s*x Contract

Chapter １８

There on the stairs stood a lady with long black hair and huge dark eyes, in her mid-fifties. She was well-preserved, although the last time I had seen her there had been more flesh on her bones. Behind her, my father lingered, appearing older than ever.

“Joyce,” the lady murmured, and flung herself into my arms and started to sob.

I responded, "Oh." “Hello, mother.”

The worst kind of c****s interruption is when your parents walk up at your door just as you're about to go nasty.

I uncomfortably stroked her shoulders. When I called out, "Mom,what’s the problem"

As she drew back, her eyes became keen and enraged. She was about to yell, "You!" "You're the problem!" She glared at whatever she saw lurking over my shoulder. "And you, too. You're the problem."

I looked back and saw Luke standing there. I returned to my mum in disbelief. "Mom," I said, "are you alright?"

She yelled, "No!" at me. As soon as I opened the door, she rushed by me and entered the home without warning.

My father was horrified, his eyes wide with terror, on the porch. "Joyce."

Shaking my head, I raised my hand. We were both aware that my mum had similar outbursts on occasion. Because she was experiencing so much, she had to pay a price. When I was a youngster, she used to rant and rave about how stupid the characters on television were. To be honest, she had a point, but it was one of those quirks that I was pleased I didn't inherit.

My scowl deepened as I focused my attention on the two enormous suitcases next to him. That's an odd thing.

"We were told to hurry up by your mother. We haven't reserved a hotel room yet "he said. My brows furrowed. She'd been in a rush. I suddenly got the unwelcome feeling that she might want to remain at Luke's place.

This is exactly the kind of response I expected when she found out I was married. As it turned out, I had anticipated her reaction and had not phoned or contacted her at all. Because I didn't want to cope with her over-the-top antics.

Now that she was here, I had to start repairing the damage. I followed her as she turned and walked away from me. She had snuck by Luke, who looked on in disbelief as she made her way back. I extended my hand and delicately stroked his arm. My voice trailed off. "She's unhappy."

Suddenly, he swiveled around and gave me a disapproving look. He just said, "I’ll handle this."

I cringed at the pain. Didn't he understand that mothers are important? Maybe not. After all, he had previously said that he did not have any parents and had grown up entirely on his own. While my mother was fussing over her coat, I just nodded and accompanied her into the kitchen. I rushed to her aid, but she rebuffed my efforts.

"This isn't what I meant at all, "she said. "Don't act like I matter to you. I'm going to take care of this on my own."

I paused for a moment. Asked mum, "Would you want a cup of coffee?"

As soon as she finished speaking, "Tea," she replied. "I'd like a cup of tea.."

My quest for a kettle or a measuring cup took me to the cabinets. Luke and my father entered the room. Father and mother sat down for dinner as Luke set up shop in the nook next to an open door leading to the outdoor terrace. He leaned against the wall with his arms crossed over his chest, a controlled but definitely upset expression on his face. I couldn't really blame him for it. Surely no one wanted to see their new spouse's family on the second night of their marriage. It seemed like a nice way to get divorced quickly.

My mother's eyes were keen and steely as she sat at the kitchen table and observed me. As I fumbled with doors, she shouted, "You don't even know the kitchen!" "I figured it out!"

She shook her head as if something was wrong with me. "A mother can tell. Stupid lady! You can't simply get married to any random guy!"

I'm curious as to what she was talking about. In the meanwhile, my father was gazing at his hands folded in front of him, and Luke wasn't any help at all.

It was as if she were a schoolteacher and I was a naughty student, and she shook her finger at me. "It's not like you gave a second thought, is it? We've just made up our minds to go away together. That's not a sound foundation for marriage!"

To keep my lips shut, I had to yank them down with all my might. Then I said, "Um." I went back to the cupboards to look for the kettle, and this time I was more determined than ever. As I flung open a door, relief washed over me. A glimmer of polished steel met my eyes. With a quick grab, I poured in the liquids from the sink and placed it to heat while I went to the cupboard.

My mother questioned, "Did you even consider about your family? Is there any chance you'd consider inviting us to your wedding?

Fortunately, I found an Earl Grey tea container stashed in a dark corner of the cupboard. I grabbed it and replied, "I don't know." "It was an impulsive decision."

Her response was simple: "Of course it was." "Furthermore, I have yet to meet him. There is no way that he could have come back with you."

She warned me to stay away from wealthy men. If you do decide to tie the knot, make sure you choose a decent match. Make your own decisions and don't copy me. In fact, money just makes things worse. That didn't stop her from squandering my father's money, however.

My voice trailed off. "Luke King is Luke King, isn't he, Mom? That would be my hubby."

"Oh!" she let out a scream and flung her hands in the air. "Okay, that's great with me." She sat at the kitchen table and looked down at Luke, who was sitting across from her. It was awe-inspiring. "Hannah White, Joyce's mother, here. It's a pleasure to meet you." She glared at me for the second time. "I'm sure Joyce feels the same way."

"Mom!"