My Geeky Boyfriend

Chapter Eight

I hid the little disc behind me, the grin I had on, never once leaving my face.

"I found something in your old bookcase last week." 

"Really? What did you find?" My mum questioned with a smile of her own.

Although, it wasn't long before her eyes were doubling in size, as though remembering something she wished she could unlearn.

"Please don't tell me it's my mermaid costume from when I was eighteen. I knew I should have gotten rid of that fu..." 

I raised a brow, feasting on the panic on her face.

"Come on, mum, you can say it." 

"That freaking costume," she finished, smiling satisfactorily, and earning a slight eye roll from me.

Yeah, since she turned all churchy, my mum decided that cuss words should not be said at all - especially not in front of one's kids. Not like that'd take away the memories of the times she'd let out, "f*****g dickheads," when we drove past some crazy drivers during our trips to the mall. Or the one too many times when she'd slipped a "s**t," after ruining another attempt at making dinner.  But that was then, and now my mum's tongue was as sweet as caramel mixed with honey.

No matter how much I tried, she'd never let even a teeny tiny cuss word slip. Hence, I wasn't surprised that she was able to hold herself back this time too. Maybe she was right, maybe the Lord really did capture her soul.  Even in my head, that sounded really doubtful. Why would the Lord want to capture her soul? Capturing a person's soul sounded like something Hades would do, right?  I knew asking my mum that question, would result in one her speeches about Christ's love which could go on for forever, so I kept the thought to myself. No kidding, my mum could spend hours talking about those stuff. So, I simply returned to enjoying the look on her face as I teased her. 

"Well, it's not your mermaid costume. Although, I'd like to see just how ridiculous that looks." 

"Meanie," she huffed, making me chuckle. 

"Actually, it's something better. Lemme give you a hint." I cleared my throat, leaving my mum to stare questioningly at me through the screen. 

Taking a deep breath, I started a tune which I was sure didn't sound as rhythmic in reality, as it did in my head.

"And oh baby, I'll make love to you all night. And oh baby, come give me..." 

"Stephanie! Oh my god, this is so embarrassing! Please don't tell me you watched that video?" 

Laughing, I pulled out the disc from behind me, raising my hand in mock surrender as I did.

"I didn't watch it." 

"Stephanie," she started, assuming that don't-lie-to-mummy tone which only she could pull off perfectly. 

"But you told me not to tell you I watched it," I replied, using my best oh so innocent voice. But that just earned a playful glare from her, leaving me giggling. 

"Fine. Yeah, I watched it, I even watched it three times. Come on, you can't blame me, it's not every day you see your mum doing a sexy pole dance right after dancing with a hot male stripper. That's basically every daughter's dream. Too bad I can't see you do a live action remake of it. You know."

I added a wink, to which she made a face. 

"No, I don't know missy. And that video was from my past; when I was still high on the world and not on Jesus." 

High on Jesus? I thought Jesus was a spirit being and not a d**g. So, how could she be high on Jesus? Sometimes, I really wanted to tell my mum to tone down the exaggerations a bit. But again, I kept the thought to myself and let her continue. 

"Yeah, it was fun then. But it's definitely not one of my best moments now that I think about it. Compared to what I have now, it doesn't seem just as interesting as it did then," she finished, a thoughtful expression clouding her features. 

"Well, I don't know about that, mum. But I did love the video, and I loved how you looked so happy and free there. And that's all I want for you mum. I want you to be happy, to have fun, to get laid." 

"Oh, swee..."

 But it seemed she just realized what my last three words were, because the smile she had on through my little speech, was replaced with a disapproving look. 

"Stephanie! You can't say things like that to your mother."

 Was it just me, or was that reddened face of hers more from embarrassment, than anger?

"It's so...well it's...it's inappropriate, Stephanie." 

Yeah, it was definitely embarrassment.

Which was precisely why I said, "oh, come on, mum, it's not a big deal. Besides, dad has been oiling his engine regularly. Two nights ago, I'm certain I saw a b*a at the edge of his bed while we were having a video call."

"Stephanie," she started, but I was way too invested in spilling my findings to pay heed to her chidings.

"And from my calculations, it's about the same size as his new assistant's boobs. You see?" 

By the time I was done, my mum was doing that blinking rapidly thing she did when she was out of words. But she'd find it soon. The words were building up inside her and would soon explode in...  Four...three...two...one.

"Stephanie! The only thing I'm seeing, is that my daughter has been spending way too much time analyzing some woman's b*a size. Gosh, that sounds even more weird when I say it out loud. Now, listen up, young lady - there shall be no comparing b*a sizes, or worrying about your dad's or my...engine." 

I had to struggle to bite back a chuckle when she made a face at that last word. I knew from experience that chuckling now would equal a forever speech. So, I just kept quiet and let my mum do her thing. 

"Your dad and I are two single adults, and our s****l life is our problem. We can choose to have multiple partners, stay celibate, get married to a zebra or do whatever. And you honey, don't have to worry about any of that, okay?" 

"But..."

I tried to protest, but one look at the 'mummy knows best' look she had on, got me saying, "fine." 

"Great. Now that's more like it sweetie. Ok, so forget all that. Tell me about you. How's school coming along?" 

What was I supposed to say to that? Maybe: "school's just great, mum. And oh, I'm dating someone else now. But don't worry, I'm not attracted to him or anything. We're dating so he'd help me love, and then I can get back with Bryce." 

I could imagine my mum staring at me as though I was a kid who'd taken way too much bath salt. And of course, I wouldn't blame her.  So, choosing to keep my weird a*s life to myself for now, I gave a small shrug.

 "Well, school is school, mum. It's just the usual stuff; nothing new." 

"And how are Juliette, Beck and Sam doing?" 

