Page 35 of Kisses

Chapter 12

Lyla

16 years old - Lyla

“Mom, I just don’t know about this dress,” I stated while trying on winter formal dresses. These things are so tacky. I am not a big fan of dances. My parents feel I need to be like other teens and go to the dance with a date. I have no interest whatsoever.

“Lyla, honey, I guarantee you will look absolutely beautiful. I mean, you’re a younger version of myself,” my mother commented.

“Way to bring it back to you, Mom.”

“I love you, sweetie.”

“Back at you.”

I stepped out in this shiny turquoise mid-length, halter dress. My mother looeds at me and smiled.

She commented, “That’s the dress.”

I asked, “Really?”

“Honey, you’re a knockout.”

“Really, Mom? Knockout?”

“Take the compliment.”

I smiled, “Okay. I guess this is the one. I am going to change back into my clothes.”

She smiled back, “Next up, shoes.”

I laughed knowing this was far more important for my mother than me. To be honest, I was enjoying it. My mother is always so busy with her work and her other life. Don’t get me wrong, she always makes time for me. As I have gotten older, I am hanging out more with my friends. These moments with her are the best. I love my momma so much.

I walk out of the dressing room. My mother is patiently waiting by the clothing rack. She nods her head toward the shoe department.

POW…POW…POW…

I look around. Then at my mother. Her eyes widened in fear.

POW…POW…POW…

My mother whispers, “You need to get back into the dressing room, right now. Shut the door and don’t come out.”

Scared out of my mind and not sure what is going on.

Again, POW…POW…POW…

Worried, I questioned, “Mom, what’s going on?”

“Sweetie, just do as I told you.”

“Mom, what about you?”

My mother reaches into her purse and pulls out Wally, her Walther PPK. She hands me her purse and demands, “Do as I say!”

“Mom!”

She looks right into my eyes and says, “Honey, remember, I love you so very much.”