are down. No one here is going to harm me.
I know this, Malcolm showing me as much with every single one of his actions.
His respect for me. For not taking advantage of me.
For once, that little voice deep inside that always warns and keeps me alert is silent. Resting. Free.