The mention of their names drifted my thoughts to their messages from earlier today. I still had no idea how to explain how my 'relationship' with Hawk came about. And I was certain they were not the only ones interested in finding out.

I didn't have to check my phone to know that school group chats must be filled with pictures of my hallway adventures with Hawk. When I accepted Hawk's offer, I didn't realize how much of an effect dating him would have on me.

Stephanie Joseph, head cheerleader of Ravens High, dating Hawk Moose, head geek of Raven's High.

That's just giving those schoolmates of mine the opportunity they've been hoping for all along - to make fun of me.  Alright, maybe I was being overly dramatic, but you get the point. How would I deal with everyone tomorrow? And what if they... 

"Stephanie."

It was only after hearing my mum that I returned to reality.

"Are you okay, honey?" She asked, small lines of worry already forming on her head. 

"I'm fine, mum. And they are all fine."

I wanted to add that they were also waiting to bombard me with questions tomorrow, but I decided against it, settling for throwing my mum a smile instead.  She seemed a bit skeptical, and for a second, I thought she'd ask something. My mum was really good at seeing through my lies, so I wouldn't be surprised if she did the same this time. Hence, imagine the relief that washed through me when she relaxed instead, a gentle smile playing on her beautiful, forty-three-year-old face.

"Well, I'm glad to hear that," she mused, to which I replied with a small, "yeah." 

"Alright then, honey. I guess we'll talk some--" 

"No, mum, wait!" I called out, startling her, and honestly myself too.

What the hell was I doing? Well, it was too late to think of that now. My mum was already staring expectantly at me, urging me to speak.

"What is it, honey?" 

"Uhm, I was wondering, you know just out of curiosity. When you decided to become all chur...I mean, to let the Lord capture your soul. Weren't you worried about how people would react to your new way of life? Your friends, colleagues, weren't you bothered about what they'd think of you?" 

A chuckle passed through her lips in response.

"Of course, I thought about that. You know how I was before I decided to accept the call of the Lord." 

She didn't have to tell me. I knew it all too well. My mum was a successful model before getting married to my dad. Even after marriage, she still continued with her career, but decided to quit and open up her own modeling agency after giving birth to me. 

For as long as I could remember, my mum was the envy of many women her age, and even younger. Standing at 5'9, she was tall, yet curvy. Her olive skin never lost its shine. And with a face which never seemed to age, she was the kind of mum who seemed more like she was my sister who was just older by 10 years. 

At school functions, my mum was always 'the mum.' Beautiful, elegant, the envy of her peers – that was the definition of Natalia Joseph. And being married to one of the city's richest men, she had her fair share of grand social events. I still remembered her parties. She threw the most exquisite parties; she wore the most expensive designs. If there was anything close to perfection, then that was her life. But that was before the incident. 

I was thirteen when it happened. 

Everything seemed perfect one day, but the next, it came crashing down. Like parents who'd call their child to announce that they were moving, or that they were going on a business trip, my parents called me too.  I knew there was a problem when I saw my mum making feeble attempt to control the dam in her eyes, and I should have known the problem was bigger than designer dresses when I saw my dad's glossy eyes. But nothing could have prepared me for the news of divorce they threw at me.  I still remembered sitting emotionlessly on the sofa after hearing the words from my mum's mouth. It made absolutely no sense to me.

My parents loved each other more than anything else, all you needed was a few seconds in a room with them to figure it out. Despite their busy schedules, they always made time for each other, for me. Our family was always a happy one; one that was filled with love. I just couldn't understand why.  I should have just taken the news and went up to my room. But me being me, I had to ask why. And cue to my dad admitting he cheated on my mum, and then my mum saying being together was unhealthy for the both of them and even for me - whatever that meant.

 Long story cut short, my mum headed to Louisiana after the divorce; she said she got a call or something like that. Honestly, I still don't get it. She joined a church there, and since then, has been working actively to help people find their way to a "truly satisfying life with their creator."  So, now, as she asked that question, I didn't bother to give a reply. How could I not know how she was before her call? She must have realized it too; that the question needed no answer, because she simply continued with what she was saying. 

"Yes, I thought a lot about what people would think. In fact, at first, I didn't feel comfortable sharing my achievements in the church online. But as time went by, I got more comfortable. I realized that this was good work, and it was nothing to be ashamed of.  And most importantly, I realized that I shouldn't let what people think about me, get to me. Sometimes, you just have to do what works for you, the people who really love you would understand. And whoever doesn't, then to hell with them."

I c****d an amused brow at her last statement, making her chortle - a sound that was soon echoed by me. 

"Thanks, mum," I said after my laughter died down. 

"For what?" 

"For being awesome." 

And that made her chuckle.  Her words were really just what I needed to deal with the drama which tomorrow would bring. And now, I knew just what to do. 

"So," she chirped.

"Since I'm so awesome, I'm sure it won't be a problem if we talked about that picture you posted with Juliette and Sam." 

Uh oh. 

I threw my mum an incredulous laugh.

"What? What picture?" 

Though there was a faint hint of a smile playing on her lips, she just gave me a pointed look.

"Stephanie, your tongues were practically touching. And that caption was..." 

I knew if I didn't find a way to stop my mum now, I'd end up with a speech. I quickly cut in before she could go any further. 

"Oops, I just remembered I have assignment to do. You know I don't take my education lightly." 

"Stephanie Rachel Jo--" 

"Love you too, mum. Bye," I singsong, to which she huffed, but it wasn't long before a smile crept in. 

"You are one sneaky daughter. Love you, baby. Bye." 

As I shut my laptop, I felt a lot better than I did driving back home from school. I was no longer worried about how tomorrow would turn out. However way it turned out, I knew how to deal it.  And for the first time since getting home today, I really was looking forward to tomorrow.