Mabel: Saga of A Mistress

Chapter 2

“Congratulations for successfully graduating from college you two” River’s dad greeted us after the graduation ceremony.

“Thank you Mr. Sy” I answered.

“Congratulations darling! I am so proud of you!” River’s mom greeted him alone. Yep. River’s mom and I are not in good terms. It's not because we had a fight or something. I have a huge respect for River's parents. It's her. She doesn’t like me for no apparent reason. She thinks that I am actually taking River away from her. She pretends to be nice to me in front of him to avoid any arguments. 

“Oh and of course congratulations to you too Mabel” she forced a smile at me. Well at least she’s trying.

“Thank you Mrs. Sy” I forced a smile too. She didn’t actually have to greet me if she didn’t want to. That would be totally fine with me. I already got used to her attitude for 5 years, I wouldn’t be so surprised.

River and I decided to celebrate with our families for today and we will see each other at the graduation ball later.

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I am inside my room contemplating whether to wear this dress that River and I bought last week, or this slightly revealing dress that I have in my closet for so long.

I told River that I really wanted to wear this dress and we didn’t have to go shopping for my outfit anymore, but he hates it when I wear clothes that slightly show off my skin.

I’ve finally decided to just wear this long beige dress accessorized with crystals on it. He chose this dress. I don’t want to get in an argument with him later just because of what I’m wearing. I have to be ready in an hour before River arrives.

I just got out of the shower when I heard a knock on my door. I unlocked and opened it, revealing my mom who was standing outside with a small paper bag on her hands.

“Are you finished getting ready?” she asked.

“No mom not yet. I was just about to put on some make up, why?”

“Well, I got something for you, I think this would look good on the dress you’re wearing” she told me

“Mom, you didn’t have to. Thank you”

“Well I couldn’t help it when I was at the mall yesterday. How can I not buy you a gift? You finally graduated and this is one of the best accomplishments you’ve had in your life. This is worth celebrating”

“Thanks mom, I can’t wait to find out what this is” I said while quickly opening the paper bag

Once it was opened, it revealed a simple but a very beautiful silver necklace with a heart-shaped diamond pendant on it.

“Mom it’s beautiful I love it!” I exclaimed with so much happiness.

“C’mon I’ll help you put it on” she said as I handed her the necklace so she could put it on for me.

“Don’t you ever remove the necklace okay?” She told me

“Of course mom. I love this very much! Thank you!” I answered as I gave her a tight hug.

“You’re moving to New York next week, your dad and I are going to miss you so much”

“Mom, we still have the rest of the week to have fun”

“I know. Just don’t forget to be careful all the time. As what I have always told you before, be wiser in making decisions” she reminded me.

“River’s going to take care of me, you don’t have to worry about that” I assured her.

“A lot of things could happen. New York is big. You're gonna get a new job, get busy with your career, you’re going to meet new friends, meet new people. It’s a big world out there, not just for you, but also for River”

“Mom, are you saying that River and I aren’t going to last long?” I asked being a bit confused about her words.

“No. It’s not like that. I would be more than happy if you and River actually end up together and getting married one day. It’s because I’ve known him for 5 long years. I’ve got to know what kind of man he is, and I’ve seen how he takes good care of you, how he looks at you, and how he loves you”

“Okay….”

“It’s just that, what if things might change” she continued

“What do you mean mom?” I asked out of confusion again.

“What if, a change of heart might happen?”

“River stayed with me for 5 long years, that’s not gonna happen mom” I brushed her off.

“This isn’t only about him, this is also about you. What if it happens to you?” she asked.

This idea haven’t crossed my mind ever since. River and I have everything already planned out ever since the beginning.

I just stayed silent and looked at her as she started speaking again.

“I will be happy for you with whatever it is that you want for your future, I promise you that. I promise you, I would support you with whatever decisions you’re going to make, even if it’s not with River. As long as you’re happy”

“Thanks mom” I smiled. I’d rather not argue with her with her thoughts.

“But you also have to promise me one thing” she continued.

“And that is?”

“You can date whoever you want if things don’t work out for you and River. Just promise me to never get involved with a married man. Don’t ever be in a relationship with someone who’s already tied up and committed to someone else”

“Mom!! That sounds gross” I didn’t expect her to say such words.

“What is so wrong about reminding you to never get involved with a married man? I am stating facts here young lady, those kind of situations could happen to anyone, I just hope you don’t get caught up with one”

“Okay mom, I promise. As if I’d allow myself to get involved with that” I assured her rolling my eyes at the same time. 

“Good. That was just a reminder just in case. Now you better put some make up on and get dressed. You only have 30 minutes, hurry!” Mom said as she reached for the door to get out of the room.

That was a long conversation between mom and I. Now I have to get myself ready for the ball. I can’t wait to see River.