The Fantasies of Rose

Confrontation

I am panicking now. My hands are sweating so bad that my steering wheel has wet marks and even my legs have begun to shake. There is no way I can stand and face him.

Mom pulls back up and let's him onto the driveway as I contemplate what to do. Dad will know I am lying if he asks what we are doing. I cannot lie to save my life when it comes to my parents.

He parks under his tree and makes his way to mom. She looks at me signaling to stay quiet before looking at dad. I c***k my window so I can hear the conversation just incase he decides to ask me as well.

"Hey Honey. I thought you had golf till 2?"

" Charlie had some family matters to handle today so we only played 9 holes then he headed off instead of staying for lunch."

"Did you eat or do you want me to make you some lunch?"

"I will just eat some left overs. What are you and Rose up to?"

" We were going to lunch and then she was heading to her friend Liz's house and I was going to get some grocery shopping done. Do you want to join us or do want the house all to yourself for a bit?"

I am internally begging him to just stay home so we can get this done. I feel like a 3 year old who snuck the last cookie out of the cookie jar and after the sweet sugar high wears off you become paranoid and scared just waiting to be caught.

I know this is wrong to leave like this and lie to him, but at the same time I am amazing at the confidence of my mom. Before the events of these past few days I never knew she had it in her.

" You know I hate shopping. I will catch up on my fishing shows and just eat here."

"Go Mom!" I internally cheer. She knows how to get dad off her back. I could learn a few tricks from her.

" Well I will see you when I get back then. Anything specific for dinner?"

" Some of those lemon pepper chops and homeade mashed potatoes sound good."

"You read my mind. I'll pick everything up and see you in a bit. Love you."

" Love you. Bye Rose."

"Bye dad." I squeak out through the c***k in my window.

We did it! Let's get this show on the road and get to the apartment before dad realizes anything is off. Mom pulls out of the driveway and I am right on her tail. The trip takes about fifteen minutes and that gives me enough time to calm down before I have a full blown panic attack. Man, I really got to figure out how mom keeps her cool like that.

***

As mom, Liz, and I push the last box into the room we all collapse onto the bed in a fit of laughter knowing it's all done. With Liz and mom's help it only took about thirty minutes to unload the cars and walk up and down the three flights of stairs over and over. Stupid out if order elevator ugh... Anyways at least it is done!

Now the torture of unpacking and getting everything put away.

"Okay girls it is time for me to get going. I still have to shop for Paul and get dinner on the table tonight."

" Okay Mom. Thank you for all for your help. You have no idea how much it means to have your support as I do this."

" Yeah Mrs. Russell it truly was a pleasure to have you over. You are always welcome here."

"Thank you Liz. Take good care of my baby now. Keep her out of trouble."

"Will do"

I get up and hug Mom knowing this is all too real and I won't be able to just walk out of my room to see her anymore."

Don't cry.

Don't cry.

Don't cry.

I swear this is a heck of a lot harder then I thought it would be to say goodbye to her. I manage to keep the tears from overflowing, at least for now and hug my mom tightly.

" You girls get everything situated and make sure you have everything you need. If you do need anything let me know and I will try to help you girls out."

" Okay."

Both Liz and I say together.

" Oh, and before I forget I expect both you and Liz home for dinner tonight at 6 pm sharp. It's almost one now which gives you enough time to unpack and get your room situated. You have to tell your father the truth and just not showing up for work is not gonna cut it. Goodbye girls."

Now the tears start to fall as I realize what she said. I have to tell him tonight?!

Oh... come...on!

Mom knows me too well. I huff and roll my watery eyes.

I slowly sit back down onto the bed and Liz wraps her arms around me to comfort me. She knows I hate confrontation and knows this will probably not go well.

We sit like this for a bit till I calm down and come to terms with knowing tonight will change everything in my life.

" Let's get started unpacking Liz"

" I will tackle the bathroom and let you work on the clothes and breakables. I'll come help you once I get done."

"Sounds like a plan. Thank you for letting me take over your guest room and the furniture in here. It would have a big dent in my savings having to buy a bed and dresser."

" The only guest I ever have is you so it was pretty much yours already anyways...just don't break it when you do finally get a boyfriend!" She screams as she runs off to avoid the pillow I chucked at her head. I laugh at her knowing she is trying to lighten the mood.

As Liz runs off to the bathroom; I start off with my clothes to try to keep my mind off of the dinner at mom and dad's that I know will end in confrontation.