"Mom, you're getting married? It hasn't even been a year since Dad died, and you already want to remarry? We're not even done investigating his death!" I shot up from the couch, my chest rising and falling with anger.
She sighed, like I was the one being unreasonable. "I need a companion someone to stay by my side. I'm tired of being alone. And you… you need a father."
Her words hit me like a slap.
"Did I ever tell you I'm lonely? Or that I need another father?" My voice trembled despite my effort to stay strong. "You're not even trying to understand me. Dad was murdered, and you want to just move on like nothing happened?"
"For eight months, it has been just the two of us," she replied, her tone hardening. "Now I want to find happiness, and you're standing in my way."
"So this is how you forget Dad? All the memories we shared?" I asked, my eyes burning.
Her expression changed instantly. "You know what? I'm not going to stand here and let you talk to me like that. You're just a child being selfish and inconsiderate."
I let out a bitter laugh. "Selfish? You're the selfish one here, Mom. When did you even meet this… boyfriend?" I emphasized the last word, letting my disgust show.
"I met him three months ago," she replied firmly. "And I'm not asking for your opinion. I'm informing you."
Something inside me snapped.
"You know what? I need air. I can't stay here any longer," I said, turning toward the stairs.
"Come back here, young lady! I'm not done talking to you!" she shouted, rushing after me. She grabbed my arm, her grip tight.
I yanked my hand free. "What more is there to say? Sit here all day talking about your so-called boyfriend? Excuse me I have better things to do."
I stormed into my room, grabbed my purse, and came back downstairs. For a second, I paused. My mom stood there, her face dull and unreadable. I didn't say anything. I just walked out.
The drive to Maria's house felt endless. My mind replayed every word, every look, every accusation. By the time I got there, I had already made up my mind.
That woman… she couldn't be my caring mother anymore.
I honked lightly, and Maria came out almost immediately, a bright smile on her face. But the moment she saw me, it faded.
"Hey, Jessy… what's wrong?" she asked softly as we walked inside.
"It's nothing," I muttered. "Just had a small fight with my mom."
She stopped and looked at me closely. "Jessy, what's wrong?" she repeated, giving me that don't even try to lie look.
I sighed. "Fine. My mom is getting married."
Her eyes widened. "But… it hasn't even been a year since your dad died."
"Exactly!" I snapped, pacing the room.
"That's why I don't want her to get married. And I definitely don't want a stepdad at eighteen. I'm not ready for that. What if she changes? What if she stops caring about me? What if she has another child and forgets I even exist?"
The words kept pouring out before I could stop them.
"She barely knows him! What if he's pretending? What if he hurts her too? She even called me selfish…" My voice broke. "I'm not selfish. I'm just trying to protect her."
Maria didn't interrupt. She just stood there, watching me as I unraveled.
"Aren't you going to say anything?" I asked, frustrated.
"What do you want me to say?" she replied gently. "Sometimes you just need to let it out."
I exhaled slowly. And she was right I already felt a little lighter.
She took my wrist and led me to the couch. We sat facing each other. She studied my face for a moment.
"Have you ever met your mom's boyfriend?" she asked.
I shook my head. "No."
"Then why do you hate him so much?"
I opened my mouth… but nothing came out.
"Jessy," she continued softly, "every woman deserves companionship. I'm not saying your mom is right or wrong… but have you tried to understand her side?"
I looked away, unable to answer.
"You need to calm down and take things slowly," she added.
I nodded like I agreed. But deep down, my mind was already made up. My Mom was not getting married. Not now. Not ever.
"Please," I said suddenly, forcing a smile, "I came here to relax, not for a therapy session."
Maria laughed lightly. "Alright. Let's go to the pool. First one there makes the other do their math assignment!"
Before she could finish, we both ran.
I reached the pool first and jumped in. "I got here first!" I shouted, laughing.
"No way—I did!" she argued, grinning.
"You're such a cheat!" I splashed water at her and swam away.
She chased after me, and for a while, everything felt normal again.
We stayed in the pool until evening, laughing and forgetting everything else.
When we got out, I dried myself with a towel. Maria lent me a crop top and shorts, and after changing, I said goodbye.
As I drove away the thought hit me I'm still going back to where I ran from.