Love In The Shadows

CHAPTER 3

After reading the text I got from my dad, I booked the next available flight to California.

Rushing home, I grabbed a handful of essentials and shoved them into my luggage. No time for showers or wardrobe changes – every minute counted.

I dashed out the door with my luggage and jumped into my car, hurrying to the airport.

Luckily, I didn't have to wait too long, because we boarded exactly thirty minutes after I arrived at the airport.

The only thing on my mind throughout the flight was whether my dad was okay. And if he was, then what was the emergency? He's been stressing a lot lately about the problems with his company and maybe that has taken a toll on his health. And this is all happening now that I have a project with Megan Dixon. Can the timing possibly be any more inconvenient?

I rolled my eyes and leaned back in my seat, thanking the earth for giving me my own fair share of problems. A lot of things are going on right now, good — which I'm very grateful for— and bad. Was I even sure it was a bad thing? I mean, the text sounded pretty urgent, but that doesn't mean it was bad, right? You know what, I'll just look forward and hope it's something positive, something good.

I was still lost in thoughts when the Hostess came up to me with a smile. “Hello ma'am, is there anything you'd like to have?” She asked, her voice sweet as honey, as she paused the beverage cart bedside me.

Yes. Ummm.. I would love to have a drink, but I don't know what drink to have. I said, feeling slightly embarrassed. My head has not been in the right place since that text, and now I'm beginning to sound crazy. Could this day get any better?

“Well, we have water, orange juice, mango juice, pineapple juice, yogurt, sodas, and if you're in the mood for something bubbly, our beers have been quite popular today.” She beamed a smile at me.

Beers? By 12:15 in the afternoon? I thought they take those at maybe 3 or 4? Well, whatever. I can't know. I don't drink, and I've never been a drinker, so what do I know? Everybody's habits are different, so it's not my problem.

I think I'll just take the water. Thank you. I said as she handed me my water and moved on to attend to others.

As the plane touched down in California, I stretched, shaking off the remnants of my in-flight snooze. Gathering my belongings, I made my way to the baggage claim.

I pulled out my phone and dialed Dad's number. His calm voice, on the other hand, was a relief. Hey, kiddo. The driver's waiting for you. Look for the black sedan with your name on the sign.

My anxiety began to dissipate, replaced by curiosity. If Dad sounded fine, what was this emergency? I just hope it's not about mom.

I know some people say, ‘oh, my mother can be so annoying at times, but she's still my mother and I love her’. Well, that's not the case with me. My mother has never cared for me. The only role she played in my life was birthing me and I don't think she was happy about that either. My brother, my father and Miss Adelia said that I hadn't even breastfed, but rather, Miss Adelia had to bottle feed me with milk my mom had already stored. If only my mom was working, then I'd have found an excuse, but no, she was a full-time housewife. I can clearly remember growing up, I used to call Miss Adelia mom and call my own mother madam, because that was what every worker in the mansion called her, and the b***h never once corrected me or showed that she felt bad when I called Miss Adelia mom. I've never once had a connection with her and whenever we talked, it was an argument. We even argued over the littlest things, and I'm pretty sure she enjoyed getting me all riled up.

I finally found the car, and we were already headed towards the mansion. I think I was supposed to be excited about going to see my parents, but there was this dread forming in the pit of my stomach, and I couldn't tell or understand why.

We arrived at the house and I stepped down and stared at the looming Victorian-era-style house standing before me as a wave of nostalgia washed over me. I remember a very much younger me. I'd always go to the garden and make a flower crown for myself because Miss Adelia said I was a princess, and big brother would always try to rip the crown apart. Thinking about it now, it sent waves of laughter rolling through me and I suddenly felt more comfortable.

I walked in to find my dad and my mother sitting on the couch.

"Dad!" I rushed into his open arms, my voice laced with concern.

Is everything alright? Your message sounded so urgent. I scanned his face, searching for reassurance. "Are you okay?"

“I'm very fine.” He said, as my mother cleared her throat beside him. Actually, I have never felt better. Not even in my youth. Mother cleared her throat in the background, a lot more loudly and exaggerated this time.

I knew she was trying to get me to acknowledge her presence, but if she thinks I was actually going to do so, then she's really delusional.

Well, if you're fine, then what's the emergency? I mean, I left a really important project just to be here today. I said, getting annoyed.

Calm down baby girl. There really is an emergency, but we're waiting for your brother to get here, so we can all talk about it together. He placed a hand on my shoulder with a reassuring smile.

“Wait, Asher's going to be here today?” I asked with a smile.

Yeah, so go upstairs, freshen up and have a meal, a snack, anything you want. And when your brother arrives, I'll tell you guys why I requested you to be here. I nodded and got up to leave, when mother cleared her throat again, a lot louder this time. She should be careful so she doesn't peel the skin off her throat. I didn't even turn to her or look at her because I knew she was trying to get my attention, but then dad spoke.

“Aren't you going to acknowledge your mother?” I knew who he was talking about, but I just decided to play the fool.

“Oh yeah. Miss Adelia, where is she? I beamed the widest smile yet.

“What do you mean?” My dad stared at me, his brows furrowed in confusion.

“You said I needed to acknowledge my mom so…….” I started. “Wait, you mean……her?” I said, motioning to my mother like she was a slimy, disgusting creature. Her eyes immediately went as wide as saucers and I almost laughed at the expression I drew out of her.

“Yes, her. And you don't stare at her like that, she's your mother. He chastised me.

“Yeah, whatever.” I rolled my eyes. “Hi there.” I said to her and turned back to my dad. “Now will you tell me where Miss Adelia is?” I crossed my arms across my chest.

She went on a little break yesterday. She'll be back this evening.

Okay, well, I want to take a nap, so no disturbances. Please. I said, glaring daggers at my mother.

I already trust her to come snooping around my room and wanting to ask the silliest questions, but I don't have the time nor the energy for that, so I'd be glad if she just left me alone.