Page 60 of Fractured Mind
I force a smile. He might say that, but if I went back to help Mom, I don’t think he would leave his friends and his mom. I wouldn’t expect him to either.
The hand on my chin grips firmer as his intense eyes hold mine. “I mean it. We’ll all talk about what we’re doing after school soon, but know we’ll be together, always.”
So that he can’t see my face, I angle my head and lie back down on his chest. “Thank you.”
“Do you want me there with you tomorrow?”
“I have to have a conversation with my mom first.” It will feel strange, but I know I have to do it by myself.
“I can take tomorrow off. I want to be there for you.”
I appreciate his support. “It’s fine, really. I’ll see you after school.”
My hands reach farther down to the hem of his shirt, and I pull it up, exposing his abs. As I stroke my hand over the taut muscle, he hisses. My breathing becomes short and quick. I suddenly sit up and crash my lips to his, wanting to forget about reality. His tongue delves inside as his hands move to the back of my head, pulling me closer as my mouth angles to get more. Kissing him removes all other thoughts. I need this time with him, not knowing what tomorrow will bring.
CHAPTER
TWENTY
MIA
The limousine pullsup out front. My muscles tighten and my heart beats a wild, uneven beat. Nana gets up, but I stay seated. She gives me a knowing look before she walks out.
Has Mom changed for good this time? What is she like when she’s sober?
My ears strain when the door opens. I hear footsteps and weighted objects hitting the floor, which I presume are Mom’s bags.
The door bangs shut and Nana says, “Wayne, can you take her bags upstairs?”
“Where’s Mia?” My body freezes at Mom’s voice.
The footsteps come closer. I bite the inside of my cheek until my mom and Nana come into view. Mom’s eyes widen. She steps toward me, then stops, like she’s hesitating. It’s strange—I don’t know how to act around her either.
I remain seated and scan her face, noticing a vast difference. She no longer looks puffy or bloated, and there’s no more redness on her cheeks and forehead. With her vibrant skin and her shiny, well-kept hair, she looks ten years younger.
“You look amazing.”
“So do you,” she says as her eyes wander over my face.
“Well, I’ll go talk to the chef about getting an afternoon snack ready for us. Would either of you like a drink?” Nana offers.
“A coffee with milk and two sugars,” Mom answers.
“I’ll have a mocha.”
Nana heads toward the kitchen while Mom sits down, leaving plenty of room between us.
“How have you been?” she asks me.
My gaze darts away from her as the knot in my stomach tightens at the thought of talking about how my life has been without her. “I’ve really enjoyed being here.”
“How’s school going? Nana said you’re close with Ruby and Ashton again.”
I nod. “Yes, I am. They’ve made it easier for me to start over.”
“That’s good. I was worried about how you’d cope.”
I raise my eyebrows. She was worried? It’s her first day back, so I keep my thoughts to myself. “I’m in a relationship with Ashton,” I blurt out.