Lola

Sunlight streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows, illuminating dust motes dancing in the air. I winced as the shrill ring of the phone tore through the pristine silence of our bedroom. Adler, usually a light sleeper, remained blissfully unaware nestled beside me. A pang of guilt stabbed at me as I reached for the phone, saw who the caller was and I knew that the news on the other end always had the potential to shatter our carefully constructed illusion. "Hello?" I answered, my voice a hoarse whisper. "Lola, it's Mom," came my mother's raspy voice. “I know it’s you, mom. I asked you not to call me whenever I don’t spend the night at home. Is everything alright?” I whispered in a harsh tone. “Why? Because you do not want your fancy little boyfriend to know about me and worse Bryan? Lola any relationship built on lies will crumble.” My mom said. “Well Mom, it’s a miracle that I’m even dating someone as rich as this, who on a normal day wouldn’t look in my direction twice so I’m not about to ruin this little piece of happiness life decided to hand me.” I answered defensively. “I’m just saying…” I cut her off mid sentence, “Mom you called me for a reason.” "We need to talk." My breath hitched. Mom never sounded very serious unless it was an emergency. She’s rather always playful. The forced cheer I usually adopted in Adler's presence evaporated. "Mom, what's wrong?" I said I’m a hushed tone. “Oh my Lola, my baby, I hate when things happen this way” she said. Impatiently I said, “Mom what’s the problem, talk to me. I’m getting worried here.” The silence on the other end stretched for an eternity, filled only by the distant chirping of birds. "The cancer," she finally choked out, "It's back, honey. And this time, they say it's…" Her voice trailed off, replaced by a ragged sob. “Mom, talk to me please…” I said, my voice breaking a little: “It’s already in the final stage. I don’t know if…” she trailed off. Tears welled in my eyes, blurring the image of Adler's peaceful face. My mother, my only source of strength, was crumbling. “Oh Mom, I’m sorry for being harsh just now,” A sob escaped my lips, and Adler stirred beside me. "Lola, what's happening?" Adler mumbled, his eyes fluttering open. “I’m fine…” I said as I ended the call and wiped my eyes. “No, you’re not. You know you can tell me right?” Adler said again. “I know that. I’ll tell you when I feel like. I need to process things first.” I said “My love, you can…” he started Not letting him finish his statement, “We have that charity event to attend today, I need to get prepared. Getting clothes ready, my shoes and getting my stylist to come over here will take quite a lot of time. I better get to it.” I said as I quickly got up from the bed. Adler just looked at me wondering what was wrong. I called on the stylist who always catered to me whenever I had to attend these super high class events with Adler. *** As we walked through the doors and into the charity event, my mind raced back to the call with my Mom. This was the least thing anyone of us wanted. “Mr Adler Shaw, I knew it was you!” An old man said too enthusiastically, and bubbled with disgusting laughter. Shaking his hand, Adler replied politely, “Oh Hello, Mr…” “It’s Mr Anthony…Anthony is my First name, Drew is my last name. I never mention the drew first because…” He blabbered on I tuned him out. It’s almost as if anytime we go out there was always someone ready to flip over to get into Adler’s good graces. “I’ll head inside, Mr Anthony. Here’s my card though…” Adler said. If this Mr Anthony could, or if Adler allows him, he’ll kiss Adler on the lips. He was too giddy. “Wheeew, that was more intense than others” Adler whispered in my ear and I chuckled. We got to our seats and the event started. Various presentations were made. Pictures of homeless children here in the U.S, some other pictures and videos were of homeless people all over Europe, Asia and Africa. It caused a tear to drop from my eyes. “Here, my love.” Adler said as her handed me a handkerchief. “Only you will have a handkerchief every time of the day,” I said, chuckling a bit. “Ouch you wound me, I’m a gentleman. Didn’t you know that?” He whispered. “Here,” he handed me some cash, “I do not want to pledge or donate anything today so I want you to do so on my behalf. “It’s a lot of money, Adler,” I said… “Yeah, I’m aware.” He replied. I took the cash and placed it on my lap. It was a huge amount that I could use to begin my mother’s treatment but now I had to donate it. “I sound so selfish…” I whispered to myself. “Did you say something, Lola?” Adler asked. “Oh no, I was just talking to myself, baby.” I said The event went on and I patiently waited for when it’ll be time for the Baazar and when donations can properly begin. I wished I could just ask Adler for help instead of suffering in silence but Adler had told me numerous times how the girls he had been with were only with him for the money. I didn’t want to be one of them. I genuinely loved him and I wasn’t ready to lose him. “I’m going to the powder room,” I said to Adler. “Should I join you?” He asked. “Oh silly,” I lightly slapped his shoulder, “I’ll be out in a minute” “Alright, put the cash in your purse” he instructed me and I obeyed. In the restroom, I did my business and was now washing my hands when my phone rang for the second time today. “Hello, is this Lola? Miss Lola Sanchez?” A voice asked. Suddenly, the phone slipped from my grasp, clattering to the floor. The weight of the news I just received threatened to suffocate me.